who we are

we believe in making the world a beautiful place

An award-winning team of architects and designers who believe in making the world a beautiful place and solving problems in an unproblematic way.

ACLA 8

Gary Turton

Director

The Caribbean context, modern architectural ideals, and the way we live, work & play, influence my imagination towards a bold yet harmonious approach to architecture with careful attention to detail.

~ G. TURTON
ACLA 2

Hayley Knaggs

Associate

Sustainability and human-centered design captivate my interest - it makes us think critically about inclusiveness and the way that designers can create interiors that connect emotionally with individuals.

~ H. KNAGGS
ACLA 6

Kristoff Taitt

Technician

As we advance further into the 21st century, the development of newly modernized homes and commercial spaces inspire me. I aspire to help bring these breathtaking and incredible designs to life.

~ K. TAITT
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Sienna Lewis

Graduate Architect

I listen deeply, striving to create spaces where a client's vision and the intrinsic nature of a space combine to form a truly resonant sense of place. I believe in weaving diverse perspectives into designs that enhance human well-being, responding to context by leveraging natural light, flora and ecology to achieve symbiosis with nature.

~ S. LEWIS
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Chan Ashing

Graduate Architect

Every design begins with a single line—mine traces a path of sustainability, adaptive reuse, and a deep love for Caribbean architecture. I believe in creating spaces that honor the past, enrich the present, and inspire the future.

~ C. ASHING
ACLA Architecture 240510 10

Anoushka Mathur-Fairfield

Undergraduate Architect

I am extremely passionate about sustainable architecture from an environmental + cultural perspective. I believe that our built environment should be inclusive and serve users from all walks of life while remaining cognisant of living in a time of climate change, regardless of budgetary constraints.

~ A. MATHUR-FAIRFIELD
ACLA Architecture 240510 45

Laura Narayansingh

Director

A country’s architecture is a reflection of its culture. Finding cohesive, nuanced ways of articulating our style as Trinidadian people is the kind of investigating that fuels my work as a designer.

~ L. NARAYANSINGH
ACLA 4

Ricardo Newallo

Director

I have a keen appreciation of the patterns in the everyday and the ordinary, and the potential of design to improve anywhere, for anyone, at any budget.

~ R. NEWALLO
ACLA 3

Zarah Graham

Registered Architect

I enjoy exploring the continuous exchanges between human beings and their environment, both natural and built. I believe that architecture can be a powerful intervention that not only embodies the local culture but also influences future behaviours, towards building a happier, healthier and more resilient society.

~ Z. GRAHAM
ACLA 7

Jeffery Juman

Senior Technician

I love to see the way buildings are put together and I'm extremely detail-oriented. My role is to turn architectural vision into buildable reality and I have a passion for what I do.

~ J. JUMAN
ACLA 1

Karen Gioannetti

Office Manager

I'm a creative at heart but before becoming the Office Manager at this dynamic architecture firm, I honed my skills in the banking sector, combining organizational expertise with a people-centric approach. I believe in the power of human connection and collaboration; passionate about nature, I appreciate the role architecture plays in harmonizing with the environment. My goal is to ensure smooth operations while supporting a team that creates inspiring, sustainable spaces.

~ K. GIOANNETTI
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Kadeem Thomas

Design Consultant

Problem solving is an integral part of architecture as almost every project brings a unique challenge. As a designer I enjoy finding solutions to complex issues and creating spaces that are functional yet poetic.

~ K. THOMAS

our history

1945
1945

ACLA established in Barbados

Founded by Anthony Clyde Lewis [1918–2008], fellow of the Trinidad & Tobago Institute of Architects and the Royal Institute of British Architects and graduate of MIT.

1950
1950

First indigenous architectural practice of T&T

First indigenous architectural practice of T&T

Practice repatriates to TT and designs Church of the Assumption, pioneering Caribbean architecture that broke away from American and European influences to create a Trinidadian vernacular. view project

1970
1970

Brian Lewis (son of A.C. Lewis) joins practice

Brian Lewis (son of A.C. Lewis) joins practice
1974
1974

Eric Williams Financial Complex

1981
1981

Hall of Justice

Hall of Justice

Construction started with only 15 drawings, but there were more than 3,000 by completion. read more

2000
2000

Merger and formulation of acla:works

2005
2005

ABEL/ Bestcrete architectural design & excellence awards

Church of Assumption – 50-Year Project Award
RBL Operations Centre – Best Commercial Project Design
St. James Square – Best Civic/Community Project Design
Maison Verte – Honourable Mention
Vintage Imports – Honourable Mention

2009
2009

Publishes Manikin: The Art & Architecture of Anthony C. Lewis

Publishes Manikin: The Art & Architecture of Anthony C. Lewis
2015
2015

Celebrates 70 years

Publishes Contemporary Caribbean Architecture

2017
2017

Brian Lewis (son of A.C. Lewis) retires

2019
2019

TTIA 65th Anniversary awards

TTIA 65th Anniversary awards

Office Building; Large Commercial Project (over 20,000 sq. ft.) – Winner
The Scale House; Small Commercial Project (under 20,000 sq. ft.) – Winner
Côté Ci Côté La; Residential Project (under 5,000 sq. ft.) – Honourable Mention

2020
2020

Celebrates 75 years

Relaunches as ACLA Architecture