UMA presents First Annual Architecture Alumni Show at Richmond Gallery

University of Maine at Augusta presents its First Annual Architecture Alumni Show at Richmond Gallery now through September 30, 2019

A group photo from the Alumni Exhibit reception event.

The University of Maine at Augusta is pleased to announce its First Annual Architecture Alumni Show available for viewing at the Richmond Gallery on 331 Water Street now through September 30, 2019. This show highlights the works of UMA Architecture Alumni from various years. A reception, free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday, September 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

This year’s exhibiting architects are Ben Bailey, Nathaniel Boggs, Sarah Fortin, Lydia Mather, Jesse Patkus, and Abbey Slinker.  All those featured in the exhibition received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from UMA.  The Architecture Alumni show provides these graduates an opportunity to showcase their work, provide a glimpse into their creative process, and showcase their most recent designs. A brief overview of the professional backgrounds of those presenting follows:

Ben Bailey, Class of 2017

Bailey’s work with Kaplan Thompson Architects in Portland has given him a new perspective on energy-efficient designs and the responsibility that architects have in preserving the natural environment. The unique vernacular of coastal Maine architecture has also influenced Bailey’s design approach, and he places a high value on contextually crafted buildings.

Nathaniel Boggs, Class of 2018

A sailing excursion from March Harbour, Bahamas to Vinalhaven, ME was the inspirational prologue to Boggs’s year-long thesis focused on the relationship between water and the built environment. As an Architectural Designer with CambridgeSeven in Cambridge, MA, Boggs has joined a team tasked with the schematic design of Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. This project encompasses the renovation of an existing aquatics facility focused on sea turtle rehabilitation in Boca Raton, FL, and the design of a new Aquarium and Education Center that will be able to endure changing weather conditions for years to come.

Sarah Fortin, Class of 2016

Since graduating from the UMA Architecture program in 2016, Fortin has travelled to 11 countries and practiced in both residential and commercial architecture. She is now part of the team at Lavallee Brensinger Architects in Portland, as well as a healthcare architect. Working with the local hospital Maine Medical Center and other numerous projects around New England has inspired Fortin to strive to make a difference in the lives of people when they need it the most.

Lydia Mather, Class of 2017

Mather took her foundational skills and love of architecture with her from her days as a UMA Architecture student into her professional career with the Caleb Johnson Studio in Portland. The diversity of projects she has worked on has helped her hone her expression and application of design concepts. From a small porch addition, to an entire retail store, residential and commercial architecture have challenged and engaged Mather in a variety of ways.

Jesse Patkus, Class of 2017

Following graduation from the UMA Architecture program, Patkus spent a year working with a residential construction company and gained valuable experience in creating and tracking a project’s budget, estimates, and source materials. In June of 2018, Patkus joined the office of Whitten Architects in Portland as a Designer. Here he has continued his professional experience working with a Project Architect and is focusing on interior construction, presentation graphics, and the coordination of design and millwork.

Abbey Slinker, Class of 2018

At Canal 5 Studio in Portland, Slinker has been applying her skills to a wide variety of project types, including healthcare, offices, residential, and institutional. This has facilitated learning about different building types, programs, and construction techniques. Slinker is on the path to licensure, and is grateful to have found a firm that actively supports her and has provided opportunities to gain experience in all aspects of the design and construction process.


The Bachelor of Architecture program at UMA is the only five-year professionally accredited architecture degree program in Northern New England, and provides students with a path towards architectural licensure. The program faculty teach architecture through engagement, educating, and empowering students to explore, investigate, and analyze the built environment. Engagement brings students into active contact with each other, their coursework, and community partners across Maine.

For more information about the exhibit or the Bachelor of Architecture program, contact Eric Stark, Director of the Architecture Program: eric.stark@maine.edu.