Author Archives: Charles Mueller

Charles Mueller received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1983 and 1984. Upon graduation, one of his professor’s, Robert L. Harper, invited him to join Centerbrook Architects and Planners, where he is currently a principal.

Better Design through DIY

September 2, 2011 – 2:48 pm

I just finished constructing a 3- by 5-foot tiled shower in place of the cramped, one-piece shower stall where I’ve been banging my elbows every morning for 15 years. And it only took 3 months. Once again, I discovered that hands-on construction experience improves design decisions. The things I learned from summers building decks and [...]

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An Architecture of Happy Accidents

September 23, 2010 – 3:50 pm

Owing to close family ties, I’ve been a frequent visitor to Switzerland. Aside from the requisite sightseeing of astonishing alpine environs, the small city of Schaffhausen, first mentioned in the historical record in 1045, has served as my vacation base camp for more than 40 years.  Staying there so often has given me the opportunity [...]

Posted in Beloved Buildings, Influences, Planning | Comments (2)

PLANNING at the Planning & Zoning Commission!

March 4, 2010 – 3:43 pm

In his October 2, 2009 blog entry, “Zoning Out the Best Laid Plans,” Centerbrook Partner Chad Floyd tells us about the unfortunate ramifications for communities all across the country, including 23 towns in Connecticut, which have adopted boilerplate zoning codes provided decades ago by a Florida company.  Well, change does occur here in the “Land [...]

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Tour of Stony Creek Classic Granite Quarry

October 16, 2009 – 12:35 pm

Despite the impressive role it has played in our nation’s history, the classic granite of Stony Creek, Connecticut is virtually indescribable, but I won’t let that stop me.  Long termed “pink,” that adjective doesn’t do it justice and lumps it together with other, less appealing varieties that go by that name.  It reminds me of [...]

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