Joy Street Design began as a remote work design practice started by Trea LaRaia and Sharon Gentges in 2014.
Having met as colleagues at Mostue & Associates many years prior and having remained friends throughout divergent professional and life paths, that very first commercial interiors freelance project became the catalyst to Joy Street Design, and the pursuit of doing the design work we love, while living full lives and making a positive impact in our community.
Without permanent office space for the first two years, we often worked in libraries, coffee shops, and in the dining room of Trea’s house on Joy Street. Joy Street Design became our name not only because of that location, but because of our mission: To do good work, practice positive citizenship in our communities and relationships, and to emanate joy through the design and work we do every day.
Since those early days, we have practiced architecture in a way that emanates from our shared values:
- We care deeply about the impact our work has in our neighborhoods.
- We work with clients who are like-minded in our shared pursuit of building projects that are a benefit to our community.
- We provide a high level of service to every client on every project.
Over the course of 10 years, we have specialized in multi-family residential design, mixed use, and commercial interiors. Our clients over the years have been mostly word-of-mouth, and have included community developers, non-profits, local business owners, and friends-of-friends who are doing development work in their own backyards.
After 10 years of steady growth, we moved our offices to the South End in 2023, where we share a space with The Narrow Gate.
The Narrow Gate Architecture was founded in 1987 by Kitty Ryan and Bob Wegener, former college classmates united by a shared commitment to mission-based architecture rooted in faith.
Thus, the name “The Narrow Gate” was chosen to reflect the biblical image of hospitality, social justice, and community. The firm started small, with Bob and Kitty working from a single room above the Haley House Soup Kitchen in Boston’s South End. From the beginning, TNG focused on creating thoughtful, impactful designs for nonprofit and mission-based clients.
As TNG’s expertise and portfolio grew, so did its staff. In 1997, Neal Mongold, a third classmate, joined as a partner, strengthening the firm’s commitment to social justice and community-oriented work. This marked a new chapter for TNG, with the firm taking on larger projects in Boston and Massachusetts, while continuing to serve its core mission.
Over many years, TNG built expertise in multi-family residential and mixed-use developments, particularly in affordable and supportive housing. While continuing design of smaller multi-family projects, the firm began taking on larger projects, including multi-site, multi-phase projects, with 70+ units, and supportive housing projects with complex requirements, including medical facilities, social services, and a 100+ bed shelter. The firm also embraced building science and sustainability, with multiple Passive House and LEED projects in the portfolio, and several Certified Passive House Consultants and LEED APs on staff.
As expertise grew, TNG was enlisted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to review affordable housing design submissions, assist with writing guidelines, and monitor construction for the State and public and private lenders. The firm also consulted for quasi-state agencies on programs supporting accessibility and inclusion in housing.
TNG’s values remained strong as the firm expanded:
- Social Justice: Designing to serve the marginalized, advocating for environmental sustainability and equitable, mission-driven work.
- Community: Building long-term relationships with clients, partners, and communities, fostering spaces that promote inclusion, dignity, and healing.
- Creativity: Approaching every project with innovative problem-solving, using design as a tool for positive social impact.
- Attentiveness: Listening closely to our clients, focusing on quality service and ensuring that each project reflects the unique needs and aspirations of those we serve.
In 2023, after over a decade in the South End, TNG welcomed Joy Street Design to share office space. In 2024, TNG merged with Joy Street Design to form Joy Squared Design, Inc., combining expertise and values to create Joy Squared Design, Inc. The new firm continues working toward a more just and sustainable future through design and the joyful practice of architecture for the common good.
