Abigail M. Carlen Joins Newman's Principals Group

Newman Architects continues the evolution of its leadership with the announcement of Principal José A. Hernández’s retirement after twenty-eight years at the firm and the promotion of Abigail M. Carlen, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Marketing and Communication, to Principal.

The promotion of Abigail to Principal recognizes her significant contributions to Newman over the past five years and acknowledges her continued leadership moving forward. “Abby brings extensive experience and valuable perspective to Newman,” said Brooks Fischer, AIA, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Since joining our office, she has made significant improvements to our processes, and through her leadership, we have been able to secure high-profile projects that continue to position Newman as a prominent presence in the industry. I look forward to her continued contributions and to the positive impact she will have on our firm’s future success.”

Newman Architects Principals, left to right: Laura Gilmore, AIA, LEED GA, Director of Design; A. Brooks Fischer, AIA, Chief Executive Officer; Paul Santos, AIA, Director of Housing; Abigail M. Carlen, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Marketing and Communication; Melinda Marlén Agron, AIA, NOMA, LEED GA, Chief Operating Officer

Abigail M. Carlen, LEED AP BD+C joined Newman as Director of Marketing and Communication in 2021, bringing more than two decades of experience leading marketing, branding, and communication efforts for design-oriented architecture firms on both coasts. Within Newman, she has successfully worked to identify and pursue opportunities for growth, advance our identity, and align the way we communicate about our work and our process with client needs and our strategic goals. In leading branding services at Newman, she collaborates with our educational and commercial clients and project teams to develop and convey brand identity as an integral part of the spaces we design. Her work at Newman includes the University of Connecticut Bailey Student Athlete Success Center and the Fairfield Prep Barron Center for Arts and Athletics, both nearing completion this fall. Abigail holds BAs in Architectural Studies and English from Connecticut College and is a longtime active member of both the Society for College and University Planning and the Society of Marketing Professional Services. She has been a LEED BD+C Accredited Professional since 2004.