Get to know us.
Who we are
Founded by Gary Sadler in 2007, Upland Architects has grown into an award-winning, multi-discipline design and management architectural firm with offices in Norton, Massachusetts and Shelby, North Carolina.
We are designers, planners, code consultants, accessibility specialists, specification writers, project managers and construction professionals specializing in providing creative, efficient, and collaborative solutions for our clients’ unique needs.
What we do
Upland prides itself in our expertise in restaurant, retail, convenience and travel architecture. We work closely with many familiar brands and up-and-coming start-ups to create memorable experiences that engage, entertain, and provide a sense of place.
Our work has been recognized by Nations Restaurant News and Foodservice Equipment Report and we have received awards by industry publications such as Architectural Retail Environments and Convenience Store News.
Brands have the ability to be architects of community, culture + identity.
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At Upland, we bring a wealth of experience across a diverse range of municipal projects, from courthouses and libraries to emergency services, health departments, schools, historic properties, and ground-up construction.
We take the time to understand each client's unique goals, ensuring every project is thoughtfully tailored to meet those needs. With a strong track record of collaborating with public officials, board members, and facility managers, we are proud to work alongside public leaders to create meaningful, impactful spaces that enhance the communities they serve.
We understand governmental responsibility + the power of community through design.
At Upland, we understand that church design requires a deep appreciation for both the sacred and functional aspects of worship spaces. With decades of experience working alongside ministers, laypeople, and committees, we are well-equipped to meet the unique needs of church clients.
Whether designing a new church, expanding an existing one while respecting the building's history and character, or master planning for larger church campuses, we focus on addressing both modern needs and timeless functions. We are committed to designing sacred spaces with classic or modern architectural elements, while always being mindful of budget and ensuring seamless flow for congregants and visitors.
Places of worship have the ability to be architects of faith, community + legacy.
Our commitment
We believe in building long lasting relationships with our clients while producing quality product quickly + efficiently through Teamwork, Understanding + Consistency.
Teamwork.
We have a strong reputation for great personal attention and the ability to be a trustworthy and ultra-responsive partner in meeting the needs and objectives of our clients.
Understanding.
We recognize that our services are a critical component in a development process with many variables and complexities.
Our mission is to educate and professionally guide you through every project phase from design through completion.
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Consistency.
Our design solutions reflect a constant awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by time and budget constraints. We prioritize clear communication, providing timely solutions and updates to ensure success.
Two decades of design
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In the beginning.
Upland Architects incorporates and opens their office in the town of Norton Massachusetts, home to Wheaton College, TPC Boston and the Xfinity Center. Realizing a need for Architectural support in the retail, convenience store and restaurant market sectors, Upland starts it journey.
2007
Building relationships.
Upland continues to grow in the retail, convenience store, and restaurant sectors, quickly building a reputation for being a trustworthy firm that provides great personal attention to clients needs. Upland receives recognition for its work with regional convenience brands in Convenience Store News.
2011
Rebranding at light speed.
Upland Architects partners with convenience store giant 7-Eleven in its acquisition efforts of the 180-location regional convenience store brand Tedeschi’s. Upland Architects and 7-Eleven successfully rebrand and obtain permits for all locations in 10 months.
Upland goes on to rebrand and obtain permits for thousands of 7-Eleven sites across the United States.
2015
Upland on the boards.
Upland partners with hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer in its first "Own the Movement" Hockey Experience Store. A rare opportunity to build a Flagship retail store model and assist the hockey giant in making its transition from hockey equipment producer to industry leading equipment retailer. Working together with general contractor MJ Development, the project took on a design-build format leveraging Upland and MJ experience and dedication to meet the client's aggressive timeline and budget. The project team was recognized for its achievement at the 2016 A.R.E. Design Awards in Las Vegas, receiving awards in three categories; the Hardline Specialty Store 7,501-25,000 sg. ft. Gold Award, the Visual Presentation Award, and the Lighting Award.
2016
Upland South.
Upland Architects is proud to announce the opening of our second office in North Carolina, as our clients' needs extend from New England to the entire Eastern Seaboard and beyond. This expansion not only strengthens our ability to serve our current clients but also enables us to enter new markets, supporting our ambitious growth strategy toward becoming a nationally recognized architectural firm.
2017
Going big.
Upland's talented team of Architects, Designers and Project Managers is chosen to contribute to the major redevelopment of a tollway in Denver, CO, the New York State Thruway, Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike.
These redevelopment proposals were selected as winning designs that create positive and memorable experiences that engage and influence customer purchasing decisions and habits through lighting, visual merchandising, and material selection. These core principles transform the tired concept of rest stops into must-stop destinations.
2019
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Community by design.
2022
Upland Architects is honored to collaborate with several municipalities, cities, and towns, providing comprehensive architectural services tailored to meet the unique needs of each community. With growing relationships across the public sector, we are committed to supporting municipal projects of all sizes, from design development and interior design to ADA improvements, facility upgrades, and furniture design and selection. Our flexible approach allows us to offer full-service design or targeted support for specific project elements, ensuring each project meets both functional and aesthetic goals while serving the needs of the public.
Upland today.
Upland is strategically positioned to deliver complex, multi-faceted architectural projects with a dedicated team of professionals committed to your success.
With expertise in navigating intricate design challenges, we provide comprehensive, innovative solutions tailored to meet your unique needs. Connect with us today to begin transforming your vision into reality.
2025
Our partners
