Kenneth J. Filarski, 25 Over Fifty-five

BY DESIGN: Architect Kenneth J. Filarski enjoys working on projects for the betterment of his profession and of Rhode Island. 
 / PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN
BY DESIGN: Architect Kenneth J. Filarski enjoys working on projects for the betterment of his profession and of Rhode Island. 
 / PBN PHOTO/DAVE HANSEN

25 Over Fifty-Five 2019 Award Winner
KENNETH J. FILARSKI | Founder and principal, Filarski/Architecture+Planning+Research


ARCHITECT KENNETH J. FILARSKI thinks of himself at this point in his career as diving deep into the third phase of life, with the phases defined as learning, earning and serving.

In 1976, Filarski founded his Cranston-based firm, Filarski/Architecture+Planning+Research, which he describes as “an integrated architecture and planning, ecology design studio and research workshop.”

“I have been blessed with a different pathway,” said Filarski, an Ohio native who came to Rhode Island in 1974 after earning architecture degrees in Washington, D.C., and Vermont.

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The different pathway that Filarski refers to, reaching back into his graduate school work, is to always think of man-made structures, the natural environment and the human mind as deeply intertwined parts of the design process.

Now, after 43 years of contributing to community-building projects in Rhode Island, Filarski said it is good to feel he has the professional credibility to keep doing projects for the betterment of his profession and of Rhode Island.

This kind of effort would be nothing new. Filarski is one of only 34 people who holds a fellowship in both the American Institute of Architects and in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

He helped establish the School of Architecture, Art, and Historic Preservation at Roger Williams University. He is chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council Rhode Island. He directed the council’s LEED for Neighborhood Development to create neighborhood revitalization plans for Providence’s Olneyville and Smith Hill neighborhoods.

“I get excited about being a catalyst for ideas” that use design to help communities live more lightly on the land, said Filarski.

He believes that a positive attitude toward innovation and a willingness to thank people for their efforts are important in the workplace. His advice to his 20-year-old self would be summed up this way: Do not fear the discomfort of starting from scratch; just dive in and begin.

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