January 20th, 2026
Welcome to the January edition of the APD Pulse Network.
As APD enters its 30th year of service, we’re taking a moment to express our appreciation for the clients, partners, and communities who continue to trust us with their work. Over the past three decades, our work has been shaped by the relationships we’ve built and the trust clients place in us to carry projects from idea to execution.
This month’s edition highlights that work in action, from adaptive reuse and community-focused projects to leadership growth and the questions we hear most as clients plan for what’s next. Together, they reflect the experience, care, and perspective that come from years of collaboration.
With continued client partnerships and strong local momentum, 2026 is shaping up to be a meaningful year for APD. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re excited to share new ideas, renewed focus, and a few special moments along the way, all rooted in the same commitment to service that has guided us from the beginning.
Adaptive Reuse in Alfred, New York
APD Engineering & Architecture is proud to support the continued growth of Dunkin franchisees, with a significant portion of that work completed in partnership with the BAPA Network.
One recent project in Alfred, NY highlights a unique approach to Dunkin development. Rather than a ground-up build, APD provided both civil and building design to transform an existing Spanish-style bank into a contemporary Dunkin that aligns with current brand standards, operational flow, and guest expectations. Projects like this highlight that expansion isn’t always about new construction, but about thoughtfully adapting what’s already there to meet today’s operational and branding needs.
To date, APD has completed more than 25 Dunkin projects, with a significant amount of those have been in collaboration with the BAPA Network. This continued partnership reflects our familiarity with Dunkin prototypes, permitting requirements, and the priorities of multi-site franchise operators focused on efficient, repeatable growth.
As a national, full-service firm, APD is proud to support Dunkin franchisees with solutions that balance consistency, adaptability, and long-term value across New York and the U.S.
As APD continues to grow, our local roots remain central to who we are, and to the communities we’re proud to serve.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Saratoga & Associates on the Randall Park Restroom Renovation and Pavilion project in Cortland. This community-focused improvement, unanimously approved by the City in November 2025, reflects a shared commitment to investing in spaces that support everyday use and long-term care.
Saratoga & Associates is leading the site, architectural, and landscape vision for the project. APD Engineering & Architecture is serving as MEP Engineer of Record, designing the critical building systems that will support the renovated facilities and ensure reliable, long-term functionality for park users.
Projects like Randall Park play an important role in how people experience
their hometowns, often in quiet but meaningful ways.
Parks and recreation projects depend on thoughtful coordination, clear roles, and design decisions made with durability, maintenance, and public use in mind, especially when serving families, leagues, and city programs year after year.
Strong partnerships are the key to bringing community projects like this to life. We’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate project that reflects shared values, community stewardship, and a collective commitment to creating spaces that serve people well.
Introducing…
Steven Flint PE
As Our New
Principal of Structural Engineering
For Steven Flint, Structural Engineering has always been about building things that work well for the people who rely on them. A lifelong builder with a love for math and physics, he approaches his work with care, curiosity, and a genuine interest in understanding how each project can be made better.
After earning his degree in Structural Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology, Steven joined APD in 2018 and has grown alongside the firm, becoming Associate Principal in 2023. Since our last newsletter, he was promoted to Principal of Structural Engineering, a milestone that reflects both his technical expertise and the trust he has earned from colleagues and clients alike.
In his role, Steven oversees the Structural Department and works closely with Project Leads to support thoughtful planning from the earliest stages of design. He believes strongly in asking the right questions early, especially when it comes to challenging assumptions and finding efficient, well-considered solutions. For Steven, good design is not about excess, it’s about intent, performance, and long-term reliability.
What Steven values most about APD is the collaboration. He appreciates working across disciplines and being part of a culture where ideas are shared openly, perspectives are respected, and teams show up for one another. It’s a mindset rooted in service and reflected in the career advice he lives by and often shares: question everything.
Steven’s promotion to Principal reflects his steady leadership, commitment to thoughtful design, and the relationships he continues to build as APD grows nationally.
Across the many projects and communities we serve, we’ve learned that the most successful outcomes often begin with the same way: with thoughtful questions asked early, and open, responsive communication throughout the process.
The questions our clients raise at the start of a project usually come from experience, responsibility, and a desire to get it right the first time. They reflect real pressures around timelines, approvals, coordination, and growth across locations. How those questions are addressed early can make a meaningful difference in how smoothly a project moves forward.
Below are some of the questions our Architecture teams hear most often, and how we approach them in partnership with our clients.
1. How long will the architectural review or submittal process take?
Using jurisdiction-specific knowledge, agency coordination, and past approval experience to set realistic timelines early.
2. Is APD licensed in the state where we want to build?
Maintaining active multi-state licensure so projects can move forward smoothly, without disruption or handoffs.
3. Who are the design team members responsible for my work?
Providing clear leadership and consistent points of contact from kickoff through delivery.
4. What can APD provide to expedite the design process?
Establishing early alignment around prototypes, standards, decisions, and communication, so teams can move efficiently together.
5. Can APD align with our systems, prototypes, or internal processes?
Adapting workflows to client-specific platforms and standards to support consistency, repeatability, and long-term growth.
