LAURIE KEENE, AIA, NCARB
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
Laurie is a member of the Alumni Mentoring Program at the College of the Holy Cross; the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce; The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, New England Chapter; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB-Certified architect); and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
She is also a supporter of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy in Chatham, MA and Westminster School in Simsbury, CT.
In the Media
Throughout my architectural career, I've had the privilege of being featured in various publications, highlighting both my contributions and the collaborative efforts of my previous firm.
Here's a selection of articles that offer a glimpse into some of the projects I've been passionately involved in:
SEASIDE SANCTUARY by Courtney Coelho
Rhode Island Monthly, March 2017
"At this dreamy waterfront property, the view steals the show..."
TURRET & ALL by Jill Connors
Design New England, Sept/Oct 2016
"A Rhode Island Queen Anne cottage with a boardinghouse vibe is transformed into a seaside haven for family and friends..."
Hello! I’m Laurie Keene, principal of Keene Architecture in Wakefield, Rhode Island. As an NCARB Certified architect and member of the American Institute of Architects, I bring a deep appreciation for the coastal landscape and the craft of residential architecture.
My architectural path began at the College of the Holy Cross, and later at DiMauro Architects in Newport, where I discovered my passion for coastal homes -- spaces that reflect both the character of Rhode Island and the lives unfolding within them.
My love for design traces back to my grandmother, who taught me that beautiful spaces are also meant to be lived in -- comfortable, inviting, and full of light. For me, designing a home isn’t about constructing walls; it’s about creating the setting for stories, gatherings, and moments that endure.
A highlight of my work was a feature in Coastal Design Magazine, showcasing the redesign of a 1900s shingle-style estate -- a project that balanced historic character with a fresh sense of openness and connection to the sea. I’m drawn to the creative tension between harmony and contrast, the play of space and hierarchy, and the way architecture can mirror the personalities of both its owners and its site.
At Keene Architecture, we blend traditional hand sketching with cutting-edge 3D visualization, uniting timeless design sensibilities with modern clarity. Each home we design aims to feel as though it’s always belonged -- grounded in its surroundings, shaped by natural light, and crafted for generations to come.
Our work has been featured in Rhode Island Monthly, Design New England, and Coastal Design Magazine, and was recently recognized with the 2023 Historic Preservation Project Award for the relocation and restoration of a historic Narragansett “summer cottage.”
Thank you for visiting Keene Architecture -- where thoughtful design meets a genuine love of home.
Warmly,
