Kaplan Thompson Architects Names New Associate

Portland, ME — March 4, 2026 — Kaplan Thompson Architects, a leader in sustainable design based in Portland, Maine, is pleased to announce the promotion of Cara Bionde, AIA, to the role of Associate.

Cara Bionde, a graduate of Montana State University and Maine Licensed Architect who joined the firm in 2018, has demonstrated leadership in the multifamily sector, playing a key role in projects such as the Choice Neighborhood Developments in Lewiston, and West End Apartments in South Portland. As a Living Future Accredited professional through the International Living Future Institute, she also helped lead the Living Building Challenge certification process for The Ecology School at River Bend Farm in Saco, Maine. 

Cara is an active member of the Portland Society for Architecture, serves on the Executive Committee as the Treasurer, and is an avid proponent of the PSA Bowling League. Her leadership extends to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment, serving as a mentor to less experienced staff and a trusted resource for the entire team. 

“Cara has dedicated her career to bringing joy to projects and clients. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cara as an Associate to Kaplan Thompson Architects,” said Founding Principal Jesse Thompson. “No one is better at creating a calm and focused environment for whole teams to do their best work than her. We all learn things from Cara daily about how to do things better than we ever thought we could, including bowling turkeys weekly!”

“I am honored and excited to join the Associate team at Kaplan Thompson Architects,” said Bionde. “Over the last eight years, it has been a privilege and a joy to grow alongside such a talented, mission-driven group of designers. I am eager to continue our work together, collaborating with this incredible team to shape a better, more sustainable built environment.” 

About Kaplan Thompson Architects

Kaplan Thompson Architects has been committed to designing beautiful, sustainable, attainable buildings since 2006. With a focus in residential new construction and renovations, multifamily homes, community spaces, and educational facilities, the firm operates throughout New England, primarily in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Vermont.