William Soupcoff, AIA, co-founded TMS Architects in 1984 and under his design supervision, TMS has been recognized for twenty-eight years for their many award-winning and innovative projects throughout the New England area and beyond.  Bill remains actively involved in all phases of projects from inception through construction administration.  One of his greatest talents as a designer is to understand his clients’ desires and translate them into bold reality.   In recent years, he has worked closely with the banking industry, country clubs and restaurants while continuing his residential design work for many lakefront and oceanfront homes.

He received his Master’s Degree in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati.  He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a registered architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and is NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration) certified.

John Merkle, AIA, co-founded TMS Architects in 1984.  During the past twenty-eight years, his design projects have ranged from unique residential projects to large-scale renovations such as The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH.  One of his primary design motivations is to find the appropriate design solution for a particular problem, whether it be renovating a small cottage with a 600 square foot footprint or solving design and life safety issues in the historic Wentworth Hotel.   During his career, John has developed a passion for historical preservation and has worked tirelessly to save and renovate historical structures in New England.  Among many other projects, he was involved in the renovation of The Music Hall and the development of The Music Hall Loft, both in downtown Portsmouth.

He is also a past president of The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, Chairman, Castle in the Clouds, past president of American Institute of Architects New England and the New Hampshire AIA chapter.  A graduate of New York Institute of Technology, John is a registered architect in New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Florida, New York and Vermont as well as NCARB certified.

Shannon Alther, AIA, arrived at his present position as a principal in TMS Architects through a career that included construction work combined with years of academic pursuits.  His early years as a crew supervisor for building projects, a painter and a hardwood grader taught him the crucial “nuts and bolts” of the building trades, while his academic work provided him with the necessary technical knowledge and historical perspective required for a successful architect.  He was the project manager for the Restoration of The Wentworth By The Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH.  This project involved the complex synthesis of a delicate historic renovation combined with the introduction of modern materials.  He is currently involved in Regeneration Park in Portsmouth, NH; this near net-zero project is a very interesting reuse of an existing building into a sustainable and dynamic office/retail/restaurant space.

Sustainable architecture and the use of “green” building materials is a high priority with Shannon and he recently was awarded for his efforts with a prestigious AIA New Hampshire Award of Excellence for a self-sustaining private residence in the White Mountains.

TMS Architects welcomed Rob Carty, AIA, as a project architect in 2005 and he became a principal of the firm in 2007.  A native New Yorker, Rob attended SUNY Buffalo for his BPS in Architecture and the University of Colorado for his Master’s in Architecture degree.  His move to Colorado was the result of two strong motivating factors; his love for the mountains and the outdoors and the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in architecture.  In addition to his work as an architect, Rob is a licensed pilot.  He grew up around planes as both his parents were flight instructors and he received his commercial pilot license in 2004.  He currently continues to fly for pleasure and as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Rob has been instrumental in TMS’s mission to incorporate more sustainable architecture and materials into the firm’s designs.  Additionally, he has been actively involved with the firm’s work in the banking industry including The Provident Bank and RiverBank as well as the firm’s residential work, recently completing the North Shore Ocean Front Renovation.