Principal
Principal 
Christopher Arelt was born in Port Jefferson, New York. He received his Master’s in Architecture from Yale University in 1993, Master’s in Business Administration from Duke University in 1987 and Bachelor’s Degree, Magna Cum Laude, also from Duke, in 1985. He has been married for 30 years and they have a daughter, EmmaRose. Christopher is accompanied on many projects by his faithful cocker spaniels, Luigi, Vincenzo and Cosmo.
Barb Meissner is the Director of Business Development and Client Relations for NAUTILUS Architects and is responsible for successfully engaging clients in the design process from start to finish. Barbara obtained her business degree from Bernard M. Baruch College in New York City with a specialty in Public Administration. She is an active member of the Lower Connecticut Valley American Association of University Women, the Old Lyme Country Club and an avid supporter of the American Ballet Theater ABT in New York City.
Peter Romaniello, owner of Conceptual Lighting, has over 20 years of experience in both architectural and theatrical lighting design. His company, Conceptual Lighting, LLC, is a diverse architectural lighting design firm that develops lighting systems for a variety of commercial and residential spaces. Houses of worship, restaurants, educational facilities, health care facilities, and exterior landscape lighting are all common project types handled by the firm. The small size of the firm assures attention to detail and a personal commitment to each project. Peter Romaniello’s theatrical lighting design background allows for an approach to lighting that is both aesthetically pleasing and technologically correct.
Nautilus Architects utilizes a talented and dedicated team of designers, consultants, interior designers/decorators and office support to deliver exceptional service to each client and every size project and budget.
GNCB CONSULTING ENGINEERS
Charles C. Brown has over 35 years of experience as a structural engineer. His career includes design and oversight of a multitude of projects including educational facilities, hospitals, shopping centers, and museums. Mr. Brown is involved in mentoring the next generation of AEC professionals and has served as an adjunct professor and lecturer on structures and construction engineering at institutions including the University of Hartford, Yale University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Sustainable design is, well, here to stay. We are proud to announce that Christopher Arelt has earned distinction as a LEED-certified designer by the U.S. Green Building Council. Our approach to sustainable design is rooted in the essential nature of the site itself, the orientation of buildings to topography/sun, minimizing construction waste, and making appropriate choices for building systems and the material palette. We integrate innovative methods of dealing with passive cooling, natural ventilation, managing daylight, energy use, recycled and repurposed materials, life cycle cost analyses and green roof technology.