Last updated on May 21st, 2024 at 04:13 am
The primary challenge of working on commercial spaces is working with detailed designs and themes. Often, this entails coming up with a design that would be responsive to both a client’s specific needs and branding.
This list showcases 15 of the area’s best and leading commercial architects. They were chosen based on their stellar portfolios and extensive backgrounds. Several of these companies are also proud recipients of countless accolades and distinctions.
Emilia Ferri Architecture + Design
18 Peck Ave., Greenwich, CT
Emilia Ferri Architecture + Design extends its services throughout Fairfield , Westchester County, and New York City. It specializes in commercial and residential projects and provides its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services. Our editorial team was particularly impressed by its new construction, renovations, remodeling, additions, and alteration work. The firm is personally led by its principal and namesake, Emilia Ferri. She received her Masters of Science in Architecture & Urban Design from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University. Ferri is proud to be licensed in New York and Connecticut and is an active member of various vital organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Under Ferri’s leadership, the firm has had the opportunity to be featured in publications like Connecticut Builder and Building Connections. Its work has also graced the pages of New York Cottages and Gardens. The company’s portfolio depicts a wide range of spaces rendered in various design formats.
Peter F Gaito Architecture
102 Waller Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605
Headquartered in White Plains, Peter F Gaito Architecture is a full-service firm specializing in various market types. These include residential, recreational, sports, commercial, non-profit, and distribution work. The firm also has notable master planning and building management skills. Clients can expect a seamless process because it keeps everything in-house. It achieves this by being a single point of contact for all of its design and construction needs.
The firm has been in business since 1972, and since has been noted for its engineering and planning work. It operates out of offices in New York City and Spring Lake, New Jersey, drawing inspiration from its team’s years of experience in and around the industry.
Lothrop Associates
333 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY 10604
Lothrop Associates operates out of its office in White Plains and services the areas surrounding it. The firm is a full-service architecture and interior design firm regarded for its planning, design, and innovative, cost-effective delivery solutions. In business since 1967, Lothrop Associates has secured a solid reputation for itself and has had the opportunity to work on over 1,900 projects from various sectors.
Over the years, the firm has earned countless distinctions. In 2019, it was awarded by the AIA for its work on the Cropsey Barn Restoration. It also takes great pride in its national rankings in the Engineering News-Record.
Papp Architects
188 East Post Rd., White Plains, NY 10601
Papp Architects specializes in commercial, multi-family, restaurant, and mission-critical spaces. Founded in 1953, the firm operates out of its office in White Plains and is currently led by its principals, Philip Fruchter, Jeffrey Hinksmon, and Patrick Bates. Together, they offer varying and unique architectural backgrounds that have resulted in diverse and innovative design solutions. Under their leadership, the firm has adhered to the highest standards, completing projects for impressive brands such as Avon, J.P. Morgan Chase, IBM, and Coca-Cola.
The project above best embodies the firm’s talent and expertise. It sits on Grand Street Plaza in White Plains and spans over 2,500 square feet. The project consisted of renovating an obsolete space and infusing modern materials and designs. Papp Architects decided to use glass wall panels, marble insets, and an excellent walnut wall sculpture to create a sleek, contemporary space.
Joseph Fernandez Architect, P.C.
575 White Plains Rd., Eastchester, NY
Joseph Fernandez Architect specializes in both residential and commercial projects. It operates out of its office in Eastchester and is personally led by its owner and namesake, Joe Fernandez. He is an experienced architect who utilizes a highly personalized and hands-on approach. This has resulted in spaces that address each client’s needs and visions. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the New York Institute of Technology and a master’s degree from George Washington University. Before establishing the firm, he gained experience working on various impressive projects such as designing spaces at the JFK Airport. Under his leadership, the firm’s work has been featured in Residential Architect and Architectural Record publications.
The photo above showcases the company’s work for Queen’s Rehab Gym. It entailed its extensive rehabilitation. The firm’s team had to work with a barely utilized space in a hospital and transformed it into an all-new facility complete with offices, a mock kitchen and bedroom, and exercise equipment.
CPG Architects & Planners
1 Dock St., Stamford, CT 06902
Operating out of its office in Stamford, CPG Architects & Planners specializes in a variety of markets. The firm’s portfolio depicts countless retail, healthcare, educational, and residential market sectors. Its innovative approaches provide its clients with a complete and comprehensive range of services. It assists them with everything, from planning and design to execution and final touches. The firm has been in business since 1979 and takes great pride in the number of positive reviews it has received since its inception. The photo below is an excellent embodiment of the firm’s talent and expertise.
The Richards portion spanned over 3,200 square feet, while the Mitchells section spanned 15,300 square feet. They were completed in 2012 and 2015, respectively. The firm implemented all-new shelving systems, lighting, flooring, and other general updates such as new dressing rooms and individual boutiques.
Nicholas L. Faustini Architect PC
6 Burns St., Hartsdale, NY 10530
Nicholas L. Faustini Architect is an experienced architect with licenses to practice in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The firm is regarded for its comprehensive range of services, which also encompasses engineering. Its portfolio depicts an excellent variety of multi-family, single-family, commercial, and institutional spaces, in addition to several municipal design and construction projects. The firm takes great pride in the extensive experience of its team and primarily draws inspiration from the background of its principal and namesake, Nicholas Faustini. Before receiving his Master of Architecture degree from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, he received a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Iona College in New Rochelle. Under his leadership, the company utilizes a highly seamless and collaborative approach.
Faustini also has close affiliations with several of the area’s best and leading multidisciplinary firms. This has allowed it to curate partnerships to collaborate on beautiful spaces for the best results.
Design Development
165 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
Established in 2005, Design Development operates out of its office in White Plains and is the product of founders Ron Hoina and Mark Schulman. Together, they offer a complete set of services committing to the highest standards. Since its inception, it has also had the opportunity to work with some of the area’s most talented designers, architects, and project managers through the years. Its team of talented individuals and partnerships has allowed the firm to work on many brands such as NBC Universal, Subway, Gateway Development, and Cosi. The photo below is an excellent example of the firm’s expertise.
This project depicts one of the firm’s work for H&M. For this project, the firm worked on this large store and employed the brand’s signature modern theme. It designed an open-concept floor plan, functional sections, and an overall contemporary feel.
Sullivan Architecture, P.C.
31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY
From site planning to interior design, Sullivan Architecture provides a complete range of services and can take on projects regardless of size or scale. The firm is manned by a diverse and talented team of professionals who have worked on spaces from both public and private sectors. These include residential, religious, and corporate projects. In addition to these, its portfolio depicts several excellent commercial, hospitality, municipal, recreation, and multi-family spaces. The firm has received several distinctions over the years from organizations like the AIA. Several of its projects are also Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified.
The firm is led by John P. Sullivan, who serves as its president and owner. He has been in the industry for nearly four decades, and offers his experience in both public and private sectors to every client.
Haynes Architecture P.C.
570 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10704
With over three decades of industry experience, Haynes Architecture operates out of its office in Yonkers. The firm is family owned-and-operated, and provides work throughout Westchester County, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The firm specializes in residential and commercial architecture and is particularly noted for its great additions, alterations, and comprehensive planning analyses. Sustainability is an important factor in each of the firm’s designs as well, and it implements care for the environment in each build. The Haynes team assists its clients throughout the entire process and takes great pride in the large percentage of repeat clientele it has curated through the years.
The photo above depicts the firm’s work for Fortina. Completed in Armonk, this project sits in its town square and spans 3,700 square feet. Inside, it contains a country table complete with a backdrop bar.
Steven Secon Architect
145 Palisade Street Suite 403, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
Steven Secon Architect specializes in every phase and aspect of the architectural process and works out of its office in Dobbs Ferry. Its portfolio depicts a rich range of commercial and residential spaces and has had the opportunity to work in some of the best places throughout Westchester County. Since its inception, the firm has worked on over 400 projects and assists its clients throughout the entire process from start to finish. The firm maintains affiliations with several vital organizations like the AIA and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This allows it to employ the best and most innovative techniques that have resulted in excellent spaces.
The firm is personally led by its owner and namesake, Steven Secon. He grew up in a design household in New York City, giving him a headstart in commanding architectural vernacular. He also has a background in fine arts.
Taylor Associates
572 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10603
Taylor Associates is especially noted for its flagship stores, grocery, retail, and shopping center projects. It offers its clients over three decades of industry experience and is noted for its comprehensive services. The firm has created many beautiful spaces, many of its projects an impressive scale and complexity. With licenses in over 40 states and Puerto Rico, the company provides corporate-wide programs perfect for expansions and extensive remodels. Its excellent communication and its ability to complete all of its projects within the agreed-upon budget makes this firm a popular choice. It is also known for its historic preservation and adaptive reuse work.
Showcased above is one of the firm’s best completed projects. Located in New York’s iconic Times Square, this serves as H&M’s flagship store on the corner of 42nd Street and Broadway. The new structure has a all-new structural glass facade, exterior LED screens, and a three-story interior atrium.
Edward G. Swaby, RA
25 Chadwick Rd., White Plains, NY 10604
Edward G. Swaby, Registered Architect, operates throughout New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The firm draws inspiration from over three decades of experience and is personally led by its owner and namesake. He is an active member of the National Council of Architecture Review Boards (NCARB) and provides innovative and unique insights into each space that it takes on. Under his leadership, the firm has gained experience in every phase and aspect of the entire process and showcases talent and expertise for various project types. Edward G. Swaby offers over three decades of industry experience and has had the opportunity to complete projects throughout White Plains, Eastchester, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hawthorne, Mt. Vernon, Mt. Pleasant, Peekskill, Rye, Sleepy Hollow, New Castle, Mamaroneck, North Castle, and Nyack.
Showcased above is one of the firm’s best works. It entailed an expensive tenant improvement which included a sports bar, banquet room, and a pizza bar. The firm’s team also worked on unisex restrooms and excellent custom finishes.
Weber & Associates
313 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford, CT 06902
Weber & Associates extends its services throughout Greenwich, Stamford, and the surrounding areas. The firm specializes in commercial architecture and is also regarded for its interior design. From large to small-scale projects, the firm can take on spaces regardless of the challenge. It is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals who have worked on excellent schematic designs. This team also oversees everything, from project conception and development to handling construction documents and negotiations. The firm has been in business since 1979 and, since then, has worked on around 1,000 projects.
The firm is led by Harvey Weber. He is experienced in a wide range of designs and project types and is an active member of the AIA. Under his leadership, the firm continues to make spaces fit for every client.
