The Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto and creating a community
January 10, 2023
RKTB was happy to see its multi-generational, affordable housing project, designed for Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens, in Environments for Aging's January 10, 2023, "Trends" section! Read more about the design decisions that led to creating a sense of community in the neighborhood via Environments for Aging. Photo by Albert Vecerka/Esto.
Multifamily Design+Construction Magazine features The Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto
December 28, 2022
RKTB’s project The Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto is featured in the just-published Fall issue of Multifamily Design+Construction magazine in an article on senior living communities that support healthy & productive lifestyles. Read the article here: https://bit.ly/3YYuCou.
RKTB's latest affordable housing project in Allerton, Bronx
January 9, 2023
For Architects + Artisans, RKTB's Principal, Alex Brito, AIA, discusses The Allerton, RKTB's latest affordable housing project in the Bronx. Featuring 36 affordable housing units, learn about the challenges and solutions behind this six-story, mixed-use building: https://architectsandartisans.com/blog/in-the-bronx-the-allerton-now-offers-affordable-housing.
Archello's Best Projects of 2022 featuring The Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto
November 30, 2022
RKTB’s project The Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto is featured as one of Archello's Best Projects of 2022. We’re proud of our work with Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens providing affordable housing for low-income seniors & previously homeless New Yorkers.
Fulfilling Cities With Infill Architecture
November 9, 2022
In an article on Infill Architecture, Multi-Housing News asked several architects, including RKTB Architects' Vice President, Peter Bafitis, AIA, their thoughts on developing in high-density areas. Mr. Bafitis believes it's about being a "good neighbor" by thinking about how to make your project beneficial to the community. Tangible benefits include affordable housing, economic growth, community-use spaces, and more.
Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto opens its doors
August 9, 2022
RKTB's latest project, Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto, a new supportive affordable housing community for low-income senior citizens and previously homeless New Yorkers, has just opened its doors. Featured in Real Estate Weekly (and also in Environments for Aging, The Construction Specifier, Seniors Housing Business, C+S Engineer, and RE Business Online), continue reading to learn about design decisions that led to a stronger community and how Carmi Bee, FAIA, and Nelson Vega, Assoc. AIA, prioritized sustainable design methods to reduce energy and costs, ensuring affordability.
Architectural Record Top 300 Firms of 2022 / Building Design+Construction Top 180 Firms for 2022
August 8, 2022
RKTB Architects, P.C. is pleased to once again be included among the Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms by Architectural Record and ENR (Engineering News-Record). 2022 marks our fourth year being counted among such a distinguished group of designers. We're also excited to be included in Building Design+Construction's 2022 Giants 400 Report placing RKTB Architects, P.C. among the Top 180 Architecture Firms for 2022.
Affordable Housing Lottery launches for The Allerton (683 Thwaites Place)
July 14, 2022
As reported in Norwood News (https://bit.ly/3PbiWZW) and YIMBY (https://bit.ly/3RwN8QV), the New York City Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) just launched an affordable housing lottery for The Allerton, RKTB's latest project, at 2241 White Plains Road (683 Thwaites Place) in the Bronx. The six-story project features 36 affordable housing units for middle-income families (https://rktb.com/affordable-supportive-housing/34-portfolio/affordable-supportive-housing/196-683-thwaites-place-2).
RKTB Expands a Century-Old Bronx School with Sustainability in Mind
June 7, 2022
RKTB has a strong commitment to sustainable design in all aspects of our practice. For Green Building & Design, RKTB's Nelya Sachakova, AIA, Certified Passive House Designer, and Alex Barclay, AIA, LEED BD+C, wrote about our firm's work on expanding and upgrading P.S. 19X, a project we recently completed in the Woodlawn neighborhood of the Bronx, to LEED Gold equivalent. Read more here: https://gbdmagazine.com/rktb/.
RKTB Architects elevates Berlinghieri to Associate
June 11, 2022
RKTB Architects P.C. is proud to announce the elevation of Joseph Berlinghieri, NCARB, AIA, to the role of Associate, with the continuation of that tradition into the future as a stated goal.
“Joe has been an asset to us and to our clients since joining RKTB in 2017,” says partner and managing principal Peter Bafitis, AIA. “The developers and municipal agencies we work with have greatly benefited not only from his skills as an architect and designer, but also from his considerable knowledge of zoning rules and building codes.”
Read more about Mr. Berlinghieri’s work here: https://archinect.com/firms/release/14090269/rktb-architects-elevates-berlinghieri-to-associate/150312717.
RKTB awarded Excelsiors Award for work on Public School 19 Addition in the Bronx
May 4, 2022
RKTB was honored to have been one of the recipients of the 2022 Excelsiors Award from AIA New York State for our work on the Public School 19 Addition in the Bronx, a project that doubled the school's capacity to better serve a growing community. RKTB has worked on New York public school projects for more than four decades and hand in hand with SCA since its creation in 1988. Learn more about the addition as well as other Excelsior Award recipients: https://www.aianys.org/programs-events/excelsior-awards-guidelines/2021-excelsior-professional-service-award-recipients/.
The Supportive Housing Network of New York Covers the opening of Loreto Apartments
May 5, 2022
Pope Francis Apartments at Loreto has officially opened. Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens held the opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting last Thursday with government and project partners. RKTB is proud to have worked on the second phase of development for the former Our Lady of Loreto Church, providing 135 units of affordable and support units for seniors, including 81 supportive for seniors experiencing homelessness. Learn more via the Supportive Housing Network of New York.
The New York Real Estate Journal, The Construction Specifier and YIMBY Feature Loreto Apartments, RKTB’s New Senior Housing Project
December 15, 2020
The new residential development is part of New York City’s Housing Preservation and Development department’s commitment to build 2,500 affordable homes in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
Construction Begins on Senior Housing that will Replace Historic Church
January 10, 2020
As reported in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Catholic Charities Loreto Apartments "will have 81 units for formerly homeless seniors and boasts environmentally conscious design features, such as rooftop solar panels." The new development sits on the original site of the Church of Our Lady of Loreto and is bounded by the Msgr. Anthony J. Barretta Apartments, also designed by RKTB.
Ground Breaking of Loreto Apartments Featured in the Supportive Housing Network of New York’s Blog
January 17, 2020
The new residential development in Brownsville, Brooklyn will create a total of 135 affordable units for seniors and house supportive services such as an on-call nurse, mental-health and substance abuse services, exercise programs, and nutrition classes.
RKTB's latest multifamily housing projects
April 26, 2022
Following the recently finished Phoenix Estates II multifamily housing project at 700 Manida Street, Bronx, RKTB has news to share on two more multifamily projects. For NYREJ (New York Real Estate Journal), RKTB's Peter Bafitis, AIA, discusses the recently topped out One Sullivan Place and the completion of 1425 Fulton Street. Continue reading to learn more about these vital RKTB housing milestones at The New York Real Estate Journal.
P.S. 19X Addition featured in School Construction News
February 23, 2022
RKTB’s addition to P.S. 19X in the Bronx represents a vast improvement in quality, accessibility, and safety. The new addition just opened and the expansion doubles the available square footage of the school. Read on to hear from RKTB's Albert Aronov, AIA, about lessons learned and the challenges he faced while ensuring that the new spaces would seamlessly align with the older parts of the school via School Construction News.
RKTB's additions to P.S. 19X
November 10, 2021
Read about RKTB's work on additions to P.S. 19X in this recent article from World Architecture News. These improvements include an enclosed gymnasium, combined cafeteria and auditorium space, accessibility options, and more. The new additions more than double the school's size and floor area and will help serve the growing number of students in Woodlawn Heights.
Examples of Affordable Housing Through Adaptive Reuse
January 12, 2022
Turtle Bay Towers, completed in 1978 by RKTB, was just featured in Green Building & Design's article on examples of affordable housing through adaptive reuse. The article discusses how adaptive reuse could be a more sustainable solution to the housing shortage than building new by letting us continue to use our existing resources.
Converting NYC Offices into Affordable Housing
April 9, 2021
In the April 9, 2021 Architects and Artisans newsletter, RKTB’s Carmi Bee, FAIA, addresses the conversion of NYC Offices into Affordable Housing. With a decline in office leasing in Manhattan and the growing need for Affordable Housing, a move to convert offices into residences makes sense. It's also something RKTB has been doing for decades. Click the link for more of Carmi's interview.
RKTB's Alex Brito, AIA, on Equity
December 16, 2021
RKTB’s Alex Brito, AIA, was recently featured in Equity is, a commARCH series designed to promote needed conversations. Read what Mr. Brito had to say about his work as an architect and how he and his team at RKTB are committed to improving the lives of people from all backgrounds. https://www.commarch.com/news/2021/dec/16/equity-alex-brito/
RKTB Receives Residential Award from the Queens & Bronx Building Association for 700 Manida Street (Phoenix Estates II).
December 11, 2021
The Queens & Bronx Building Association (QBBA) has honored RKTB Architects, P.C. with a Residential (One, Two, Three Family & Apartment Buildings) Award for 700 Manida Street (Phoenix Estates II). The award was presented to RKTB’s Peter Bafitis, AIA, and Alex Brito, AIA, at the organization's Annual Holiday & Building Awards Gala on December 11, 2021. Learn more about the project here.
Pictured from left: George Poulon, QBBA President and VP/Director of Operations, Mega Contracting Group; Peter Bafitis, AIA, Principal, RKTB; Alex Brito, AIA, Principal, RKTB.
Becoming proficient in zoning codes can create affordable housing opportunities
December 14, 2021
The need for affordable housing continues to rise and must be addressed. One way is to partner with consultants, who are experts in New York’s consistently changing zoning rules. Read on for NYREJ’s interview with Peter Bafitis, AIA, of RKTB, where he provides examples of how having expertise in zoning code has given RKTB chances to capitalize on opportunities to provide affordable housing options. Free to register: https://bit.ly/3p26VLT.
700 Manida featured in Realtor Magazine
December 6, 2021
The latest issue of Realtor Magazine talks about home trends expected in 2022. They discuss the increasing need for home office spaces, multifamily areas, and homes that run on renewable energy. One highlight was a new trend in affordable housing called transgenerational housing, of which RKTB's just completed Phoenix Estates II on 700 Manida St. in the Bronx is an early example. Read the full article here.
700 Manida featured in Real Estate Weekly
December 1, 2021
Real Estate Weekly talked to RKTB’s Alex Brito and Carmi Bee about the recently completed Phoenix Estates II on 700 Manida Street. Developed by nonprofit organizations Mutual Housing Association of New York (MHANY) and Nos Quedamos and designed by RKTB, every unit of 700 Manida is designated affordable. The team was also able to double the size of the project through the Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors (AIRS) program, creating a transgenerational community. Read the full article here.
700 Manida featured in Building Design+Construction
October 12, 2021
Building Design+Construction compiled 13 projects representing the future of affordable housing. On the list was the just finished Phoenix Estates II (or 700 Manida Street) in Bronx, NY. The project consists of 60 family/48 senior affordable housing units. Learn more about the project here.
Overcladding for Old Masonry Facades
November 3, 2021
The November 2021 issue of Construction Specifier features an article by RKTB's Albert Aronov, AIA, in which he makes a case for facade overcladding—a “performative layer added to an existing building, not a decorative or purely aesthetic exterior treatment.” As historic enclosures continue to age, some will require careful restoration, while others may simply need to be renovated and modernized for the long term. Read here why many are turning to overcladding as a solution for older masonry structures: https://bit.ly/2ZMP4OQ.
A project designed by RKTB Principal Carmi Bee
September 21, 2021
A new outdoor theater at Cape Cod’s Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill opened this summer in time to host the Provincetown Dance Festival. Recent performances include the Red Hawk Singers and Dancers. Designed by RKTB's Carmi Bee, FAIA, Sam's Stage is on the grounds of the non profit Truro Center for the Arts at Castle Hill, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year.
RKTB Principal Carmi Bee's in-depth discussion on affordable housing with Bklyner
August 30, 2021
RKTB's Carmi Bee, FAIA, goes in-depth with Liena Zagare from Bklyner on affordable housing. In the article, Mr. Bee examines the history of affordable housing, the challenges of developing it, and what he hopes to see housing become in the future.
1425 Fulton St featured in New York Real Estate Journal
August 24, 2021
RKTB's latest project, 1425 Fulton Street, is nearing completion and was recently featured in New York Real Estate Journal. Out of the nine-story building's 26 apartments, eight will serve as affordable housing units. RKTB's Carmi Bee, FAIA, and Peter Bafitis, AIA, also shared some challenges that came with building the project.
RKTB Principal Carmi Bee on affordable housing and 1425 Fulton
August 23, 2021
RKTB's Carmi Bee, FAIA, talked with The Real Deal about affordable apartments, why they're so hard to build, and our firm's latest project, 1425 Fulton Street. In the article, Mr. Bee shares his inspiration behind the design of 1425 Fulton and more.
Architectural Record Top 300 Firms of 2021
August 2021
RKTB is proud to share that our firm has once again been named among Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms. We are honored to be a part of this list featuring some of the best architecture firms in the country for the third year in a row.
Reflecting Optimism and Changing Markets, RKTB Elevates Three Architects to Associate Roles
June 28, 2021
RKTB Architects, P.C. is proud to announce that our leadership team is growing. Stephanie Oestreich, AIA, CCCA, LEED AP; Nelya Sachakova, AIA, Certified Passive House Designer; and Milan Savanovic have been promoted to Associates, enriching our expansive firm with their unique skillsets. Each of them will be essential in helping RKTB capitalize on evolving market demands and realize significant enhancements to deliver on client goals.
“All three of these talented designers have become essential, indispensable parts of our team, each in their own way,” says Carmi Bee, FAIA, president and principal in charge of design for RKTB.
Read more about each associate here: https://archinect.com/firms/release/14090269/reflecting-optimism-and-changing-markets-rktb-elevates-three-architects-to-associate-roles/150271394.
Solving affordable housing requires a holistic approach
April 16, 2021
Affordable housing has always been central to Carmi Bee, FAIA, principal at RKTB. An alumnus of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Mr. Bee recently caught up with his alma mater to talk about how his studies led him to his work in housing and achievements like the Infill Housing Prototype.
RKTB's Affordable Infill Prototype featured in World Architecture News
March 31, 2021
World Architecture News featured RKTB's Affordable Infill Prototype (AIP) in their latest article discussing the growing need for affordable and sustainable housing in 2021. The AIP was developed to provide affordable housing to those in need. Additional features of AIP design include health and safety benefits while also reducing costs in construction and operation.
5 Steps We Must Take To Truly Create An Inclusive, Representative, and Equitable Society
April 11, 2021
RKTB's Peter Bafitis, AIA, was interviewed for Authority Magazine for its series, "5 Steps We Must Take To Truly Create An Inclusive, Representative, and Equitable Society." The interview features a wide range of topics that include leadership, race, diversity, equality, and inclusion. These are core values at RKTB and are reflected in both the diversity of our staff and the communities we serve. Click here for Peter's perspective on these vital issues.
Post-Pandemic Design
April 1, 2021
Metal Architecture talked to RKTB's Peter Bafitis, AIA, about post-pandemic design, and examined how coronavirus will change how buildings are developed in the future. Read on to learn how features like touchless operation and layouts for home office spaces will play a part in designing offices and residential buildings.
RKTB's Sustainable Approach to Upgrading Masonry Buildings and Facades
March 9, 2021
Building Enclosure's latest piece featured RKTB's work on P.S. 70Q (pictured here) and P.S. 88Q in Queens, and P.S. 73K in Brooklyn. The article delves deep into our sustainable, cost-effective approach and collaboration with the New York City School Construction Authority that ensures these iconic structures endure for generations.
P.S. 730K featured in Mann Report Magazine
March 1, 2021
RKTB's latest project with the New York City School Construction Authority, P.S. 730K, was recently featured in Mann Report Magazine's Colleges section. Serving the local neighborhood, the school will serve 328 students from grades three to five and accommodates multiple courses of study.
P.S. 730K Begins Construction in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
January 14, 2021
The new, fully-accessible school will serve the fast-growing neighborhood with specialized classrooms for Music, Reading, Speech, Special Education, Science, and Art. The project is expected to be completed in 2023.
RKTB Principal Carmi Bee Looks Ahead to the Biden Presidency in The Architect’s Newspaper
January 5, 2021
Principal Carmi Bee and other leaders in architecture discuss their hopes for the incoming administration in the areas of climate change, infrastructure, and housing.
YIMBY Reports Affordable Housing Lottery Launched for RKTB-renovated Co-Ops
December 16, 2020
Developed by New York City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and MHANY Management Inc., the renovated apartments in Washington Heights feature new interiors and layouts, energy-efficient appliances, gated access, and other amenities.
Architectural Record Top 300 Firms of 2020
September 2020
RKTB is pleased to announce our inclusion among Architectural Record’s 2020 “Top 300 Architecture Firms.” This places us among the upper 1.5% of architectural firms in the U.S. in terms of earnings for the second year in a row.
ArchNewsNow.com features RKTB's Infill Housing Prototype
September 14, 2020
In Health and Safety in Urban Housing, Carmi Bee, FAIA, describes how RKTB’s Affordable Infill Housing Prototype is not only a model for developing affordable urban housing on a neighborhood scale but also offers health and safety benefits. (Photo Credit: John Bartelstone)
1425 Fulton Street Housing, Brooklyn, NY
PS19X, Bronx, NY
RKTB’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
May 15, 2020
RKTB’s mission is more important than ever. We support the institutions that directly help people. With the devastating economic toll that the pandemic is having on the social fabric, creative solutions are required to save communities from ruin. Here are some examples of how we have refocused during this time. We thank all of our colleagues who have joined us in these efforts.
New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS): The homeless are especially vulnerable during this crisis; safeguarding the homeless population is a critical issue. Infection rates in shelters are high. RKTB has intensified its efforts to support DHS through shelter inspections, life safety upgrades, and essential building repairs, devoting a large part of our resources during this time of need.
Housing: The crisis of housing affordability will now intensify and must be addressed with added urgency. RKTB has pioneered innovative low-cost solutions to society’s housing needs which will now be needed more than ever. Throughout this crisis we have continued to design and help construct safe, healthy, and humane housing for the people who need it most. This housing is socially based, frequently led by not-for-profit community organizations, and is expressly designed to strengthen communities.
Schools: Neighborhood schools are essential facilities that anchor communities in ways few other institutions can. During this health crisis schools are being called upon to not only educate our children but to also help keep them fed, secure, and healthy. A race is on to build and repair public schools before students are allowed to go back. RKTB is working feverishly to help accomplish this goal.
We are here. Please let us know how we can also help you at this time.
New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission Celebrates 55 Years
April 20, 2020
The agency marked the milestone by launching a story map illustrating "a decade-by-decade history of the Commission, highlighting designations, Commission-approved new design, legal milestones, and a timeline of NYC history." RKTB is honored to have the adaptive reuse of 455 Central Park West included among projects representative of its 1990s approvals. LPC's 55 years are chronicled here: https://bit.ly/3ap5zQO.
YIMBY Reports Permits Have Been Filed for 739 Blake Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn
March 30, 2020
The project is a new 8,676 square foot residential development designed by RKTB and sponsored by the NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD).
RKTB Principal Peter Bafitis, AIA, Delivers Presentation at the New Jersey Future 2020 Redevelopment Forum
March 6, 2020
The presentation focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in affordable housing developments. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a download of the presentation.
P.S. 29Q and P.S. 70Q Additions Featured in “Building Great Schools for a Great City”
November 26, 2019
RKTB is honored to see the two additions featured among notable school projects in a new book celebrating 30 years of New York City's School Construction Authority and the work it does to provide students across the five boroughs with safe, attractive, and environmentally friendly places to learn and thrive.
Moving Up!
October 25, 2019
After more than twenty years in our 22nd Street home, RKTB has moved into a new space on the 6th floor at 226 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001. The impetus: Our office family now numbers over forty and we outgrew our old space. Stop by some time; we'd love to show you around!
700 Manida Featured in Debut Issue of commARCH
October 28, 2019
The new residential development designed by RKTB will foster a sense of community in the Bronx through an innovative mix of units.
455 Central Park West Featured in Bluebeam, Inc.’s StrXur Publication
October 9, 2019
RKTB renovated the historic but neglected cancer hospital into a unique luxury condominium complex. (Photo Credit: John Bartelstone)
RKTB’s 700 Manida Featured in Real Estate Weekly and Building Design + Construction
August 30, 2019
700 Manida Tops Out
August 14, 2019
The new residential development has topped out in the Hunts Point neighborhood. The new 102,000 SF building will feature 48 senior living units, 60 affordable family units, and a 7,100 SF landscaped yard.
RKTB Adaptive Reuse Projects Featured in Buildipedia
August 14, 2019
A 2011 article features 455 Central Park West, Turtle Bay Towers, and School for the Physical City as successful examples of adaptive reuse projects. (Photo Credit: John Bartelstone)
OfficeInsight Features New RKTB Video
July 22, 2019
The video presents the firm’s long history of serving the needs of expanding and evolving cities through social equity and design excellence. (Photo Credit: Albert Vecerka/Esto)
RKTB Principal Peter Bafitis Discusses P.S. 70Q in Oculus Magazine
July 10, 2019
The project is featured in the AIA New York’s publication as one of various public spaces in Queens that is designed to meet the civic needs of the borough’s diverse residents. (Photo Credit: Albert Vecerka/Esto)
RKTB in Architectural Record’s Top 300 Architectural Firms of 2019
July 5, 2019
The firm is pleased to have been recognized on the list of top firms as compiled by Engineering News-Record.
YIMBY Tours Dahlia on the Upper West Side of Manhattan
June 22, 2019
The new 20-story condominium is designed by CetraRuddy with RKTB as the executive architect.
Real Estate Weekly Reports Permits Have Been Filed for One Sullivan Place
June 19, 2019
New Design for One Sullivan Place Featured on CityRealty
June 11, 2019
The design features two 30-foot cantilevers that increase the floor area of the project while still allowing the building to blend into its Crown Heights context.
RKTB Principals Discuss the Firm’s Extensive Work for the NYC Department of Homeless Services in Real Estate Weekly
May 15, 2019
Principals Peter Bafitis and Alex Brito discuss how RKTB is combating New York’s homeless crisis, from shelter renovations and code compliance work, to developing a standardized design for 90 new shelters across the city.
433 Broadway Featured in Building Design + Construction’s May 2019 Issue
May 14, 2019
The project is highlighted as an example of the building trends that are shaping the new “sharing economy.” (Photo Credit: Albert Vecerka/Esto)
Proposed Design for 1 Sullivan Place Featured in Building Design + Construction’s 2019 Design Innovation Report
May 14, 2019
“Nine projects that push the limits of architectural design, space planning, and material innovation” include RKTB’s proposed cantilevered design for 1 Sullivan Place by principal Peter Bafitis.
MHANY Management Inc. and 700 Manida Featured in Spring 2019 Issue of Affordable Housing News
May 13, 2019
Turn to page 58 to read about the work our client MHANY does to develop, manage, and advocate for affordable housing in New York City. Featured in the article is 700 Manida, a new mixed-use housing development in the Bronx designed by RKTB.
Infill Prototype Featured in Realtor Magazine
April 30, 2019
RKTB’s Infill Prototype is featured in the National Association of Realtors’ magazine as a creative and cost-effective solution to meet the increasing need for affordable housing in the United States. Featured here are two of the eight buildings at the Msgr. Anthony J. Barretta Apartments (Photo Credit: Ron Glassman). Other Infill projects include the Maynard Co-Ops, Madison Putnam Housing, and Prospect Gardens.
RKTB President Carmi Bee and Associate Principal Nelson Vega Discuss 433 Broadway in the April 2019 Issue of Architectural Products
April 21, 2019
The two principals discuss the various design challenges they faced when creating the first building entirely devoted to shared workspace. (Photo Credit: Albert Vecerka/Esto)
PS/IS 338X Featured in Archello
April 15, 2019
RKTB and Lee Harris Pomeroy Architects collaborated on the design of PS/IS 338X in the Bronx, which is featured in the Amsterdam-based publication’s website. (Photo Credit: Paul Warchol)
RKTB Principals Carmi Bee and Peter Bafitis Discuss the Dahlia on Shop Talk Podcast
March 21, 2019
They’re joined by the rest of the design and development team behind the new residential tower in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. (Photo: Dahlia topping out ceremony, January 2019)
RKTB-designed SOPAC Voted Favorite Small Performing Arts Center for Fifth Consecutive Year
March 8, 2019
The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) is a state-of-the-art performing arts center featuring singer-songwriters, blues, jazz, comedy, theatre, dance, and so much more. In addition to performances by its theatre company-in-residence, American Theater Group, SOPAC hosts events presented by the Seton Hall University Arts Council and the Juilliard School of Music.
433 Broadway Catches the Attention of Overseas Publication Archello
December 28, 2018
RKTB's 433 Broadway is featured this month in Archello, an international design publication based in Amsterdam: https://archello.com/project/433-broadway. (photo credits: Albert Vecerka | Esto)
RKTB Receives Award from Queens Chamber of Commerce for its Design of UPK Q972 – Jackson Avenue
December 13, 2018
The Queens Chamber of Commerce has awarded RKTB with a First Prize Award for Excellence in Design for its conversion of two floors of a commercial building in Long Island City into UPK Q972 for the New York City School Construction Authority. The award was presented to RKTB's Education Studio at the organization's annual Building Awards and Gala on December 6, 2018. Completed in September of 2017, the project’s commendation was in the Rehabilitation, Readaptive Use, Alteration or Addition category. RKTB principal and studio head Albert Aronov, AIA, was recognized, as well. Photos of the project can be viewed here: http://rktb.com/schools/24-portfolio/schools/188-jackson-ave-upk-q972.
AIANY Housing Committee Recognized for Design Excellence
December 5, 2018
At its 2019 inauguration and organizational meeting on December 4th the AIA New York Honors Committee awarded the chapter's Housing Committee with the Vice Presidential Citation for Design Excellence. The Housing Committee, co-chaired by RKTB's Peter Bafitis, AIA, and MAP's Fernando Villa, AIA, was recognized for its collaboration with the Public Design Commission and the Fine Arts Federation on Designing New York: Quality Affordable Housing.
Goldman Sachs Funds Luxury Upper West Side Development
March 19, 2018
United Management, Certes Partners, and Metropolitan Acquisitions have secured $71.5 million in financing for the development of 212 West 95th Street, a 19-story ground-up luxury residential condominium that is being designed by RKTB and Cetra Ruddy. The project was featured March 14th in Real Estate Weekly (http://bit.ly/2FMy8NB) and March 12th on GlobeSt.com (http://bit.ly/2IDPKJh).
Commercial Architecture Magazine Features Article by RKTB Principal Albert Aronov, AIA
November 13, 2018
An article entitled Keep Old Schools Standing by RKTB principal Albert Aronov, AIA, outlines the firm's cost-effective and sustainable approaches to helping the New York City School Construction Authority satisfy its renovation and expansion needs in the November 9, 2018 issue of Commercial Architecture. The technique of facade overcladding can also be applied to older buildings of every type, not just educational facilities. Learn about the successful strategies employed by RKTB's academic studio here: https://bit.ly/2DBOozy.
RKTB Staff Featured in The City College of New York Alumni Magazine
November 2, 2018
The Fall 2018 issue of The City College of New York Alumnus magazine features an article about the RKTB senior staff members who attended the CCNY School of Architecture and how they are collectively changing New York City for the better.
Is the housing crisis in New York a New York City design issue?
October 3, 2018
In her new film short, architect Maimouna Sow addresses the question “Is the housing crisis in New York a New York City design issue?” Peter Bafitis, AIA, RKTB Principal and co-chair of the AIANY Housing Committee, responds by introducing the NYC Public Design Commission's new guide book entitled “Designing New York: Quality Affordable Housing” and encouraging architects to get involved in the city’s process. In doing so, he suggests, architects can “make a difference in terms of educating people and influencing the hearts and minds of people towards a better built environment.” Visit Ms. Sow’s website here.
East Clarke Place Court featured in Real Estate Weekly Article on Jolie Milstein's (NYSAFAH) Affordable Housing Crusade
September 13, 2018
RKTB's affordable housing project at 12 East Clarke Place and 27 East 169th Street in the Bronx is pictured in a September 5, 2018 Real Estate Weekly article introducing a new bi-weekly feature to be written by Jolie Milstein on the affordable housing crisis. In her column, the NYSAFAH President and CEO will be fostering a dialogue on the shortage of workforce and affordable housing and exploring possible solutions. Read the article here: NYSAFAH's Jolie Milstein takes affordability crusade national.
RKTB Announces Promotions
June 12, 2018
RKTB is pleased to announce that Nelson Vega, Assoc. AIA, has been named an Associate Principal and Enrico Kurniawan, AIA, has been named an Associate. Both are graduates of The City College of New York and were students of Carmi Bee, FAIA, RKTB’s president and professor emeritus at City College. The promotions coincide with the firm’s 55th anniversary.
"Designing New York: Quality Affordable Housing" is Launched at the Center for Architecture
May 10, 2018
The New York City Public Design Commission (PDC) launched its newest publication, “Designing New York: Quality Affordable Housing,” at the Center for Architecture on May 8, 2018. The report is the result of a collaborative effort among the PDC, the AIA New York Housing Committee, and The Fine Arts Federation of New York and “breaks down guiding principles for design considerations in affordable housing, from massing to open space.” RKTB Architects, P.C. is proud to have our Affordable Infill Housing Prototype featured as a case study. The guide can be downloaded here: https://on.nyc.gov/2ruJo7j. RKTB's Peter Bafitis, AIA, and MAP's Fernando Villa, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, are the Housing Committee's co-chairs.
2018 JerseyArts.com People's Choice Awards Winners Announced
March 20, 2018
RKTB is proud to congratulate the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) on being named New Jersey's favorite Small Performing Arts Center for the fourth year in a row. The honor was announced at the 2018 JerseyArts.com People's Choice Awards on March 14. Designed by RKTB, SOPAC celebrated its grand opening in November of 2006 with a gala that included a performance by Yo-Yo Ma. The Center also received a Building of America Plaque of Honor from Construction Communications and an Excellence in Structural Engineering Award from the National Council of Structural Engineering.
For more on the People's Choice Awards and SOPAC: https://www.sopacnow.org/news/sopac-is-new-jerseys-favorite-small-performing-arts-center/; http://jersey arts.com/peopleschoice/
Goldman Sachs Funds Luxury Upper West Side Development
March 19, 2018
United Management, Certes Partners, and Metropolitan Acquisitions have secured $71.5 million in financing for the development of 212 West 95th Street, a 19-story ground-up luxury residential condominium that is being designed by RKTB and Cetra Ruddy. The project was featured March 14th in Real Estate Weekly (http://bit.ly/2FMy8NB) and March 12th on GlobeSt.com (http://bit.ly/2IDPKJh).
Permits Filed for 695 Thwaites Place, Allerton, The Bronx
March 16, 2018
Permits were filed for a new, six-story, mixed-use building in the Allerton section of The Bronx that will combine 36 residential units with a medical facility and retail space. The project is being developed by Volmar Construction and designed by RKTB. For details visit YIMBY: Permits Filed for 695 Thwaites Place, Allerton, The Bronx.
BUILD Magazine 2018 Interior Design Award
January 29, 2018
RKTB is pleased to have been honored by BUILD Magazine as "Best Residential Interior Design Firm 2018 - New York."
2017 American School & University Architectural Portfolio
January 11, 2018
Carmi Bee, FAIA, shared his insight on the following topics in the 2017 American School & University Architectural Portfolio: challenges in designing urban schools; adjusting designs to respect the community and neighborhood context; exemplary project details. The full interview can be found in the article above.
AIANY Housing Committee Ratensky Lecture Video
January 2, 2018
The video of the AIANY Housing Committee's 2017 Ratensky Lecture ("The Past, Present, and Future of Affordable Housing") honoring Herbert Oppenheimer, FAIA, is now available for viewing, courtesy of the AIANY Center for Architecture: Samuel Ratensky Memorial Lecture: Herbert Oppenheimer (11/8/17).
From left: Gary Solomon, Ted Liebman, Peter Bafitis, Herbert Oppenheimer, Carmi Bee, Moses Gates, Kermit Baker (photo courtesy AIANY)
AIANY Housing Committee Ratensky Lecture, November 8, 2017
November 22, 2017
On November 8th the Housing Committee of the AIA New York Chapter sponsored its annual Samuel Ratensky Lecture, which this year recognized the lifelong accomplishments of Herbert Oppenheimer, FAIA. Mr. Oppenheimer was joined by Kermit Baker, Senior Research Fellow at the Joint Center for Housing Studies, and Moses Gates, Director of Community Planning and Design at the Regional Plan Association, for a very stimulating discussion followed by a Q and A on the present state of affordable housing in NYC and what we might look forward to in the future.
The annual series pays homage to Samuel Ratensky (1910-1972), an architect and NYC housing official who was responsible for major housing initiatives in the city from 1946 to 1972. It honors individuals who, like Mr. Ratensky, have made significant lifetime contributions to the advancement of housing and community design. This year's Ratensky Lecture was organized by RKTB Architects, P.C.'s Peter Bafitis, AIA, co-chair of the AIANY Housing Committee. The lecture series was originally conceived by Carmi Bee, FAIA, in 1989. That year the inaugural lecture was given by Lew Davis, FAIA, and has gone on to honor luminaries such as Jonathan Rose and Richard Ravitch.
2017 Brick in Architecture Awards - Gold Award
July 20, 2017
RKTB Architects, PC is pleased to announce that our addition to Public School (PS) 70Q in Astoria, Queens has won a 2017 Brick in Architecture Gold Award from The Brick Industry Association. The addition adds space for 508 students and is complete with new classrooms, support spaces, outdoor areas, and a gymnasium with locker rooms.
The design of the exterior grew from the notion that the building should develop a visual dialogue with the surrounding neighborhood. Thus, its segmented bays and undulations of the façade correspond to the materiality, form and scale of the surrounding buildings. Brick was a logical material choice to achieve the building's curved façade and to develop a clear relationship to the adjacent buildings.
(photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto)
433 Broadway Wins SARA | NY Award
June 20, 2017
RKTB was proudly honored by a jury of our peers at the SARA | NY 2017 Design Awards Gala on June 20th. The firm received a 2017 Award of Merit for Professional Design Excellence for our project at 433 Broadway, New York. SARA | NY is the local Council of the Society of American Registered Architects, whose mission is "to unite as a common voice to work together for the betterment of the profession; the advancement of all mankind and sustainability of the environment; and foster the Golden Rule of 'Architect helping Architect.'"
(photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto)
Happy 10th Anniversary, SOPAC!
June 9, 2017
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the South Orange Performing Arts Center. As architects for the Center, RKTB is proud to have contributed to its success and that of the village of South Orange, New Jersey.
Our involvement with the Center began when we were brought in by Arnell Construction Corporation to be part of a "design build" team in an effort to reduce the cost of a previous design and bring it in on a tight budget of $12.5 million. Over a four-year period we worked with the Village officials and Arnell to develop a building program and subsequent design which would fulfill their goals. The result of this effort was the design of a 46,000-square-foot facility which would incorporate a 425-seat performance space, five movie theatres, and multi-purpose community space.
One of the stated goals of the project was to erect an edifice that would contribute to the identity of South Orange and to serve the New Jersey community at large. Over the last ten years this goal became a reality. The venue's staff testifies, "SOPAC is a thriving arts center where internationally renowned artists love to perform and audiences experience the joy of live entertainment in the intimacy of our state-of-the-art theatre."
Rolling Stone magazine, in viewing a performance, stated that "the South Orange Performing Arts Center's spectacular sound design rendered the material nearly sumptuous."
RKTB believes that the true success of a building is how well it performed over time. On this basis SOPAC has become a resounding success. We are proud to have played a role in making this happen.
(photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto)
6SQFT: Score an affordable apartment near Yankee Stadium from $963/month
April 25, 2017
Built on one of the last vacant city-owned lots in the Bronx, East Clarke Place Court is comprised of two brand new buildings that share a parking lot and a landscaped open space. The RKTB Architects-designed complex features $963/month one-bedroom and $1,166/month two-bedroom apartments and is one of the first buildings to comply with Green Communities Criteria requirements. Read Devin Gannon's 6SQFT post in "Affordable Housing, Bronx, Housing Lotteries" for more: https://www.6sqft.com/score-an-affordable-apartment-near-yankee-stadium-from-963month/.
(photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto)
433 Broadway is Named a Finalist in the Architizer A+ Awards
April 11, 2017
433 Broadway was selected as a Finalist in the Architizer A+Awards in the Office - Mid Rise category. As a Finalist, our work is recognized among a handful in the world in its category. Said Architizer's CEO, Marc Kushner, "The Architizer A+Awards received entries from 100 countries, and less than 10% of all entrants received recognition this year, making it highly competitive."
(photo © Albert Vecerka/Esto)
Albert Aronov, AIA, Discusses the Rehabilitation of New York's Historic Schools at the Center for Architecture
March 27, 2017
Albert Aronov, AIA, RKTB principal and director of the firm's Educational Studio, joined Matthew Cronin of Superstructures Engineers and Architects and Emily Wetherbee of Nelligan White Architects in a panel discussion entitled "Rehabilitating New York's Historic Schools" at the Center for Architecture on Monday, March 27, 2017. Mr. Aronov presented RKTB's method of "overcladding" as a solution for deteriorating facades.http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar&evtid=10308
(photo, RKTB Architects, P.C.)
Peter Bafitis, AIA, joins the Panel Discussion: Affordable Housing - Meeting Demand
March 16, 2017
Peter Bafitis, AIA, discusses the latest policy initiative and preserving the quality of affordable housing on a panel with Mark Ginsberg, FAIA, LEED AP, Royce Mulholland, John Woelfling and Christopher Leong at the New York Build 2017 exposition. http://newyorkbuildexpo.com/sessions/panel-discussion-affordable-housing-meeting-demand/
(Msgr. Anthony J. Barretta Apartments photo © Ronald L.Glassman)
Dawne David-Pierre, AIA, LEED AP, Adds Senior Architectural Experience to RKTB
RKTB Architects, P.C. recently welcomed Dawne David-Pierre, a veteran architect with over fifteen years of professional experience, to our practice. Registered in New York, Maryland, District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia, Ms. David-Pierre is skilled in all project phases with an emphasis on programming, design, client/consultant coordination and construction administration. As a senior architect at RKTB she is responsible for design and construction documents, detailing, permit submissions and LEED scorecard documentation. She is also practiced in Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) team coordination.
Ms. David-Pierre is particularly interested in using environmentally responsible practices, holistic methodologies and innovative technologies to shape the built environment and provide services to communities in need. Her diverse portfolio includes educational, research and learning, healthcare, and small scale residential renovation projects, as well as feasibility studies and master planning.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design from MIT and a Master of Architecture from University of Texas-Austin. With NCARB and LEED accreditation, Ms. David-Pierre is a tremendous addition and we are enthusiastic about the expertise she brings to the RKTB family.
BUILD Magazine Interior Design Awards 2017 - Best for Institutional Design - New York
January 12, 2017
RKTB is pleased to announce that BUILD Magazine has presented the firm with an Interior Design Award 2017 - Best for Institutional Design - New York.
Below is the official press release for the BUILD Interior Design Awards. To view RKTB's profile, please click here: RKTB Profile BUILD Magazine Interior Design Awards.
"United Kingdom, January 2017- BUILD Magazine has announced winners of the 2017 Interior Design Awards. It is a common fact that the average person can paint a wall by using some initiative, but it takes so much more to take on the role of an Interior Designer. Dedication, hard work and passion are all key factors into what make a business a success. As such the 2017 Interior Design Awards have been introduced to honour those firms and individuals who have taken every challenge head on, putting their heart and soul into their work and creating a solid client base. To find out more about these prestigious awards, and the dedicated professionals selected for them, please visit http://www.build-news.com where you can view [our] winners supplement and full winners list."
2016 USA Construction Excellence Award
November 28, 2016
RKTB Architects, P.C. is honored to be one of two companies to receive the 2016 USA Construction Excellence Award presented by BUILD Magazine: http://issuu.com/aiglobalmedia/docs/build_november_2016/58?e=15629828/41030154
A Shared Working Space in SoHo, $10 Million and 15 Years in the Making
September 20, 2016
David W. Dunlap of THE NEW YORK TIMES writes, "With its broad expanses of glass, the gleaming white six-story structure at 433 Broadway is obviously modern, though it seems comfortably at home with its nearby 19th-century cast-iron cousins." http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/20/nyregion/a-co-working-space-in-soho-15-years-in-the-making.html?_r=0
Shelter Repair Scorecard Shows Building Violations in Non-Cluster Homeless Shelters Down 75 Percent Since January 2016
August 12, 2016
RKTB is proud to be on the team that is helping to improve conditions at homeless shelters throughout the city: http://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/670-16/shelter-repair-scorecard-shows-building-violations-non-cluster-homeless-shelters-down-75-percent.
Designing Beauty Affordably in NYC
August 5, 2016
MODERN BUILDER + DESIGN magazine features an article on RKTB Architects in its June/July 2016 issue entitled "Designing Beauty Affordably in NYC."
433 Broadway Featured in AECCAfe.com's ArchShowcase
July 6, 2016
AECCafe.com exemplifies RKTB's latest commercial project at 433 Broadway as a state-of-the-art creative shared workspace and retail property. For more information, please visit http://www10.aeccafe.com/blogs/arch-showcase/2016/07/06/433-broadway-in-new-york-by-rktb-architects-p-c/.
Carmi Bee, FAIA, Delivers AIA NY Chapter's 2015 Ratensky Lecture
March 02, 2016
RKTB President Carmi Bee, FAIA, was recently honored by the AIA NY Chapter by being selected to deliver the 2015 Ratensky Lecture on November 18th at the Center for Architecture. Mr. Bee discussed his efforts as a housing architect and as a teacher, and shared his thoughts on the future of housing in New York City with a standing-room-only crowd in a presentation entitled "Gimme Shelter."
Initiated by the organization's Housing Committee, the Ratensky lecture series was established in 1998 in the memory of the late Samuel Ratensky (1910-1972), an architect and housing official who was responsible for major housing initiatives in the city from 1946 to 1972. The annual series recognizes individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions to the advancement of housing and community design. Mr. Bee joins luminaries Lewis Davis (1998), Edward Logue (2000), Clara Fox (2001), Michael Pyatok (2003), William Conklin (2004), Ted Liebman (2005), Ron Shiffman (2006), Conrad Levinson (2007), Jonathan Rose (2008), Joan Goody/David Dixon, (2009), Richard Ravitch (2010), Jerilyn Perine (2011), Carleton Brown (2012), and Alan Mallach (2014) on the distinguished list of past honorees.
East Clarke Place Court Featured in Affordable Housing Finance
February 09, 2015
East Clarke Place Court transforms two lots in the Bronx into quality affordable housing. Click here to read the article on the Affordable Housing Finance website
East Clarke Place Court Named NYREJ's "Green Property of the Month"
January 13, 2015RKTB's sustainable project East Clarke Place Court was named New York Real Estate Journal's "Green Property of the Month." Click on the article to read the full online version and see more project photos. Download
Affordable Bronx Project a Cut Above the Rest
December 15, 2014
RKTB's two-tower complex is one of the earliest projects to meet the criteria of the Enterprise Green Communities program that creates cost-effective, sustainable architecture for low-income families. Click here to view the entire article in Real Estate Weekly
New Affordable Housing Complex Surpasses the Norm
December 08, 2014
Bronx Times writer Steven Goodstein asks, "Who says affordable housing can't look unaffordable?" when describing RKTB's East Clarke Place Court. Read article
RKTB President Carmi Bee, FAIA, Designs Glass Block for Pittsburgh Corning, Gives Insight on Affordable Housing
October 27, 2014
RKTB President Carmi Bee, FAIA, contributed to the design of one of Pittsburgh Corning's products, the Focus Pattern Block. He also provided the company with insight regarding various industry topics, including his greatest passion, affordable housing.
RKTB's Design of a Healthcare Complex in Nigeria is Featured in Architect Magazine
August 18, 2014
RKTB/Perkins Eastman's plan for a 200-acre healthcare complex in Abuja, Nigeria is featured in the July 2014 issue of Architect magazine. Click here for the full story