Build Architecture Awards 2016

2016 Architecture Awards Build 79 Company: Kostow Greenwood Architecture Name: Jane Greenwood, AIA LEED AP and Michael Kostow, AIA LEED AP Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.kostowgreenwood.com Address: 594 Broadway, Suite 300, New York, NY USA 10012 Telephone: +1-212-334-0116 ostow Greenwood Architects’ core clientele are performing arts, media and creative firms, where people are expected to perform at their best and collaborate with others to yield experiences that not only entertain but can also change people’s perception. As such Kostow Greenwood Architects is dedicated to creating innovative designs that meet the needs of its exacting clientele. Michael Kostow ex- plains the firm’s mission and the role its clients play in achieving this. “Our mission is to provide creative designs and focused solutions for envi- ronments that support and inspire people to do their best work. Most of our work involves clients who are in creative fields: the arts, design, and media. “What usually surprises our clients is that we are a small studio practice. People do not expect such large and complex work to come from a group of our size, but this is precisely what gives us our edge; our ensemble ap- proach. We bring the full talents of our team to every commission.” The firm serves clients who include international broadcast media giants such as CNN, Time-Warner, and SiriusXM Radio, Broadway theatres and other performing arts organizations, non-profits and higher education institutions, and companies that appreciate the special edge they get from working with someone with the firm’s background. These can be product and industrial designers, or others who want a creative office environment. Jane Greenwood adds that the firm strives for excellence in every aspect of its work, with its approach centred around client satisfaction. “Our focus on arts and creative endeavours informs all that we do. We look at the world and work with each other to give our clients, and ourselves, a competitive edge. “Personally, I always strive for design excellence and enjoy the ride in the process. The firm as a whole is similar; we want to be at the forefront of quality and innovative design, to be well-respected, well-regarded firm. That latter part comes from having happy clients and creating a thriving work environment that encourages all of our team to be excellent designers.” Working in such a competitive market means that firms much work hard to stand out from their competitors. Michael is keen to emphasise that it is his staff’s commitment and creativity which marks Kostow Greenwood Architects out as the best option for clients. “What differentiates us is our people. The culture in our studio reflects the col- laborative sprit that we bring to each project. We are passionate about working with creative people to extend their own vision into the world of architecture and design: We are keenly focused on this work, and that makes us stand out.” In addition, it is the firm’s focus on innovation and dedication to always being ahead of industry developments which makes it a great option for clients, as Jane explains. “For us, latest building and energy codes. U.S. energy codes have become very stringent, and you can’t work around those; you have to address them. You have to stay on top of constantly evolving and energy codes and New York building codes, but that is part of being an architect. Things like artifi- cial lighting change the way we work and are a significant part of our job, but these are challenges that we enjoy overcoming.” Looking ahead, Jane outlines the firm’s exciting future plans, which revolve around enhancing the services they provide. “Moving forward, we look to grow our service offerings around our clients’ branding and organizational issues and build upon our current success. Architects have been marginalized from doing everything. First it was project management, then interior design. But that is turning around, and we are taking some of that back, and we look forward to enjoying the opportunities this change will bring. We have some great projects coming up and we look forward to seeing these through to completion.” Best Media & Performing Arts Facility Designers - New York & Best Manhattan Adaptive Reuse Media Centre: MNN Public Access TV Kostow Greenwood Architects takes an innovative approach to designing space. We invited the firm’s Principals Jane Greenwood and Michael Kostow to provide us with an insight into this creative firm. K AR160092