Business Details
29 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Interior Design Firm NYC
Smith Maran Architects is an award-winning firm founded in 1997 by Erik Maran and Ira Smith. With decades of combined experience, we specialize in architecture, interior design, and adaptive reuse for corporate, commercial, institutional, and residential clients. Our expertise spans new buildings, relocations, and branded environments, with a focus on integrating functionality and aesthetic value. We provide turn-key design and project management for clients lacking internal design resources, alongside feasibility studies and capital planning.Our work emphasizes modern, luminous designs that respect client needs while addressing historic preservation and sustainability challenges. Recognized for problem-solving at multiple scales, we deliver solutions that enhance utility and enduring beauty across diverse projects.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Planning
Graphics
Adaptive Reuse
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- Award-winning architects with 25+ years of experience in adaptive reuse
- Specialize in historic preservation and sustainable design strategies
- Provide turn-key project management for complex architectural projects
- Expertise in multi-scale solutions from site analysis to finish detailing
- Recognized for integrating client missions with functional aesthetics
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services encompass new construction and renovation projects. We create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client missions. Our approach integrates site analysis, budget planning, and material specification to deliver enduring solutions.
Interior Design
We specialize in interior environments that balance beauty and practicality. Our designs optimize spatial layouts while focusing on color theory, finish detailing, and lighting strategies. Projects range from corporate offices to residential transformations.
Adaptive Reuse
Transforming existing structures into modern functional spaces is a core specialty. We maintain historical integrity while implementing contemporary upgrades. Recent projects include synagogue heritage conversions and Main Street building revitalizations.
Planning
We provide comprehensive planning services including site analysis, code compliance reviews, and capital budgeting. Our team develops concept studies and branding integration strategies to guide clients through complex development processes.
Graphics
Our graphic design services support architectural projects through presentation materials and wayfinding systems. We create visual narratives that communicate design intent to stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
People
Erik Maran
Principal
Co-founder with Master's from Yale School of Architecture. Specializes in material specification and spatial design. Brings 25+ years of experience in corporate, residential, and institutional projects with focus on client needs.
Ira Smith
Principal
Co-founder holding Harvard Graduate School of Design degree. Expert in problem-solving across scales from lighting strategies to historic preservation. Led adaptive reuse projects and retail fit-outs for major brands.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We create modern, functional designs while respecting historical contexts. Our portfolio includes contemporary new builds and sensitively adapted historic structures.
Do you handle both interior and exterior design?
Yes, we offer comprehensive architecture and interior design services. Our integrated approach ensures cohesive design solutions from building exteriors to interior spaces.
What project sizes do you typically handle?
We work on projects of all scales, from small residential renovations to large commercial developments and master planning initiatives.
How do you approach historic preservation?
Our adaptive reuse expertise maintains structural integrity while implementing modern upgrades. We've successfully transformed historic buildings into functional contemporary spaces.
What areas do you serve?
While based in New York, we serve clients across the Northeast including New Jersey locations like Montclair and Connecticut heritage sites.
