Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Civic Architecture for Thriving Cities
Dattner Architects is a mission-driven, women-owned design firm founded in 1964. Our work focuses on civic spaces and the urban experience, transforming environments through engaged collaboration, thoughtful programming, and creative design. We specialize in transit, schools, libraries, housing, healthcare, parks, and community centers, enriching urban fabric with innovative buildings that impact countless residents. Our holistic approach involves stakeholders to ensure projects belong to their place, tread lightly on the environment, and inspire users.With over 140 employees, 59% women, 41% BIPOC, and 17% LGBTQ+, we prioritize equity, sustainability, and social responsibility. Recognized as a WBE by multiple agencies, we design essential architecture that strengthens communities and reflects diversity. Our 60-year legacy includes iconic projects like the Bronx Library Center, Via Verde, and the Hudson Yards Station, demonstrating our commitment to urban innovation and public good.
Services
Affordable Housing
Public Schools
Transit Infrastructure
Sustainable Design
Community Centers
Urban Planning
Healthcare Facilities
Cultural Spaces
Green Roofs
Passive House Projects
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in civic architecture and urban design.
- Our firm is majority women-owned and prioritizes equity and inclusion.
- We implement sustainable practices like Passive House and LEED certification.
- Our projects address social equity through affordable housing and public spaces.
- We collaborate with communities to create context-sensitive, impactful designs.
Associations and certifications
- WBE (Women Business Enterprise)
- LEED
Services
Affordable Housing
Dattner Architects designs innovative affordable housing that prioritizes dignity, sustainability, and community integration. Our projects include mixed-income developments, supportive housing for vulnerable populations, and Passive House-certified buildings. We focus on creating livable density through thoughtful layouts, shared amenities, and energy-efficient systems. Our work addresses urban housing crises while fostering social equity and long-term affordability.
Public Schools
We create dynamic K-12 learning environments that enhance student engagement and community access. Our designs emphasize natural light, flexible spaces, and sustainable materials while meeting rigorous educational standards. Projects like PS 234 and Bronx High School of Science integrate technology and outdoor learning areas. We prioritize safety, accessibility, and adaptability to support evolving pedagogical needs.
Transit Infrastructure
Our transit projects combine functionality with architectural innovation, including subway stations, bus garages, and rail facilities. The 34th Street-Hudson Yards Station and Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage exemplify our approach to creating efficient, sustainable, and community-connected infrastructure. We incorporate green technologies, public art, and urban design to transform utilitarian spaces into civic assets.
Sustainable Design
We lead in sustainable design through LEED certification, Passive House standards, and circular economy principles. Projects like Chestnut Commons and Alafia incorporate energy-efficient systems, reclaimed materials, and low-impact landscapes. Our approach reduces carbon footprints while enhancing building performance and occupant well-being through holistic environmental strategies.
Community Centers
We design inclusive community hubs that foster social interaction and cultural engagement. Projects like the Stanley Manne Research Institute and Riverbank State Park integrate multipurpose areas, public plazas, and accessible amenities. Our designs prioritize transparency, flexibility, and connection to surrounding neighborhoods, creating spaces that serve diverse populations and strengthen local identity.
People
Kirsten Sibilia
Managing Partner
Kirsten Sibilia leads Dattner Architects' strategic vision, focusing on sustainable civic architecture. With decades of experience, she champions equity in design and serves on ULI New York's Advisory Board. Her leadership drives projects that merge social impact with environmental responsibility.
Gia Mainiero
Partner
Gia Mainiero directs sustainable infrastructure projects, including the JFK Airport Ground Transportation Center. A DBIA-certified leader, she advocates for design excellence in public architecture and chairs industry committees promoting quality in alternative delivery methods.
Shefali Sanghvi
Associate Principal
Shefali Sanghvi, Director of Sustainability, advances circular design and climate resilience. She leads industry dialogues on material reuse and energy retrofit strategies, shaping policies for sustainable urban development through her work and speaking engagements.
Deniz Secilmis
Associate
Deniz Secilmis specializes in Passive House affordable housing, focusing on multi-family developments. Her work emphasizes sustainable materials and energy efficiency, contributing to award-winning projects that address urban housing challenges through innovative design solutions.
Harriet Andronikides
Senior Associate
Harriet Andronikides leads urban public projects, blending infrastructure with community needs. Her expertise in civic spaces and transit design enhances urban connectivity, ensuring projects like the Precinct Station House serve both functional and social purposes effectively.
Questions
What is Dattner Architects' core mission?
Our mission is to create economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable architecture that strengthens communities through civic spaces and urban innovation.
What types of projects does Dattner Architects specialize in?
We specialize in transit, schools, libraries, affordable housing, healthcare, parks, and community centers that prioritize sustainability and social equity.
Is Dattner Architects a certified women-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by multiple agencies including the Port Authority of NY & NJ.
What sustainability practices does Dattner Architects employ?
We use LEED certification, Passive House standards, green roofs, and circular design principles to reduce environmental impact.
How does Dattner Architects engage with communities?
We collaborate with stakeholders through workshops and inclusive design processes to ensure projects reflect community needs and values.
