Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Civic Architecture & Urban Design Solutions
Dattner Architects is a mission-driven, women-owned design firm with over six decades of experience in creating impactful civic architecture. Founded in 1964, we specialize in transforming urban environments through collaborative design, focusing on transit, housing, schools, and sustainable infrastructure. Our work prioritizes community engagement, environmental responsibility, and innovative solutions tailored to each project's unique context. With expertise in LEED certification and Passive House standards, we deliver buildings that reduce carbon footprints while enhancing public spaces. Our team of architects, designers, and sustainability experts combines technical mastery with a deep understanding of urban ecosystems to address pressing civic needs.We maintain a holistic design approach, integrating stakeholder input to ensure projects align with social, economic, and environmental goals. As a teaching firm, we emphasize mentorship and knowledge-sharing to cultivate the next generation of architects. Our portfolio includes award-winning projects like Via Verde and the Bronx Library Center, demonstrating our commitment to equitable, future-forward design. We operate from a single New York City office, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration across typology-based studios. Our iterative process balances digital tools with hands-on craftsmanship to realize designs that endure both functionally and aesthetically.
Services
Affordable Housing
Urban Design
Sustainable Architecture
Civic Spaces
LEED Certification
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of experience in civic architecture and urban design.
- Our firm is certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by multiple jurisdictions.
- We pioneered New York City's first LEED-certified public library and largest Passive House projects.
- Our collaborative design process integrates community input and stakeholder expertise.
- We maintain a holistic approach combining sustainability with functional urban infrastructure.
Associations and certifications
- WBE
Services
Affordable Housing
We design high-quality, deeply affordable housing that addresses urban homelessness and economic diversity. Our projects incorporate energy-efficient systems and community amenities while meeting rigorous affordability standards. By collaborating with public agencies and nonprofits, we create neighborhoods that promote social equity and long-term sustainability.
Urban Design
Our urban design practice focuses on revitalizing public spaces and infrastructure to enhance city living. We integrate transportation hubs, green spaces, and mixed-use developments that respond to local contexts. Projects emphasize walkability, environmental resilience, and equitable access to urban resources for all community members.
Sustainable Architecture
We lead in sustainable design through LEED certification, Passive House standards, and net-zero energy strategies. Our buildings utilize renewable materials, efficient systems, and climate-responsive features. This approach reduces environmental impact while creating healthier spaces for occupants and surrounding ecosystems.
Civic Spaces
We specialize in designing libraries, schools, community centers, and cultural facilities that strengthen public life. Our civic projects prioritize accessibility, durability, and aesthetic value. Each space is tailored to foster community engagement while meeting functional needs for decades of public use.
LEED Certification
We guide projects through LEED certification with strategies for energy efficiency, water conservation, and sustainable materials. Our expertise ensures compliance with rigorous environmental standards while optimizing building performance. This process creates measurable benefits for occupants and the broader urban environment.
People
Richard Dattner
Partner
Founder of Dattner Architects in 1964, Richard Dattner established the firm's civic architecture focus. His work includes the Adventure Playground and Bronx Library Center, pioneering sustainable urban design principles that continue to shape the firm's mission-driven approach.
Kirsten Sibilia
Managing Partner
As Managing Partner, Kirsten Sibilia leads Dattner Architects' strategic direction while maintaining active involvement in design projects. She champions the firm's commitment to equitable urban development and sustainable practices across diverse civic architecture initiatives.
Shefali Sanghvi
Director of Sustainability
Shefali Sanghvi oversees sustainability initiatives at Dattner Architects, integrating cutting-edge environmental strategies into projects. Her expertise in Passive House design and LEED certification drives the firm's leadership in creating energy-efficient, climate-resilient buildings across New York City.
Rachel Ehrlich
Associate Principal
Rachel Ehrlich contributes to Dattner Architects' urban design projects while engaging with community stakeholders. Her work focuses on creating inclusive public spaces that address social infrastructure needs through thoughtful, context-sensitive architectural solutions.
Steven Frankel
Associate Principal
Steven Frankel leads architectural projects at Dattner Architects with emphasis on technical excellence and design innovation. His work spans multiple sectors including housing, education, and civic infrastructure, maintaining the firm's commitment to urban sustainability and community impact.
Questions
What types of projects does Dattner Architects specialize in?
We focus on civic architecture including affordable housing, transit facilities, schools, libraries, and public parks. Our work emphasizes sustainability, community engagement, and urban revitalization.
Is Dattner Architects certified as a women-owned business?
Yes, we are certified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by New York City, New York State, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Do you work on sustainable or green building projects?
Yes, we specialize in LEED-certified buildings and Passive House standards, incorporating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible materials into all our projects.
How does the design process work at Dattner Architects?
Our collaborative process involves stakeholders, integrates technical expertise, and balances digital tools with hands-on design methods to create context-sensitive, enduring architectural solutions.
Reviews (2)
Shaun Washington Washington
Jan 04, 2022
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Attractive office space! I Assisted with a delivery ounce or twice ,but that's all no about this place currently. Pending observation further more. May repost.
Shaniqua Cocks
Jun 25, 2021
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Very nice architecture. Omg I want to live here so badly!!! Its like one of those rich buildings out of a movie!!!
