Business Details
24 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Urban Design in Boston
Studio Luz is a collaborative, forward-thinking architectural practice that redefines traditional uses of space, materials, and technology to unlock exceptional possibilities within each project. Founded in 2002 by Hansy L. Better Barraza and Anthony J. Piermarini, we prioritize social responsibility, sustainable construction practices, and inclusive design to create engaging environments. Our work bridges community needs with innovative architectural solutions, fostering dynamic social interactions through an economy of means. We routinely organize strategic collaborations between clients, fabricators, engineers, and community stakeholders to achieve project goals without compromising quality. Recognized nationally and internationally, our practice has received honors including the Architectural Record Design Vanguard Award and multiple AIA Design Awards.We are NCARB-certified and licensed in six states, with additional certifications in sustainability and minority-owned business enterprises. Our teams expertise spans multi-unit housing, commercial design, institutional projects, and urban planning, all grounded in a commitment to equity and environmental stewardship. We believe architecture can amplify underrepresented voices, and our process reflects this through community engagement and responsible material choices. With offices in Boston and Providence, we serve clients across diverse sectors, delivering tailored solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Community Engagement
Commercial Design
Institutional Design
Multi-Unit Housing
Residential Design
Retail Spaces
Non-Profit Spaces
University Projects
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- Award-winning architecture recognized nationally and internationally.
- Collaborative approach involving clients and communities.
- Commitment to sustainable and responsible construction practices.
- NCARB-certified professionals ensuring quality standards.
- Diverse team with expertise in urban design and community engagement.
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
- USGBC
Services
Architecture
Studio Luz delivers innovative architectural solutions tailored to client needs, blending aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. Our expertise spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects, emphasizing responsible material use and community impact. We prioritize collaborative design processes to create spaces that inspire and endure.
Urban Design
Our urban design services focus on equitable, sustainable development that enhances community connectivity and infrastructure. We work on neighborhood plans, mixed-use developments, and public spaces, ensuring projects reflect diverse needs and foster long-term economic viability through strategic engagement.
Community Engagement
We integrate community voices into every project through workshops, consultations, and partnerships. This approach ensures designs address local challenges, empower underrepresented groups, and create inclusive environments that resonate with the people they serve.
Commercial Design
Studio Luz creates immersive commercial environments that elevate brands and enhance user experiences. From office interiors to retail outlets, our designs balance aesthetics, practicality, and sustainability, delivering spaces that align with client goals and market demands.
Institutional Design
We specialize in designing functional, inspiring spaces for educational and non-profit organizations. Our institutional projects prioritize accessibility, adaptability, and environmental responsibility, ensuring facilities support organizational missions while serving diverse communities.
People
Hansy L. Better Barraza
Co-Founder & Architect
Hansy L. Better Barraza, AIA, LEED AP, co-founded Studio Luz in 2002. Her work focuses on socially responsible design, community engagement, and sustainable architecture, earning international recognition for innovative urban projects.
Anthony J. Piermarini
Co-Founder & Architect
Anthony J. Piermarini, AIA, co-founded Studio Luz with Hansy Better Barraza. He specializes in collaborative design processes and urban planning, emphasizing equity and sustainability in projects ranging from housing to public spaces.
Jeanine Dias
Architect
Jeanine Dias brings expertise in museum design and cultural projects to Studio Luz. Her work emphasizes material innovation and spatial storytelling, contributing to the firms award-winning institutional and residential designs.
Taylor Tocci
Architect
Taylor Tocci, a pragmatic builder and designer, focuses on technical precision and sustainable construction. His contributions span commercial, residential, and urban design projects, ensuring high-quality, functional outcomes.
Sophie Nahrmann
Architect
Sophie Nahrmann specializes in community-driven projects and urban resilience. Her work at Studio Luz emphasizes inclusive design and strategic collaborations to address social and environmental challenges in urban settings.
Questions
What architectural services does Studio Luz offer?
Studio Luz provides architecture, urban design, and community engagement services, specializing in residential, commercial, institutional, and non-profit projects with a focus on sustainability and equity.
How does Studio Luz involve communities in projects?
We conduct workshops, consultations, and partnerships to integrate community input, ensuring designs reflect local needs and empower underrepresented groups through inclusive planning.
What awards has Studio Luz received?
Our firm has earned the Architectural Record Design Vanguard Award, Progressive Architecture Award, multiple AIA Design Awards, and the Chicago Athenaeum’s American Architecture Award.
Are Studio Luz architects licensed in multiple states?
Yes, we are NCARB-certified and licensed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, with additional sustainability and minority business certifications.
How does Studio Luz prioritize sustainability?
We use sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and responsible construction practices, aligning projects with LEED standards and environmental stewardship principles.
