Loci Architecture

Ed Jose and Daniela Tapia of Loci Architecture had the opportunity to visit the Glen-Gery brick factory. They engaged in the processes of mixing, molding, and firing their own bricks, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

This visit was part of the award for Ed's distinguished curved brick design, which won Glen-Gery's Inaugural Architect Shapes Collaboration Contest this past summer. A meaningful day in the pursuit of architectural excellence.

At Prospect Schools, success means embracing challenges and finding innovative solutions to accommodate a growing student body. In 2023, we collaborated with them to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study aimed at expanding their high school in Windsor Terrace. Engaging deeply with students, teachers, and administrators, we identified a preferred expansion option that would boost enrollment from 700 to over 1,000 students. Our proposal included extending the school into the adjacent parking lot (and over a subway tunnel), creating a new daylit library in a space that once served as a cloister, enlarging the gym, and adding rooftop recreational areas. This ambitious $50 million development proposal created a vision for expanding the high school campus and services it provides to the school community.

Prospect Schools 3DQ Studio

Privileged to continue our partnership with Prospect Schools, we transformed a landmarked 43,000 sf parochial school into a vibrant K-6 elementary charter school for 470 students. Our design prioritized both brightness and economy, featuring spacious, high-ceiling classrooms that maximize natural light. A soothing color palette and acoustical ceiling treatments foster a focused and calming learning atmosphere. This revitalized building not only honors its historic roots but also inspires the next generation of learners.

EP Engineering Sighte Studio JM Zoning LLC Talisen Construction

Loci recently developed a design vision for our client in the Gowanus manufacturing district, aligning with the City’s initiative to rejuvenate Industrial Business Zones (IBZs) throughout the city and enhance their roles as vital hubs for work and commerce.

Our proposal includes upzoning an existing block with assembled tax lots as a model for expanding manufacturing within the local IBZ. To streamline commercial traffic and deliveries, we designed a dedicated internal street with loading docks for each building, enhancing business visibility and community access.

The design supports our client’s vision for the district with several key features: multi-level gardens offering essential open space, large open plans with freight elevator access for flexible light industry and artisanal use, and photovoltaic panels to offset on-site energy needs. The brick facade, featuring the historic “Kentile” lettering, honors the district's heritage while maximizing natural daylight and incorporating shading devices to reduce solar heat gain.

Images by ArchiCGI

Loci Architecture recently enjoyed a lively company outing at Chelsea Piers, where the team went bowling and played air hockey. It was a fantastic way to unwind and have fun, reinforcing the importance of relaxation and camaraderie in keeping our creative minds sharp and in tune with our design process.

Bowlero

It all started at an apartment with a breathtaking view and a heartbreaking bathroom. While the original bathroom design might have worked for some people, the “sliced meat” aesthetic was neither our client’s preference nor ours.

With the help of the amazing contractor OCA, our lighting consultant Sighte Studio, and Electronic Lifestyles NYC, the apartment - and its main bathroom - received a fresh makeover, resulting in a beautiful residence with views north and across the Hudson River - the best of both worlds.

Congratulations to Loci Architecture's Edward Jose, Studio Director | Partner - his 'Curve' brick design was one of four winning shapes in the Glen-Gery Inaugural Architect Shapes competition.

Next step: Glen-Gery's shape team will design and craft the mold box for the winning designs.

Recently, members of Loci Architecture completed an intensive 16-hour Suspended Scaffold Training, enhancing their skills in safe scaffold usage and mastering essential techniques like knot tying and hitches.

"Overall, it was very fun and engaging," shared one team member. "The hands-on portion was enjoyable, and having a great instructor made all the difference."

This initiative reflects our commitment to safety and professional growth.

The Loci Architecture team joined Merrick Academy Charter School's Ground Breaking Ceremony at 221-06 Merrick Blvd, Laurelton, NY, heralding the start of construction for their new school—a significant milestone signaling a new chapter for Merrick Academy. Designed by Loci, this innovative facility will enable Merrick Academy to expand into a comprehensive K-8th grade institution, promising enhanced educational opportunities and growth for the community.

New York State Education Department Senator Leroy Comrie

Loci welcomes our newest team member, Rami Hammour!

Rami earned a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree from the University of Damascus, Syria, and a Master of Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has a dual interest in building science and architecture as a special and political experience. With nine years of professional experience, he has been involved in projects of different scales, from Passive House-designed homes and theater design to urban planning and public work. He has also designed sets for exhibitions and theater plays in the Middle East. Rami has been frequently invited as a guest critic for design and IBS studios at RISD, Roger Williams University, and Boston Architectural College. He has a strong interest in drawings, theater, and music.

This week, Loci had a blast playing Pictionary! We're always seeking new ways to bond beyond work, and this game was the perfect opportunity to unwind and get creative together. Thanks to Surambika for this fun suggestion!

Check out episode 92 of the Arcat Podcast as David Briggs, AIA, LEED AP, CPHD, Principal and Founding Partner at Loci Architecture, and Dr. Adrian C. Manuel, Executive Director at Merrick Academy Charter School, share insights on the exciting journey of designing the new home for Merrick Academy Charter School.

Located in Jamaica, Queens, this 60,000-square-foot school will be more than just a building; it will symbolize the charter’s commitment to fostering educational excellence and community support. Listen to Adrian and Dave describe how the design includes a range of amenities, including a full kitchen, two outdoor recreational spaces, and a community center to serve the students and their families. They discuss their respective backgrounds and inspirations, and their philosophies on how to design better communities and create a brighter future for the next generation.

ARCAT, Inc. The Sam Tell Companies Wendy Silverstein VHB

Detailed 92: Rooftop Playground | Merrick Academy Charter School In this episode, Cherise is joined by David Briggs, AIA, LEED AP, CPHD, Principal and Founding Partner at Loci (LO-SCI) Architecture in New York, and Dr. Adr...

Dave and Sheena biked across the Williamsburg Bridge to the kickoff meeting for Loci’s latest SCA building envelope project. Both avid cyclists, they paused for a selfie on the bridge before continuing their ride. Thank you, Citibike!

CitiBike NYC School Construction Authority

The Loci team made it a priority to pause and witness the celestial wonder of a solar eclipse on Monday. Even though our spot in NYC wasn't perfectly aligned for the total eclipse, the partial view was still breathtaking. 🌒 But the real highlight of the day was meeting Sheena's adorable baby Emilia, who stole the show. It was a reminder that amidst our professional endeavors, it's these simple, human connections that truly enrich our lives.

Last week David Briggs joined his son, Colin, a graduating architecture student at Woodbury University for a private tour of Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla. Courtesy of Ginny Chacos and Tim Ball - two amazing people - the tour was “the best architectural tour I’ve ever had” according to Dave. The highlights were seeing Louis Kahn’s sketch and comments on the concrete wall mock-up in the cellar and visiting the president’s office. The restoration efforts under Tim’s leadership have been remarkable. Many thanks to Ginny for scheduling this year’s tour with Dave and Colin, and last year’s tour with Surambika Pradhan!

Salk Institute

Our interior renovation project at The Bronx Charter School for Children is taking shape thanks to the collaborative efforts of Loci's Sheena Enriquez and Sai Hu, Urban Projects Collaborative and Barone Management. Stay tuned for more updates as our innovative design process continues to create inspiring spaces for education!

The Manhattan Childrens Center hosted a terrific event at Lavan Wednesday evening to raise funds for its new school on the Upper West Side designed by Loci. MCC is one of NYC’s leading private schools for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodiversities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Abigail Weiss and the Gelb family, including Perrie, Tom, and Josh, for graciously sharing the remarkable achievements of their past and present students, while also envisioning a brighter future for the generations to come.
JFK&M Consulting Group, LLC Rodney D. Gibble Consulting Engineers Talisen Construction LeFrak