Lee + Associates Architects is a research based practice known for award-winning modern solutions with a focus on urban and environmental sustainability. With over 20 years of architectural design experience, the work of Karen Lee and her studio reflects thoughtful public and private sector projects developed through a process of inquiry, client collaboration, and urban exploration. We bring natural and local materials research and renewable energy strategies into the first phases of design study and fully integrate the “landscape” with architectural space and form.

The Team has proven experience in rehabilitation, renovation and new construction of transportation facilities, university buildings, libraries, art galleries, theatres, as well as mixed-use buildings. We have significant expertise in historic preservation and spearheading the LEED process and submittals for LEED certification. On most of our projects, we interface with federal, state and city agencies, and also SHPO, National Parks Service, NYC Landmarks, NYSERDA and USGBC. Our work has won numerous awards, including two American Institute of Architects (AIA) for Excellence in Design, various research fellowships and grants for continued study and, most recently, the 2007 A.R.T./New York Dewitt Stern Local Hero Award for our work with non-profit cultural groups.

Karen Lee has been fully committed to sustainable building design for over 15 years and has participated in the design of 6 “energy producing” buildings while with William McDonough + Parters. Five of these buildings are built for Nike International, the Netherlands, and the sixth for Oberlin College, Oberlin Environmental Studies Center. With the background and training of all the studio members in sustainable practices of energy conservation and architecture, we explore realistic design alternates during the early phases. We have the ability to quickly weigh the aesthetic, economic and energy pros and cons of different strategies and make well-studied and intelligent recommendations. L+AA enjoys long-standing relationships with engineering firms with similar sustainable experience.

L+AA senior staff has been working together successfully on public projects for well over 9 years and has a full understanding of the rigueur required by state and city public agencies. We are constantly optimizing our Quality Control Program, as well, to provide the best possible coordinated architectural service.

We believe exceptional endeavors require close collaboration with clients and mutual exploration of project priorities. Guided by an ongoing commitment to architectural research, L+AA transforms our clients aspirations into meaningful architectural language.