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As part of this year’s Discover Architecture program through the Center for Architecture, we had the pleasure of hosting Esther, a talented local high school student, in our office over the past few days. During her time with us, Esther immersed herself in a range of architectural topics, from touring local projects such as the Schomburg Center, Greenpoint Library, and Center for Brooklyn History, to hands-on experiences with Rhino tutorials and VR walkthroughs. It was inspiring to witness her curiosity and passion for architecture, and we look forward to seeing where her journey in the field takes her!

Read more at the Center for Architecture website

As part of the inaugural cohort for NYC Economic Development Corporation’s Mass Timber Studio, Jason Roberts from MFA and Justin Den Herder from TYLin | Silman Structural Solutions presented how our New Lots Library team has been exploring the use of mass timber in NYC. The first of its kind in the city, the Mass Timber Studio was created to prioritize the decarbonization of the built environment by supporting and helping to advance mass timber projects. During Climate Week NYC, we joined the six other project teams from the inaugural cohort for a final public presentation to share insights on design strategies, structural innovations, regulatory challenges, and other key lessons learned. Deepening our commitment to sustainable building practices and thoughtful material use, this project reinforces mass timber’s potential to reshape urban architecture.

We are pleased to announce two new Senior Architect positions for returning team members, Peter Adams and Katie Shima.

Peter Adams, AIA

Peter Adams rejoined Marble Fairbanks as a Senior Architect in June 2023 after gaining valuable experience over the past five years at FullStack Modular, COOKFOX Architects, Centurion Real Estate Partners LLC, and Assembly OSM. Having worked at the firm from 2015 to 2018 and with over 12 years of experience in New York City, Peter brings a wide range of knowledge within several sectors of the AEC industry to MFA. Currently, he is Project Lead for a renovation and addition project for the historic Beebe Plain Land Port of Entry, on the US-Canada border and is part of a team working on a 60,000SF full renovation of an historic building in the Charlestown Navy Yard for the National Parks of Boston Headquarters. During his previous time at MFA, Peter worked on the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, Colman Hall at Lawrence University, and POTS. Peter can be contacted at [email protected].

Katie Shima, AIA

Katie Shima has over 15 years of experience in cultural, civic, and workplace architecture. Having worked at Marble Fairbanks from 2005-2006 and from 2009 to 2012, she rejoined the Marble Fairbanks team as a Senior Architect in January 2024 after serving as Design Director at SITU Studio.  She is currently serving as design lead for a renovation of the New York University Law Library as well as the National Parks of Boston Headquarters and is part of the collaborative design team with MASS Design Group for the New Lots Library in Brooklyn. During her previous time at Marble Fairbanks Architects, Katie contributed to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Glen Oaks Branch Library, Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, and Flatform, our installation included in the exhibition Home Delivery: Fabricating the Modern Dwelling at the Museum of Modern Art. Katie can be contacted at [email protected].

We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected to participate in the inaugural cohort for the New York City Mass Timber Studio through our work on the Brooklyn Public Library New Lots Branch in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library, Mass Design Group, Envoie Projects, and Silman Structural Solutions. 

The first of its kind in New York City, the Mass Timber Studio program prioritizes the decarbonization of the built environment by supporting mass timber projects in their early phases. Projects selected for the inaugural cohort include those that provide community space, residential development, and adaptive reuse. 

The New Lots Library, located in East New York is one of the largest libraries in the BPL system, offering a diverse array of programs for all ages. We are now in Schematic Design, working closely with Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) and the community to explore opportunities to transform and expand the branch to better serve its present-day patrons as well as future generations. Read more.

Image courtesy of NYCEDC.

It was an honor to attend Urban Dove’s 21st Annual Evening with the Dove. Each year, we look forward to the UD Gala as an opportunity to celebrate this incredible organization, the Urban Dove Community, and those that are dedicated to supporting the growth of the young people that Urban Dove serves. We are looking forward to all of the success and exciting work that the next year will bring for the school. Congratulations to all of the individuals that were recognized!