10.25.11 | New York, NY | The architecture and design firm Andrew Franz Architect PLLC has announced the recent hire of four new designers and project managers in 2011. According to the firm’s founding principal, architect Andrew Franz, the new appointments represent talented and experienced professionals who will help the firm address an expanding portfolio of residential, cultural and commercial building projects.

“In this difficult economic environment, we’re fortunate to be growing and taking on new challenges with our recent project wins,” says Franz. “These four new people will add to an already diverse and capable team, and further benefit our clients.”

According to Franz, the four new employees include Rivka Merson, who worked with Andrew Franz Architect previously and has returned after completing her masters of architecture degree at Switzerland’s Academy of Architecture of Medrisio (L'Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio). In her new capacity, Merson serves as project manager; she returned to Andrew Franz Architect this summer.

Two recent graduates of leading architecture schools have also joined the firm: Ivy lee, who earned a masters degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute in New York City, has been hired as an interior design associate. The second is Anne Kemper, who earned her masters of architecture degree at Yale; she will take on the role of junior architectural associate.

Earlier this year, Andrew Franz Architect also recruited Jaime Donate to serve as a senior project manager for architecture and design. Donate received his masters of architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design (GSD). Donate brings to the firm ample experience in managing a variety of building projects.

Ramping up for new work

For Franz and the rest of the architecture firm’s team, these professionals will help address a growing backlog of work including commercial interiors, a variety of residences, and a several larger-scale projects. One of them, the Dyckman Marina redevelopment in Manhattan, part of the mayor’s waterfront plan, recently cleared a key design approval from the Public Design Commission, a city agency. Others, such as several high-end residential projects now nearing completion, are keeping the expanded staff busy.

A detail-oriented firm known for originality, design excellence and responsiveness to client needs, Andrew Franz Architect has developed a successful design process that blends craft, beauty and passion with a pragmatic, trusting client relationship. “We have a growing roster of projects for nonprofit foundations and civic/arts organizations, as well commercial office work, too,” Franz adds. “Our process serves them well, but will do so even more with new people who can help deliver the increasingly complex and architectural commissions that we enjoy so much.”