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Peter Holtzman

Peter Holtzman

New York, NY, US

 

About 

Peter Holtzman, RA / CPHD / NCARB – Founding Principal

Peter is deeply attached to notions of “Home” and how the design of the built environment can play a crucial role in creating or enhancing that – both in concept and in practice. He enjoys collaborating with clients to craft solutions ideal for them. He has spent the past 20 years working in the New York City Architecture field thoughtfully creating and enhancing a range of projects including: custom loft residences, townhouse gut renovations, school facilities and commercial spaces.

In 2005, Peter undertook the design and gut renovation of his own townhouse in Harlem, doing a substantial portion of the construction work himself.  By living the roles of Owner and Builder as well as Architect, he has first-hand insight to the Owner’s concerns of Budget, Time, and Quality as well as real-life knowledge in the “nuts and bolts” of construction and the various trades.  This was an invaluable learning experience that he draws upon every day in his practice.

Before starting Bespoke Architecture, he worked on several award-winning and published projects in both Oregon and New York. He worked for James Givens Design in Oregon through the end of 1999, then  moved to New York, working with The Downtown Group (Later to become Downtown Designworks Architecture).  Throughout his career he has enjoyed working on diverse project types such as Media Facilities, Schools, Commercial Spaces,  Private Apartments, Multi-Family Residential Buildings, Townhouse Renovations, and from-the-ground-up new Single Family Houses.

Peter received his Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon in 1998, and his Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1992.  At the University of Oregon Masters of Architecture Program, he was awarded a Graduate Teaching Fellowship in 1997, and taught courses in Urban Design Principles. His primary areas of focus were architectural composition, detailing, and urban design.  During and after his graduate education, he assisted in teaching Design Studios and was a frequent reviewer for Design Studios.

Peter is a Registered Architect in New York State, NCARB Certified, and is a Certified Passive House Designer.  Peter has particular expertise in Design, Architectural Detailing, Construction Management, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of NYC building and zoning codes.

Peter lives in Harlem, where he makes overly elaborate meals for his kids, and designs and builds furniture rather slowly.

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Bespoke Architecture, New York, NY, US, Principal Architect / Founder

Peter is the Founder and Principal of Bespoke Architecture, PLLC. He is a Registered Architect in the State of New York. He wears many hats and performs many functions from Networking, Client outreach and development, to Schematic Design through Detailing, Contract Documents and Construction Administration. He is especially versed in NYC Zoning and Building Codes, CAD Drafting (with a mastery of Vectorworks), 3D modeling and rendering, meticulous detailing, and grandmaster level AIA G702/G703 administration. He possesses above-average general knowledge about many construction trades including HVAC, Plumbing, and Electrical.

Jan 2016 - current
 

Downtown Designworks Architecture, PLLC, New York, NY, US, Project Architect/Senior Associate

Client Development, Proposal/Agreement writing, NYC Zoning & Building Code Study/Analysis, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Construction Administration, CAD Drafting, Detailing, Minor Structural Design, Marketing, Website Design & Maintenance, Office IT Support, Staff Mentoring and Training.

Jan 2000 - Jan 2019
 

Education 

University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, US, MArch, M. Arch., Option III

Master's of Architecture, Option III Program. Awarded Graduate Teaching Fellowship.

Jun 1995 - Jun 1998
 

University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Santa Cruz, CA, US, Bachelors, Environmental Studies - Policy & Planning

BA in Environmental Studies - Policy & Planning with an emphasis on Urban Planning.

Jan 1989 - Jun 1992
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills