Founded in 1993, Terrence O’Neal Architect LLC (TONA) is a full-service firm that provides architecture, interior design, project management and planning services for public and private clients. Specializing in corporate interiors, large-scale multi-housing developments, healthcare facilities, schools and community centers, TONA is modeled on a single principle: that architecture can, and should, have a positive impact on the lives of people.
The firm has become a respected design outlet known for its uncompromising commitment to quality and individualized services. TONA has an extremely high proportion of repeat clients who issue larger and more complex projects over time.
The firm’s work has been noted in various architectural, trade and general interest publications. Terrence O’Neal Architect LLC recently completed a $25 million, 125,000 sf rehabilitation of the residential spaces for Covenant House New York at its 460 West 41st Street site, one of the nonprofit organization’s busiest Manhattan locations. Residential rooms have been regrouped, rebuilt and significantly improved. Larger windows invite natural light to penetrate the resident’s lounge on each floor. Mr. O’Neal’s was awarded with the AIA New York State (AIANYS) Matthew W. Del Gaudio Service Award in recognition of his active and ongoing service to AIANYS and to the profession; and the 2008 AIANYS President’s Citation for service and leadership. Mr. O’Neal has served roles of increasing leadership with the AIA and is now New York Regional Director on the national board.
Terrence O’Neal Architect LLC is large enough to design and coordinate multimillion dollar projects, yet it continues to offer intensely personalized attention that begins with listening to the client and becoming finely attuned to each project’s specific needs. A team of talent is then assembled under Mr. O’Neal’s direction. Through an open exploration of ideas, a step-by step, highly coordinated and carefully scheduled and budgeted plan is created. The end result suits the client’s requirements and desires, providing an environment that yields lasting and meaningful benefits to the people who inhabit it.
TONA has created architecture in balance – realizing their clients’ highest aspirations while respecting shared social responsibilities and building within available resources. This architecture balances order and openness, building and context, permanence and flexibility, monumentality and human scale. It is architecture of civility, where each building is considered to be in a conversation with its users and surroundings, responding to their needs in a dialogue of sensitivity and respect. In a civil conversation, varieties of human imagination and aspiration can be heard. A civil architecture aims to house, protect, nurture, and ennoble this discourse of civilization.
The firm approaches each project with sensitivity to client needs, project context, and other factors both tangible and intangible, that may affect it. While theoretical preferences may have an influence, the specificity of each potentiality has an even greater value to the overall design effort. This emanates from the firm’s philosophy that existing site and building contexts are to be respected.
Flexibility to changing technology is paramount. TONA and staff endeavor to keep in front of emanating design and technical advances that may effect client needs, such as sustainability. The firm’s work strikes a balance between architecture as art and architecture as a service to humanity and community.
