Archinect
Klaus Schmitt

Klaus Schmitt

New York, NY, US

 

About 

.I have many years of broad based architectural design and project management experience with skills to overcome challenges and deliver effective solutions.  Outstanding program and leadership capabilities with excellent communication and presentation skills, strong management abilities.  I understands the relationship between various project stakeholders and I have the ability to work well with a diversity of people. I have held various roles, ranging from Designer to Programmer, Project Architect, Project Management for a variety of projects. Including, educational facilities, historical restoration, residential projects, government buildings, scientific laboratories, corporate offices, private homes and naval vessels. I have designed over three million square feet of interior space throughout my career. I have been fortunate to participate in major restorations of numerous prominent landmarks in New York City; many of which have been highlighted in the New York Times.  I have been responsible for all aspects of construction administration and project management.  I have also been responsible for the restoration and modernization of twenty-four school buildings for the New York City School Construction Authority. Over the years I have specialized in Construction Administration. My most recent efforts for developers have been zoning analysis, preliminary construction estimating, and constructability reviews.  Most commercial projects involve bank loans and I have learned that maintaining a schedule is paramount.  To that end, I am able to provide quick and accurate solutions to problems in the field.          

Employment 

phbCatlyst Group, New York, NY, US, Sr. Project Manager

Work includes, zoning analysis, estimating, scheduling, peer review of construction documents for constructability, Department of Buildings review. Bid management and review, scheduling, construction contracts, controlled inspections as well as direct supervision of sub-contractors. The most recent effort has been for a luxury condominium on East 10th Street. Other projects have included: The New Yorker Hotel, Project manager for a $25 million renovation of several floors for upgraded rooms as well as infrastructure upgrades and exterior restoration; The Kalahari Mixed-Use Project, commercial and community spaces and sub-grade parking garage, within a total envelope of 400,000 S.F; and the Rockefeller Orangerie, Pre-construction services for the Rockefeller Brothers Trust for the renovation and adaptive re-use of the Orangerie for an event and performance space.

Jan 2008 - current
 

Erenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn, New York, NY, US, Sr Project Manager / Studio director

With this firm I advanced from Project Management to Studio Director. My abilities to mentor younger architects was an important part of the firm’s ethos.. I worked mostly with Dennis Kuhn on projects involving restoration and adaptive reuse including the restoration of the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal and the National Arts Club. Also, Public School 59 the adaptive reuse of a 53,000 S.F. former nurses’ dormitory, built in 1917, to an elementary school for 480 children .New York City Schools Restoration and Modernization involved upgrades to numerous public schools in New York City. In addition, Construction Administration for The New York Blood Center an 85,000 S.F. medical facility. The complex contains state-of-the-art blood processing and research laboratories. The project received an award from the AIA.

Jan 1996 - Jan 2008
 

William A Hall Partnership, New York, NY, US, Sr. Project Manager / Principal

Work for this small firm consisted mostly of government agency work. Projects were primarily
educational facilities. Projects involved upgrades to SUNY Old Westbury, SUNY Farmingdale, and CUNY, BMCC (Borough of Manhattan Community College)

Jan 1994 - Jan 1996
 

Platt Byard Dovell White Architects, New York, NY, US, Project Manager

I advanced from Project Designer to Project Manager for this mid-sized New York City Firm. Projects included numerous interior design projects for Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., restorations of the Williamsburg Bank, a Brooklyn landmark, Flushing Town Hall and Salmagundi Club Exterior Façade Restoration

Jan 1986 - Jan 1994
 

Merz Architects, Brooklyn, NY, US, Designer

Merz Architects is a small residential design firm. Work included design, detail, and
construction administration for a number of high end residences. Including the Reid House: 6,000 SF residence for Whitelaw Reid, Mt Kisco NY

Jan 1984 - Jan 1986
 

Gibbs & Cox, Inc Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, New York, NY, US, Lead Draftsman and Liason representative at Bath iron Works

Work was primarily in the development of a prototype FFG-7 frigate, USS Oliver Hazard
Perry, for the US Navy. Duties included design and detailing as well as liaison representation
at Bath iron Works in Maine during construction of the ship. Additional work included
preliminary ship design for Australia, South Korea and Spain

Apr 1976 - Jan 1984
 

Education 

Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, US, BArch, Bach. of Architecture

I persued a B. of Arch. with time off for employment to earn tuition.

Sep 1969 - Jan 1976
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills