About GF55 Architects
GF55 Architects is dedicated to the practice of architecture and the realization of concepts into reality. They have a genuine love of being architects and bring a joyfulness that is fundamental to the creative process. They seek excellence through a collaborative search amongst themselves, their clients and expert consultants. Embracing modern technology and work practices, GF55 is hands-on and results-oriented without prejudice to project type or scale.
Recognizing that each project is unique, GF55 Architects allows context and program to inspire our creativity. Projects are individually led by firm partners David E. Gross AIA, Leonard Fusco AIA, or Shay Alster AIA and supported by diverse teams of project managers, architects, and designers. Their dedication to the craft of architecture is based upon the understanding that design solutions are influenced from all sectors of society, that they must consider the realistic parameters of timelines, budgets, constructability, historic context, local impacts, and the environment at large.
Design Approach and Team Building
NYC is in their DNA. It’s what drives their belief that the built environment must be humanized in order to be a part of the natural landscape. This philosophy is intrinsic to their design process whether they are creating a solution for a multi-residential tower, a private residential home, or implementing a brand name for a national retail corporation. GF55 designs with modern technologies and work practices, yet we adhere to Vitruvius’ classic principles of Firmitas (durability), Utilitas (functionality), and Venustas (beauty).
Their NYC headquarters, a bright open floor plan, is intended to encourage professional and social interaction. They nurture the social interaction of their staff with weekly cocktail hours, a volleyball team, foodie outings, summer and holiday events. These after work activities build a reservoir of good will between team members, encouraging the notion that the best solutions come from an open expression of ideas.
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Architect-US J1 Visa Participants
Josipa started his career graduating from the University of Zagreb in his home country of Croatia. He then started his own design studio, and worked on his firm and craft for two years before making his way over to the USA. He studied Sustainable Design and Architecture at Pratt Institute in New York City. After finishing his Masters, he applied to work at GF55 Architects via the JOB+J1 Visa Program, and was able to get the opportunity to work at GF55.
Juan has been focused on making the move to work in New York City, and after gaining more experience with construction at Ghesa Engineering in Madrid, he made it over to GF55 Architects in early 2019 and has been working there ever since.
Alicia worked with GF55 from May 2019 to November 2020. Her work involves every single design phase, from schematic to construction administration. Her labor is adapted to the project and client’s needs, including 3D modeling, creating documentation sets for every project’s phases, presentation layout design, coordination with consultants, products and solutions research and site visits. She is still working at GF55 Architects and hopes to stay in the USA for longer if possible.
Alejandro started his own firm in 2007 called Caicoya Arquitectura, and then got the opportunity to apply his learnings to projects with GF55 Architects since January 2019. He continues working with them and is looking to stay in the USA for a longer period of time.
Sofia is a dynamic Project Architect with a fluid and seamless artistic vision. Notable design projects have included residential, educational, retail and corporate interior construction and remodeling projects. She has enjoyed her experience of working at GF55 Architects so far.
Ingo Nicolaas Aelbers
Ingo has been working with GF55 Architects for around a year now, and was able to go from graduating from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands to working in New York City for a top-rated firm.
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As you scroll through the following two projects they have created, consider all of these design techniques and ideas they have implemented.
GF55 Projects
46-09 Eleventh is a six-story multi-family apartment building in Long Island City, New York. This 47,800 square feet development has 59 rental units of which 12 are affordable housing. The goal was to construct a high livability, amenity rich, and contextual building that elevates the neighborhood. The building comprises 11 studio, 37 one bedroom, and 11 two bedroom apartments. Tenants enjoy a landscaped courtyard, state-of-the art fitness center, resident parking, bike storage, and roof terrace. 46-09 is in a neighborhood in Queens that was previously home to warehouses and had a more industrial feel. Today this vibrant area has a thriving mixed-residential and artistic community which has inspired the design as well as the brick details of the building.
Photos by GF55
Servicing the JFK international airport community and adjacent to the Jamaica Transit Hub – one of the busiest railroad stations in North America – this hotel was conceptualized as part of a modern transit ecosystem and will serve as a social refresh for busy travelers. The 28-story 125,000 square foot hotel with 241 guest rooms, will stand as the tallest building in the vicinity. The goal in designing this space was to set an example for future architecture in the area. The tower will float above a glass 40 foot base containing the lobby, bars, pool and public spaces. The fourth floor roof terrace will be a green roof, tying in a proposal for a park installation just around the corner and hinting at all of the incredible outdoor spaces that New York has to offer.
Photos by GF55
Do not forget that we will be posting more work by GF55 in the coming weeks and months, so keep an eye out for more of their incredible work!! Every Friday we will be posting a new Featured Company, so join us again next week!
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