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Dattner Architects is a mission-driven, women-owned design firm. Our work focuses on civic spaces and the urban experience. We transform environments and strengthen communities through engaged collaboration, thoughtful programming, and creative design.

Dattner Architects’ foundation is civic architecture. Our designs for transit, schools, libraries, housing, healthcare, parks and recreation facilities, and community centers enrich the urban fabric with distinctive, innovative, and inspiring buildings—positively impacting countless residents.

We believe each project must belong to its place and time, tread lightly on the environment, and inspire its users. The process of engagement with stakeholders shapes our projects and how we work. Through an exchange of ideas with clients, interdisciplinary teams of consultants, public agencies, and communities, we maintain a holistic design approach, leading to creative solutions.

Dattner Architects Past & Present
01
1964
Dattner Architects founded in New York City
After studies at the Architectural Association in London and MIT, serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers, and working for seven leading NYC Architecture firms, Richard founds Richard Dattner AIA Architect.
Image
1966
Adventure Playground in Central Park
Commissioned by the Estee and Joseph Lauder Foundation, the Adventure Playground helps spark a revolution in creative design for play
03
1969
Publication of Richard Dattner’s book Design for Play
The publication of Design for Play and the design of the Adventure Playground leads to play and recreation commissions around the US and overseas.
Estee 011
1970
Estee Lauder Laboratories in Melville
The beginning of a 56-year relationship with a small cosmetic firm, now a global company—with projects completed in NY, Canada, the UK, Belgium and Switzerland.
Riverbank State Park
1978
Riverbank State Park
Design begins for what will become the 3rd most used State Park in New York, and the only one built on the roof of a pollution treatment plant.
PS 234
1984
Public School PS 234
Dattner Architects is selected by a parent and teacher committee to design this now legendary community school in Lower Manhattan.
AsphaltGreen Esto
1993
Asphalt Green Swim Center
A triangular site adjoining a former asphalt plant is developed into the largest Olympic pool in New York City—a venue to teach generations of youth how to swim.
Ð
1992
Democratic National Convention
The design of a truly ‘democratic’ setting for the 1992 DNC Convention in New York City—with an urban amphitheater connecting the podium with the convention floor.
72nd Street Subway Station
2003
West 72nd Street Subway Station
An iconic headhouse surrounded by a reimagined public space replaces the infamous “Needle Park” on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, a sign of New York’s recovery and rebirth.
Steiner Studios
2004-2020
Steiner Studios
The beginnings of a growing east-coast film empire at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Steiner Studios is now the largest film studio complex outside of Hollywood.
Bronx Library Center New York Public Library Dattner Architects
2005
Bronx Library Center
The Bronx’s main library is also the city’s first public LEED Silver project and the most frequently used branch library in the New York Public Library system.
Hudson River Park
2001-2006
Hudson River Park, Segments 6 &7
A major advance in the development of one of the most popular city parks and the transformation of the former industrial waterfront.
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Via Verde
2012
Via Verde—The Green Way
The winning entry in a world-wide competition, this much-published project set a new standard for mixed income urban housing.
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7 Line
2015
7 Line Extension, Hudson Yards Station
The first new subway line in decades is completed. A complex undertaking that joins the far West Side and Hudson Yards to Times Square and Grand Central.
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M125 Garage And Salt Shed
2015
Manhattan District 1/2/5 & Salt Shed
This LEED Gold project reinvents a traditionally utilitarian typology into a dramatic, ecologically friendly civic landmark.
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PavelBendov Hub 1117 Exterior001
2017
The HUB
This 54-story skyscraper furthers the transformation of Downtown Brooklyn into one of the city’s new residential and cultural centers.
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Alafia
2020
Alafia
Part of New York State’s Vital Brooklyn initiative, this large-scale masterplan lays out a new affordable housing neighborhood based on themes of social, environmental, and physical well-being.
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Santaella Gardens
2021
Santaella Gardens
Dattner Architects' first completed Passive House project.
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24 0313 Principals Group H For News
2024
Majority Women Ownership
Dattner Architects is recognized as a WBE by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Dattner Architects is a mission-driven, women-owned design firm creating engaging and impactful architecture.
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