Dattner Architects 2017 Promotions
We are proud to start the new year by announcing promotions. Eric Epstein, Gia Mainiero, and Ruth Ro have been elevated to Associate Principal and Douglas Freeman has been promoted to Senior Associate. In addition, Kirsten Sibilia has been named Dattner Architects’ Managing Principal. These new positions reflect both the evolution of Dattner Architects as well as the individual contributions that Eric, Gia, Ruth, Doug and Kirsten have made to further our firm’s commitment to designing impactful and inspiring social infrastructure projects.
From Left to Right: Douglas Freeman, Gia Mainiero, Kirsten Sibilia, Ruth Ro, Eric Epstein
A proponent of an iterative design process that is rooted in program needs, Eric Epstein AIA, LEED AP seeks opportunities for architecture to make a positive impact in the lives of those who experience it. He is the project manager for the Joel Braverman High School Master Plan, Renovation, and Addition project. Eric is also the lead designer and project manager for the Charles F. Murphy Early Childhood Development Center in Coney Island, the addition to PS 50 in Queens and Riverside Center School in Manhattan – all of which are under construction. “With so many inspiring and dynamic projects recently completed, in construction, or in design, this is a truly exciting time for Dattner Architects. I’m honored to be a part of this creative, thoughtful, and talented team.”
Gia Mainiero AIA, LEED AP BD+C has always been fascinated with the infrastructure of the city and enjoys working on buildings that celebrate civic functions. The project manager for the award winning Manhattan Districts 1/2/5 Garage and Spring Street Salt Shed, her determination to garner a big picture understanding of the services that make urban life possible has led her to manage many of the firm’s infrastructure and transportation projects. “I’m thrilled to take on this role at Dattner Architects. I feel incredibly fortunate to have spent the last 11 years working with a great group of colleagues, consultants and clients that are up for the challenge of making great design a reality. I am looking forward to future collaborations and civic creations.”
Ruth Ro AIA, LEED AP BD+C is a talented designer and project manager. Naturally adept at bringing people together and facilitating dialogue, she approaches each project with a characteristic vitality. She was a critical member of the team for the Hub, a 55-story residential tower now under construction in Downtown Brooklyn and she continues to lead several projects at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for Steiner Studios. “The city is a never-ending work in progress and everyone makes a contribution. As architects, we have a responsibility to use design to keep improving what was there before — to create spaces that are safer, more accessible, more sustainable and that keep raising the standard of urban life. I am honored to be a part of an office that embraces projects that make the city livable and I look forward to building on this foundation in my new role.”
With over 30 years of experience with complex urban projects, Douglas Freeman AIA, LEED AP joined Dattner Architects four years ago. His approach to each project is rooted in the belief that architecture is an art that can transform the habitable environment. With a focus on transportation and infrastructure projects, Doug is the project manager for renovations at the Henry Hudson Bridge, East 91st and West 59th Marine Transfer Stations, PATH Substation No. 9 and LaGuardia West End Substation for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. “New York is one of the most dynamic urban centers in the world. It’s where we work. It’s where we play. I am privileged to be part of Dattner Architects, which is right there in the thick of it, striving to make a positive impact on the city we love.”
A vocal advocate for the value of design and role of civic architecture in our cities, Kirsten Sibilia Assoc. AIA, LEED AP joined Dattner Architects in 2010 to lead the firm’s marketing, business development and communications and strategic planning efforts. She seeks opportunities to strengthen the practice both internally and externally, and in her new role as Managing Principal, Kirsten will oversee the firm’s operations, provide business leadership, and serve as a point person for key discussions. “The social infrastructure architecture that Dattner Architects designs is the foundation of our cities. I am proud to be able to contribute to the health and vitality of our practice, reinforcing our long-standing commitment to civic architecture and our shared belief that design can and does make a difference.”
