Old building. New possibilities
What if a historic building could take on an entirely new purpose without losing the character that makes it special? This concept for adaptive reuse of a McKim, Mead & … read more
studio stories
From the Archives | Penn State Earth & Engineering Sciences Building
A glimpse into the design process and into MDSA’s history. This original hand-drawn rendering captures the early vision for Penn State’s Earth & Engineering Sciences Building, designed by Herbert Beckhard … read more
In Focus: Circulation
At MDSA, circulation is designed as more than a path between spaces. It is an opportunity to bring movement, light, and connection into the everyday experience of a building. At … read more
Team Outing: Gothic by Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The team ventured to The Metropolitan Museum to look closely at the precision and craft behind hand-drawn architectural works, while experiencing them within one of New York’s most remarkable architectural … read more
Celebrating International Day of Play
For International Day of Play, MDSA is spotlighting Mosaic Pre-K Center at the New York Hall of Science, a project that reflects the essential role of play in early childhood … read more
In Focus: Architecture in the Details
Introducing In Focus, a new MDSA series that takes a closer look at the architectural details that shape the experience of a space. From material transitions and moments of light … read more
Honoring Frank Richlan’s Birthday
Today, we honor the legacy of one of our firm’s founder, Frank Richlan, AIA (February 22, 1942 – September 10, 2003). In 1982, Frank and his partner Herbert Beckhard established … read more
Honoring Herbert Beckhard’s Birthday
Today, we honor the legacy of one of our firm’s founder, Herbert Beckhard, FAIA (January 28, 1926 – September 11, 2003). In 1982, Herb and his partner Frank Richlan established … read more
Happy Holidays from MDSA!
As we wrap up the year, we want to thank everyone who helped make 2025 a success. It’s been a busy and exciting year for our team, and we look … read more
Thankful for our incredible team, clients, and partners.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at MDSA! We’re truly thankful for our incredible team, amazing clients, and trusted partners who make everything we do possible. Their collaboration and support … read more
Rendering to Reality | Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Gymnasium Annex
Architectural projects bring together dozens of stakeholders and design professionals, all contributing to a complex vision conveyed through hundreds of drawings and documents. Renderings distill this wealth of information into … read more
Team Outing: Paul Rudolph Institute and the Modulightor Building
Last week, MDSA team took a trip to Midtown for an inspiring visit to the Paul Rudolph Institute and the Modulightor building. We began outdoors with an engaging discussion on … read more
World Architecture Day
World Architecture Day 2025 celebrates this year’s theme: Design for Strength, a call to action for architecture that protects, empowers, and endures. At MDSA, we are proud to embed resiliency, … read more
National Construction Industry Week
This week, we proudly celebrate the incredible individuals who bring our architectural visions to life — the construction professionals who turn drawings into reality, steel into structure, and ideas into … read more
Rendering to Reality | Morning Sky Residence
Architectural projects bring together dozens of stakeholders and design professionals, all contributing to a complex vision conveyed through hundreds of drawings and documents. Renderings distill this wealth of information into … read more
Celebrating Labor Day with a Look Back at Cornell ILR School Transformation
This Labor Day, we celebrate the spaces that champion workers’ rights, education, and equity. MDSA is proud to have contributed to the mission of the Cornell School of Industrial and … read more
Rendering to Reality | K613
Architectural projects bring together dozens of stakeholders and design professionals, all contributing to a complex vision conveyed through hundreds of drawings and documents. Renderings distill this wealth of information into … read more
SUNY College of Optometry 7th Floor In the News!
Our renovation of the SUNY College of Optometry 7th Floor is “In the News”! Check out our spotlight in AIA New York below. In the News: July 30, 2025 — … read more
Honoring Marcel Breuer’s Legacy
Today, we pause to honor the life and legacy of Marcel Breuer (May 21, 1902 – July 1, 1981), a visionary of modern architecture and Bauhaus master. At MDSA, his … read more
Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Featured in Athletic Business Architectural Showcase
We’re proud to announce that our project, the Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Gymnasium Annex, has been selected for the 38th Annual Athletic Business Architectural Showcase! This dynamic … read more
Congratulations to Michael Valentine, Our Newest Registered Architect!
We’re thrilled to celebrate this major milestone in Michael’s career — the result of years of education, hands-on experience, and successfully passing all 6 challenging divisions of the Architect Registration … read more
Retail Reimagined – SUNY Optometry 7th Floor Clinical Operations
At the heart of the floor, the Optical Retail Center is designed as both a destination and a seamless extension of the clinical journey. A curved glass enclosure and minimal framing create … read more
Inside the Patient Journey – SUNY Optometry 7th Floor Clinical Operations
From the light-filled waiting area, patients begin their visit in one of three Intake Rooms, each directly connected to a fully equipped Pre-Testing Room—a seamless flow designed for efficiency and comfort. The … read more
SUNY College of Optometry 7th Floor Clinical Operations
Common Areas & Patient Flow Designed in close collaboration with SUNY College of Optometry, the newly completed 7th Floor Clinical Operations reimagines the patient experience through thoughtful spatial planning, materiality, … read more
Rendering to Reality | PS 96
Architectural projects bring together dozens of stakeholders and design professionals, all contributing to a complex vision conveyed through hundreds of drawings and documents. Renderings distill this wealth of information into … read more
MDSA Featured in The Construction Source Magazine
We’re excited to share that MDSA is featured in the latest issue of The Construction Source Magazine! The article explores our firm’s history, design philosophy, and project experience—and offers a … read more
MDSA Announces New Associate
We’re proud to announce that Matt Wasnewsky has been named our newest Associate! Matt began his architectural career with MDSA and, since rejoining the firm in 2022, has become an … read more
Rendering to Reality | PS340
Architectural projects bring together dozens of stakeholders and design professionals, all contributing to a complex vision conveyed through hundreds of drawings and documents. Renderings distill this wealth of information into … read more
Grand Re-Opening: SUNY College of Optometry’s University Eye Center
Join us in celebrating the completion and grand re-opening of the SUNY College of Optometry’s University Eye Center! Attendees had the opportunity to explore the modernized environment, which includes three … read more
Celebrating World Optometry Day
March 23rd marks World Optometry Day, a time to recognize the vital role of optometrists in vision care and eye health worldwide. It’s also a reminder of the importance of … read more
Designing a Greener Future with Mass Timber
At MDSA, we continually seek innovative ways to enhance sustainability in our projects. After successfully designing and constructing 10 gymnasiums using architectural precast wall panels, cast-in-place concrete mezzanines, and concrete-filled … read more
Celebrating International Women’s Day
Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible women in our office and the AEC industry. Women have played a vital role in shaping the built environment, designing spaces that inspire, connect, … read more
Honoring Frank Richlan, AIA
Today, we honor the legacy of our founder, Frank Richlan, AIA (February 22, 1942 – September 10, 2003). In 1982, Frank and his partner, Herbert Beckhard, established our predecessor firm, … read more
Celebrating National Engineers Week
We’re excited to celebrate the incredible work of engineers across the country. In the AEC industry, collaboration is the key to achieving excellence. It’s through our partnerships with amazing engineering … read more
Recently Completed: Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Gymnasium
The recently completed Bronx High School for the Visual Arts Gymnasium Annex is a striking blend of modern design and functional architecture. The exterior of the building features a combination … read more
Honoring Herbert Beckhard, FAIA
Today, we celebrate the legacy of our firm’s founder, Herbert Beckhard, FAIA (January 28, 1926 – September 11, 2003). In 1982, Herb and his partner Frank Richlan established our predecessor … read more
Celebrating International Day of Education
To celebrate International Day of Education, established by the United Nations General Assembly, we’re proud to highlight our contribution to global learning through our project at the American School of … read more
Now Available: Light, Color, Texture – The Work of MDSA
We’re thrilled to announce the release of our monograph, Light, Color, Texture: The Work of MDSA — a deep dive into our approach to design, execution, and longevity. Rather than … read more
MDSA Receives 2024 AIA NYS Excelsior Award for Mosaic Pre-K Center
This prestigious award recognizes the project’s overall performance, how it impacts the user and the community, and design excellence, all within the context of a publicly funded project. Contest entries … read more
Mosaic Pre-K Center at New York Hall of Science Receives Honorable Mention in 2024 PCI Design Awards
The Mosaic Pre-K Center at Hall of Science was honored in the 2024 Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) Design Awards. Fundamental to the scheme for the Pre-K Center was to feel … read more
MDSA Recognized at the 2023 Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards
On October 12, the Queens Chamber of Commerce held its 2023 Annual Building Awards Gala, celebrating building projects throughout Queens, New York. Mosaic Pre-K Center at New York Hall of … read more
MDSA’s Gymnasium Prototype featured in PCI’s Project Spotlight
The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) published an article about MDSA’s Gymnasium Prototypes build for New York City School Construction Authority. https://www.pci.org/PCI/Project_Resources/Project_Profile/Project_Profile_Details.aspx?ID=254832 Related Studio Stories MDSA Recognized at the 2023 Queens … read more
MDSA Projects Featured in Several Book Publications
A round-up on the latest publications featuring recent MDSA projects. Solace in Nature: Homes that blend with the landscape Featured Projects: Morning Sky, Cottonwood, AZ Related Studio Stories Morning Sky … read more
January 2020 Newsletter
This Newsletter features MDSA’s recent book publication and new projects under construction. Related Studio Stories Team Outing: Gothic by Design, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Happy Holidays from MDSA! … read more
Building Great Schools for a Great City – ORO Editions
The Public School designs by MDSA are featured extensively in the 2019 publication on recent history of school construction in New York City. https://www.oroeditions.com/product/building-great-schools-for-a-great-city/ Related Studio Stories MDSA Projects … read more
Morning Sky Publications
Morning Sky House, Guest House and Stable featured in books by Images Publishing – Solace in Nature: Homes that blend with the landscape Morning Sky Residence, Cottonwood, AZ … read more
Demanding Sites of Two Schools Call for Innovative Designs
This quarter’s MDSA newsletter focuses on the challenge of designing two New York City Schools on demanding sites while satisfying the missions of the schools. “We designed many spaces for assembly and … read more
Morning Sky in Architect’s Homes
Morning Sky House, Guest House and Stable featured in newly released book by Images Publishing. Related Studio Stories Morning Sky Publications MDSA Projects Featured in Several Book Publications MDSA Featured … read more
PS340 Case Study in Adaptable Architecture
www.adaptablefutures.com Related Studio Stories Now Available: Light, Color, Texture – The Work of MDSA Inside the Patient Journey – SUNY Optometry 7th Floor Clinical Operations Team Outing: Paul … read more
Morning Sky and PS96 in Architect Magazine
architectmagazine.com project-gallery Related Studio Stories Michael Speronza, AIA, LEED AP, named Associate MDSA Receives 2024 AIA NYS Excelsior Award for Mosaic Pre-K Center Thankful for our incredible team, clients, and … read more
PS340 Manhattan published in Adaptable Architecture book
MDSA’s PS340 Manhattan project is one of 10 featured case studies for Adaptable Architecture: Theory and Practice set to be published by Routledge this May. Adaptable Architecture provides thought-provoking and … read more
Four Universal Pre-K Centers Designed by MDSzerbaty Associates Opened in Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island
Four Universal Pre-K Centers designed by the architecture firm MDSzerbaty Associates (MDSA) for the New York School Construction Authority opened this past September, announces Michael Szerbaty, MDSA principal. The four centers, … read more
New Pre-K Center in Brooklyn nearing design completion
Related Studio Stories MDSA’s Gymnasium Prototype featured in PCI’s Project Spotlight MDSA Recognized at the 2023 Queens Chamber of Commerce Building Awards Recently Completed: Bronx High School for the Visual … read more
Cottonwood retreat takes cues from ancient Indians
Article by AZ republic describing the design inspiration for the Morning Sky Residence. When building a home in the Southwest, listen to the experts for a millennium: the Sinagua, Anasazi … read more
Multiple Job Openings
MDSA is a design-oriented practice in New York City. We have a diverse portfolio, having completed a wide range of K-12 and higher ed, civic, healthcare, and commercial buildings for … read more
Morning Sky Residence passes final inspection
MSR passed its final inspection this week and is officially ready for occupancy. Related Studio Stories Demanding Sites for Two Schools Call for Innovative Designs Celebrating World Optometry Day … read more
Michael Speronza, AIA, LEED AP, named Associate
Michael Speronza was promoted to Associate. He previously held the position of Project Architect. In addition to managing the implementation of projects, as an associate, Mr. Speronza will play a critical … read more
Freedman named Practice Partner
Michael Freedman was promoted to partner. He will continue to hold the position of associate. As partner of the firm, he will participate in the management and decision making of … read more
Old Hospital Morphs into New School
Developed by the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) and designed by MDSzerbaty+Associates (MDSA), PS 340 recently opened on the lower floors of the New York Foundling Hospital, located on the corner … read more
New green school opens its doors in Chelsea
PS340, a public school developed by the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) and designed by MDSzerbaty+Associates (MDSA), opened its doors in Chelsea recently. Located at the corner of the Avenue … read more
MDSzerbaty designs 23,000sqft. Polo Grounds Community Center – $13 million project
A community center with a curved roofline and bold color scheme has just opened to serve the West Harlem residents of three low and middle-income housing complexes. Designed by MDSzerbaty … read more
NY Foundling Hospital to convert to public school
The New York School Construction Authority is planning the conversion of the lower six floors and cellar of the 95,000-sq-ft, 14-story New York Foundling Hospital’s Manhattan building, first built in … read more
SCA selects MDSA for new school
MDSA announced its selection by the NYC School Construction Authority (SCA) to design the conversion of the major portion of New York Foundling Hospital’s Manhattan building into the new home … read more
MDSA selected to give new home for PS340
PS 340 to Occupy Six Floors of the New York Foundling Hospital in a Renovation by MDSzerbaty Associates Architecture (MDSA). MDSA is pleased to announce its selection by the NYC … read more
MDSA participating in Green Buildings Open House
This event is GreenHomeNYC’s semi-annual guided tour of green buildings all over New York City, taking place on May 8th of this year. The event gives New Yorkers a chance … read more
Demanding Sites for Two Schools Call for Innovative Designs
Two New York City schools that opened recently demonstrate creative responses to demanding sites in the Bronx. Designed by MDSzerbaty & Associates Architecture (MDSA) for the New York City School … read more
Transparency Opens Up Conference Center
NY-based Michael D. Szerbaty + Associates has completed a newly renovated conference center for Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR). Located in midtown Manhattan, the center’s expanded … read more
Vassar College Ferry House Dormitory Restoration
Article published in Interior Design. Related Studio Stories Transparency Opens Up Conference Center Old Hospital Morphs into New School New green school opens its doors in Chelsea
Drew United Methodist Church
Article published in Concrete Masonry Designs. Related Studio Stories Old Hospital Morphs into New School Transparency Opens Up Conference Center Police Service Area #5
Riverfront Office Complex (Cali Tower)
Published in National Academy of Design 178th Annual Exhibition Catalogue. Related Studio Stories Cali International Financial Center Lobby Transparency Opens Up Conference Center Old Hospital Morphs into New School
Cali International Financial Center Lobby
Published in Water Spaces of the World Volume 3. Related Studio Stories Riverfront Office Complex (Cali Tower) Transparency Opens Up Conference Center Old Hospital Morphs into New School
Police Service Area #5
Project published in AIA Guide to New York City, Norval White; 2000, Times Books. Related Studio Stories Old Hospital Morphs into New School Transparency Opens Up Conference Center New green … read more