Urban Architectural
Initiatives, RA, P.C. (UAI) is an architectural and planning firm with
extensive experience in housing and community facilities, as well as
educational, residential, health care, religious, commercial, transportation,
historic restoration and urban revitalization projects. A primary focus has
been serving nonprofit, community-based organizations that provide housing, treatment and social services to various special
needs populations including the homeless, mentally ill, senior citizens and
single mothers.The practice draws on
the varied experiences of its principals and staff, combining a strong interest
in urban building types with a broad and in-depth knowledge of the construction
industry.
UAI was
formed by David Hirsch and Tony Shitemi in 1996 and has grown to become a
diverse, ten person firm. After establishing site-specific parameters we work
with the client to define and understand their program followed by a design
charrette that explores concepts of space and image appropriate to the project.
We engage our clients in the full design process and have comprehensive
experience working with government regulating and funding agencies and with
clients whose projects require careful consideration of needs and suitable
allocation of resources. We have fully integrated sustainable design in our
practice to achieve buildings that reduce energy costs, are ecologically
friendly, and provide a healthy indoor environment, and we have 2 LEED
accredited professionals on our staff.
Every project begins as a blank slate in which the architect’s
role is to identify, organize and prioritize a variety of design-influencing
factors such as the site condition, the client’s wishes and the entire
consultant team’s recommendations. The office is especially committed to
maintaining the highest quality product resulting from a well-founded design
approach, proper documentation of the construction requirements and meticulous
supervision during the construction process. It is our mission to provide the
most creative design solutions to satisfy the various challenges of a
project. Our buildings are warm and
welcoming environments that enrich the lives of individuals, families and
communities.
UAI has successfully completed many projects for the City of New
York, State of New York, and the United States Federal Government. UAI’s
principals and staff have longstanding relationships with a wide range of
governmental agencies and local community groups. The firm brings to its
clients a dedication to the design and production process as well as in-depth
knowledge of governmental guidelines, standards and regulations, UAI continues
to expand its list of completed projects in the five boroughs and the tri-state
area.