FIRM PROFILE
At CHRISTINA GRIFFIN ARCHITECT PC, our architectural practice promotes creativity and individualism in design through a collaborative process with the client. Established in 1988, we have designed buildings, interiors, and public spaces throughout the New York metropolitan area. We are a civic-minded firm known for community projects including a firehouse expansion, a school playground, a downtown plaza for the Village of Hastings-on-Hudson, and affordable housing for the Town of Mamaroneck. Our projects range from renovation, restoration and new construction of private residences to civic and commercial projects. Our firm has adopted principles of green design and sustainability which are demonstrated in our recent projects. Christina Griffin is a LEED AP (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) and the firm is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGB).
Our design methodology begins with an analysis of the client’s goals and a feasibility study. The project team conducts a site visit, reviews zoning and survey information, examines contextual features of the site, and interviews key building users. Parameters for design, scope and cost are assembled, and various design options explored, for review at a series of client / architect meetings. Throughout this process, the project evolves from initial concept to a formula for construction, conveying how the design objectives translate into a physical structure. Our team approach continues during construction, emphasizing close communication with client, contractor, and architect, and working towards achieving a high standard of aesthetics, function, and high performance construction.
Christina Griffin’s artistic flair and creativity is intrinsic to her designs. Themes characteristic of her style include light and airy interiors, gracious proportions, integrated indoor and outdoor spaces, and the balance of architectural forms and materials with the surrounding environment. Her designs seek to elevate the quality of life – whether in creating a welcoming communal space, a comfortable and serene living area, or in the assembly of dramatic architectural forms.
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
CHRISTINA GRIFFIN A.I.A. LEED AP studied at Syracuse University and the Architectural Association of London. She received her Bachelor of Architecture in 1979. Christina has been a registered architect with the State of New York since 1985, and is a member of the Westchester Chapter of the AIA.
Prior to opening her practice Christina Griffin was Project Architect at Ferrenz, Clark, and Associates in NYC, designing medical and health care facilities. Her design for the Mercer County Geriatric Center was exhibited in 1984 at the Health in Architecture Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 1988, Christina Griffin, opened her own practice. In 1991 she was featured in “Women of Achievement” by Women’s News. She was a board member of the Westchester Chapter of Habitat for Humanity from 1988 to 1992, and designed the first Habitat affordable housing project in Westchester. She has been a member of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce and the Westchester Association of Women Business Owners, and from 1996 to 2007 was the Chairperson for the Hastings Architectural Review Board. As a member of the Design Guidelines Committee, she has developed the design guidelines for the commercial district in the village of Hastings-on Hudson.
In 1998, Christina Griffin Architect received a Citation for Recognition of Architectural Excellence from the American Institute of Architects for the renovation/extension of Protection Engine Company No. 1, the firehouse in downtown Hastings-on-Hudson. In 2005, Westchester Home featured an outstanding example of one of her modern homes in the article, “Glorious Home”.
Christina Griffin has embarked on the development of sustainable and eco-friendly designs over the past few years. She began River Town House LLC, a development company, to build and promote environmentally conscious residences. The company’s first project, River Town House, is located in Hastings-on-Hudson and is expected to be completed in July 2009. The project has an anticipated LEED for Homes rating of Gold.
Christina Griffin Architect PC became a member of the USGBC in 2007, and Christina Griffin obtained her LEED AP (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) in March 2009.
Christina has recently become a member of the Educational Committee for the Westchester Chapter of A.I.A., and has created an educational program on sustainable design for teenagers called Exploring Architecture Youth Workshop, which will be held throughout the summer of 2009. cg@christinagriffinarchitect.com
PROJECT DESIGNER
SUZANNE LEVINE is an architectural designer who joined the firm in 1999, providing all aspects of professional practice – including design, construction document preparation, project management, and construction administration. She is a member of the Design Guideline Committee in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, drafting aesthetic goals and priorities for the community’s downtown. She also volunteers as a mentor to high school students interested in pursuing a career in architecture.
Prior to joining Christina Griffin Architect, Suzanne was a studio assistant for several New York City artists, working as an archivist and photographic printer, as well as a coordinator for a large-scale public sculpture project. Her professional career began as a writer and editor for publications on the arts, politics and health. She authored a book on political activism (Riverhead Press, 1995), and has written a series of children's books on world mythology for Franklin Watts. Suzanne has a B.A. in English from Boston University, she obtained her LEED AP (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) in June 2009. and is currently working toward her license in architecture. sl@christinagriffinarchitect.com
ARTISTIC COORDINATOR
JOSEFA MULAIRE provides the coordination of presentation materials and building department submissions. She is also the webmaster and architectural photographer for our firm. She is the founding member of the Farragut Complex Playground Committee, spearheading the site planning and design of an innovative playspace for the middle school students of Hastings. Her photographs of distinctive historical buildings and architectural features in downtown Hastings were included in the village’s Design Guidelines.
Josefa is a visual artist, receiving a B.A. in theater from Bard College and an M.F.A. in art-photography from Syracuse University. Her artwork (www.josefamulaire.com) has been exhibited throughout the United States. Before joining Christina Griffin Architect, Josefa ran the digital photography department at Dementi Studios in Richmond, VA, and was the Art Director of Theatre in Action in downtown NY. jm@christinagriffinarchitect.com
PROJECT DESIGNER
RENA MANDE is a graduate of Binghamton University with a B.S. in Psychobiology and a minor in Geology. She has been with the firm for 6 years and is currently getting her Masters of Architecture at the Newschool for Architecture in San Diego, CA.
PROJECT DESIGNER
ANA MARIA MCGINNIS is the owner of Going Native a fine garden and stonework landscaping company. She works freelance for the firm as a designer. She received a B.A. in Art and Mathematics at Connecticut College, and a M.B.A. from Harvard University.
CONTACT
tel:
(914) 478-0799
fax: (914) 478-0806
10 Spring Street
Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
info@christinagriffinarchitect.com
LINKS
PUBLICATIONS & AWARDS
LEED FOR HOMES CERTIFICATION 2010
DOBBS FERRY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 2009
EXPLORING ARCHITECTURE ARTICLE 2009
 |
 |
 |