Principal and Founder
Katz Architecture
David Katz is a registered architect with over 30 years of experience in architecture and design. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to a wide range of residential, commercial, retail, institutional, urban design and preservation projects. He has worked on both large- and small-scale projects throughout the United States and abroad. Notable projects completed under his guidance as founding principal of Katz Architecture include the restoration and renovation of a historic theater for El Museo del Barrio and the full renovation and expansion of 10-story Landmark District building for MacAndrews and Forbes. Prior to starting his own firm, he project-managed the exterior restoration of the Dakota Apartments.
A graduate of the Cooper Union, he obtained his Masters of Architecture in Italy through the University of Washington Italian studies program.
Is preserving older buildings a growing part of your business?
Absolutely. I have always felt that these types of projects are some of the most interesting and exciting challenges in the architecture and design field, and indeed, since our founding in 2002, the majority of our work has been in these areas. We pride ourselves on our ability to put together a team that has the specific technical skills needed for any such project. More and more, people are realizing that keeping older buildings because of the magnitude of their embodied energy and carbon is a very green approach. The fact that these projects are also sustainable is an additional reward for us and our clients.
What is the biggest challenge in combining new features and design/construction techniques with older building stock?
Older buildings are generally not in compliance with today’s mechanical, electrical and fire protection codes and requirements. The challenge becomes finding spaces to run wiring and utilities efficiently and safely. By being clever and using existing shafts, attics, closets and minor spaces, we are generally able to snake ducts, pipes and conduits through the building. Likewise, bringing older buildings into compliance with today’s more stringent energy codes presents its own challenges. Any building envelope work, such as window or roof replacement, involves modifications that, if not handled properly, could negatively impact the appearance and bulk of the building.
How do you source proper historic materials in a restoration?
The first thing we do is establish with our client where a specific project fits on a scale from “meticulous restoration” to “adaptive reuse.” This allows us to determine if we will be using completely traditional materials and techniques or if we may use some modern substitutions. Then, based on our cumulative knowledge, our in-house staff and outside consultants begin to research similar projects that have recently been completed, talking to other professionals and tapping online sources. There is an amazing wealth of knowledge out there.
Is timing different in a restoration?
Multiple factors influence the length of a preservation project. The most important is the condition of the existing building, which will dictate the amount of work that needs to be done. If the project is in a landmark building, agency approvals could take a great deal of time. When it comes to the construction itself, certain things can happen quickly. On the other end of the time scale, specialized craftsmen often need to be booked well in advance, so if you need one, this is something to consider. Finally, with all renovations, particularly with restorations, there are always surprises during construction. Structural deterioration and damage from earlier, poorly executed renovations hidden in the walls may need to be addressed.
What new tools and programs can help you?
There is a wealth of new technologies that have been developed expressly for these purposes. Large-scale X-ray equipment can be used to identify structural and other components hidden within walls. Mass spectrometry devices can help determine the chemical makeup of various materials so we can better tell how to restore them in a stable way. Tools that allow us to take core samples and inspect them microscopically reveal a history of paint colors in a room or on a façade, including the very first color that it was painted. These innovative tools are instrumental in helping firms like Katz Architecture take on renovation and restoration projects more effectively and efficiently.
How do you find the artisans that can help create a seamless transition from old to new inside (or outside) the building?
We know people who know people! Our team talks to consultants we have worked with before, as well as architects and other firms who have done similar projects. When we are on vacation visiting new places, we are always the ones asking the tour guide if they know who did the replacement stained-glass, wood carving or metalwork. And of course, we spend a lot of time searching online.
