Richard Metsky

FAIA, LEED AP
Partner

"Our most vibrant cities are complex and multi-faceted, equal parts preservation and new design. Thoughtfully combined, and well planned, these are the building blocks for reinvigorating urban communities."

In his more than 25 years at Beyer Blinder Belle, Richard Metsky has served as an innovative leader in the planning and design of urban districts across the United States. Striking a graceful balance between historic preservation and contemporary design, he has dedicated his practice to creating vibrant, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities that serve as catalysts for economic, social, and cultural revitalization. Richard’s overriding focus is on design. He begins each project with a careful study of the neighboring context, historic building, or site, identifying opportunities and constraints, and then working to bring new life to them. His designs are informed by every aspect of a project’s context – from the typology of adjacent buildings to the cumulative history of a building, block or neighborhood. For Richard, this process of discovering the secrets of historic buildings and urban districts – and shaping their continued evolution – is the essence of design. Richard’s projects range in type from the restoration and rehabilitation of nationally-significant historic landmarks to large-scale mixed-use developments that integrate housing, entertainment, and commerce. He is at ease working with developers, institutions and public agencies alike, and has ushered many complex projects through the public review process in New York and other cities. Richard’s clients include Extell Development Company, BFC Partners, L+M Development Partners, Vornado Realty Trust, Cordish Companies, Empire State Realty Trust, Madison Square Garden Inc., and New Jersey Transit, among others. A graduate of Cornell University (B.Arch., M.Arch.), Richard is a licensed architect in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and a LEED accredited professional. Richard has been at BBB since 1988.