RKTB Architects, P.C., has announced the promotions of two key design staff members, the most recent move in the firm’s commitment to advancing
architecture, city life and social equity. Known for innovative designs and a diverse portfolio in housing, educational, cultural, civic and healthcare architecture, RKTB has elevated Nelson Vega, Assoc. AIA, to Associate Principal at the firm, while Enrico Kurniawan, AIA, takes on the role of Associate. The promotions have been timed to coincide with the firm’s celebration of its 55th anniversary, according to RKTB.

Primarily focused on coordinating the design and construction phases for a diverse range of projects, Nelson Vega, a graduate of the City College of New York School of Architecture and Environmental Studies, joined RKTB in 1998, and he first rose to the level of Associate in 2003. Vega’s portfolio includes multifamily housing, private residences and schools, and hospital, transportation, theatre and adaptive reuse projects. Vega was prominently involved with the award-winning project 455 Central Park West, an adaptive reuse of an 1887 landmark building by the famed architect Charles Coolidge Haight with a new highrise residential tower, all approved by the New York State Historic Preservation Office. Vega’s recent leadership efforts include helping the project management of new market-rate and affordable housing projects throughout New York City.

Enrico Kurniawan joined RKTB after receiving his B.Arch. degree summa cum laude from The City College of New York. During his time working for RKTB, Kurniawan also earned a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from New York University with a Dean’s Merit Nelson Vega (left) and Enrico Kurniawan Fellowship and Scholarship. Experienced in all phases of architectural design and detailing, Kurniawan is proficient in project team coordination, construction documentation, and construction administration. With RKTB, Kurniawan has developed a deep working knowledge of projects ranging from historic preservation and educational facilities to multifamily residential and institutional building projects. Notable works involving Kurniawan include the new Engine Company 201 firehouse in Brooklyn, additions to K-12 public schools such as P.S. 29 and P.S. 70 in Queens, N.Y., and various capital improvement projects for the New York City School Construction Authority.

Many architects now in professional practice have studied architecture with RKTB president and City College of New York (CCNY) professor emeritus Carmi Bee, FAIA. Both Vega and Kurniawan studied under Bee during their time as undergraduates at CCNY.

“The promotions of Nelson Vega and Enrico Kurniawan reward and recognize their ongoing design achievements and management contributions, which have benefited the clients and neighborhoods where we work,” says RKTB’s Bee. “As these two accomplished professionals advance, we also recognize their dedication to our firm’s mission of working to help communities prosper and to promote equity through architecture.”

Added RKTB’s managing principal Peter Bafitis, AIA, “Both Nelson and Enrico have demonstrated the benefits of our firm’s integration of exceptional design and a clear social conscience. Their efforts have helped us forge long-term relationships with public agencies and nonprofits to create innovative architectural solutions addressing homelessness, availability of early childhood education, the need for supportive housing, and for more affordable healthcare and living options.”