Reflecting its commitment to design excellence and to close and collaborative client relationships, the nationally recognized architecture and interiors firm Spacesmith has announced its addition of highly regarded architect, Katy Flammia, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, as the firm’s new design director of their Hudson, New York office. A respected and accomplished architect, Flammia is known for her leadership and design skills across a wide range of sectors including corporate, residential, hospitality and academic building projects.
In her new position, Flammia will make major contributions in firm leadership including design, client management, and business development. According to Spacesmith, Flammia will lead new design projects and business initiatives through the firm’s offices in both New York City and Hudson, New York.
“Katy Flammia is a talented designer and recognized leader in the architecture and design community with a valuable range of experience at the helm of significant building projects," says Jane Smith, FAIA, founding partner of Spacesmith. “With Katy’s track record of meaningful work in varied markets for institutional, commercial and residential clients, she will add new perspective and experience to our diverse team of architects and designers."
With design interests ranging from the technical to the theoretical, such as biophilic design and energy-efficient Passive House construction, Flammia most recently served as design director at the corporate studio at NBBJ in New York City. Previously, Flammia led her own boutique design firm in Boston for 16 years, THEREdesign, with projects ranging from hospitality interiors and new educational facilities to spas and museums. A registered architectin Massachusetts, Flammia served on the board of the Boston Society of Architects and helped found the organization’s Women Principals Group as co-chair in 2008.
Flammia has also taught courses in interior architecture for Master’s candidates at the Boston Architectural College, and she served as an invited design critic at McGill University, MIT, and the Rhode Island School of Design. Earlier, Flammia lived and studied in Denmark and Sweden, where she began cultivating her interests in ceramics, encaustic painting, native plant gardening and “all things Swedish.”
In her new role at Spacesmith, Flammia joins an accomplished team of 25-plus designer and architects in developing designs, managing and leading projects in all market sectors, and serving as a mentor for the firm’s emerging architects and designers. Following on her successful track record as a business leader, Flammia will also play a significant role in cultivating new business relationships.
“During my 30-year career as an architect, I have always been interested in exploring how good design influences human action and fosters creatives interaction,” says Flammia. “I am excited to be joining Spacesmith in part because the firm is so committed to providing healthy, efficient and inspiring spaces that uniquely express each client’s mission and organizational objectives.” Since joining the firm in September, Flammia has already begun contributing to a number of Spacesmith projects including the education department of the American Museum of Natural History and projects in upstate New York ranging from hospitality and community development projects to private residences. She is also working on Aquavit Restaurant in New York City which is currently under construction.
With her wide-ranging experience in design, project leadership and business development across various markets, Flammia’s work for Spacesmith is expected to be dynamic and essential. “Spacesmith reputation as a leader in both sustainable and wellness design techniques is what originally drew me to the firm and I look forward to supporting the team as they continue to produce award-winning designs,” says Flammia.
