Our firm’s design philosophy is simple. It is based on a belief that the decision-making process is the foundation of a successful project. To that end we work along with our clients to fully understand their goals, aspirations, and programmatic needs. We have applied this approach since 1963 to a diverse group of private and public clients that includes housing developers, educational and health care institutions, religious organizations, and performing arts venues. We are committed to social equity, relating to the physical context of communities, and protecting the environment, and strive for unique and innovative design solutions that support these convictions. For example, we worked collaboratively on the development of a low-density infill housing prototype that was designed to provide the maximum amount of affordable housing in working class communities throughout New York City. This model can be easily adapted in other cities, as well.
RKTB also has a strong commitment to sustainable design in all aspects of our practice. We employ LEED and Passive House professionals who spearhead the implementation of sustainable principles, and have designed buildings for LEED certification and compliance with Enterprise Green Communities criteria ("the standard for sustainable futures") and the New York City School Construction Authority's Green Schools Guide for public school design. RKTB is also celebrated for our pioneering work in adaptive reuse, or the recycling of buildings for new purposes--the most fundamental form of sustainability.
As we continue, RKTB looks forward to serving existing and new clients in addressing their needs and in turn achieving their goals through innovative and superbly-designed environments.
