BENSON BRIGHT GILLESPIE
BENSON BRIGHT GILLESPIE
Benson has been involved with, and overseen, the design and construction of innovative enclosure systems throughout the United States and South America since the founding of the firm in 2013. His work includes both the assessment and renovation of historically sensitive facades and the development of new enclosure systems, with a focus on the use of parametric software to evaluate complex façade geometry, structural glass and an extensive range of cladding materials.
He has experience in all phases of project delivery, from evaluating sketches during schematic design to assisting in the bid process and ultimately monitoring shop fabrication and on‐site installation. Having worked as both a technical façade designer and subsequently a façade consultant over the past decade, Benson has a unique perspective that benefits the relationship between the Designer, Architect and Client.
Benson is a Registered Architect in the States of New York, Massachusetts, Florida & Hawaii, and a LEED Accredited Professional. He has been an invited architectural critic at Rice University, University of Houston, The Cooper Union, and a speaker at various façade conferences in New York.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
217 West 57th Street – Central Park Tower
NEW YORK, NY
200 East 34th Street
NEW YORK, NY
1 Queens Plaza South
QUEENS, NY
1 Prospect Park West
BROOKLYN, NY
One Soho Square
NEW YORK, NY
1241 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
DOHA, QATAR
Arlo Hotel – Midtown
NEW YORK, NY
Arlo Hotel – DC
WASHINGTON, DC
322 7th Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
One57
NEW YORK, NY
Arlo Hotel – Wynwood
MAIMI, FL
International Gem Tower
NEW YORK, NY
HSBC Tower
LIMA, PERU
Harvard Fogg Art Museum
BOSTON, MA
Highline 23
NEW YORK, NY
Project Viol
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Qatar Civil Aviation Authority
DOHA, QATAR
ARMAND J. LABELLE
As president of AJ Labelle and Partners, Armand (AJ) LaBelle brings a varied and rich history of experience to the Company. He understands the needs of our individual clients as well as the realities of project execution in today’s competitive and complex marketplace. He has selected and personally trained the people within the firm to follow the same core beliefs, ensuring that the façade services rendered are based on years of field experience and real world solutions that can deliver results.
AJ has developed a long standing track record with the firm’s client base, establishing a precedence of personal involvement in each project that underlines our focus on an individualized approach to our clients as well as the profession.
His 25 years of experience has touched upon all aspects of exterior envelope consultation, design, and inspection for a myriad of systems such as unitized curtain walls, structural glass systems, windows, masonry walls, prefabricated panels, stone cladding, precast, specialty structures, roofing and waterproofing. It has given him the opportunity to work with world renowned architects as well as work on some of the world’s most innovative cladding projects.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Guggenheim Museum
ABU DHABI, UAE
One57
NEW YORK, NY
IAC
NEW YORK, NY
Repsol Tower
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Project Viol
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
University of Sydney Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory
PRINCETON, NJ
Princeton University, Peretsman Scully Hall & Princeton Neuroscience Institute
PRINCETON, NJ
Ventura Corporate Towers
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
731 Lexington Ave
NEW YORK, NY
Costanera Center
SANTIAGO, CHILE
TVH Entelechy Residences
CHENNAI, INDIA
Torre Z
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Infinity Tower
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
MOLLY FORR
Molly began her career at Gehry Partners, where she spent seven years creating and realizing challenging architectural designs and building systems. As an AutoCAD Director, she oversaw drawing set production and the coordination and interface between 2D documents and 3D BIM data.
At SURFACE DESIGN, Molly continues her focus on developing elegant design solutions and detailing for technically‐demanding projects. She manages several high‐rise projects in New York City and also directs daily operations of the firm. Molly started SURFACE Design Architects’ Site Monitoring division and currently leads the Energy division.
The common thread to Molly’s work across various disciplines is the desire to find design‐sensitive solutions to complex technical challenges. At Gehry Partners she advanced acoustical isolation solutions and developed energy‐use models for New World Symphony, and researched novel material and manufacturing techniques for the Eisenhower Memorial. At SURFACE DESIGN she has developed tools for analyzing the thermal performance of exterior walls and researched application of innovative and green technologies to the building sector.
Molly is a Registered Architect licensed in Massachusetts and New York, and a LEED Accredited Professional.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Patio de Maritima
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
50 West Street
NEW YORK, NY
555 10th Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
920 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
217 West 57th Street – Central Park Tower
NEW YORK, NY
Faria Lima Tower
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial
WASHINGTON, DC
University of Sydney Dr. Chau Chak Wing Building
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Luma Foundation Project
ARLES, FRANCE
New World Symphony
MIAMI, FL
New York by Gehry
NEW YORK, NY
Grand Avenue Development
LOS ANGELES, CA
FORTUNATO (FRED) ZANGHI
Fred has over 25 years of combined architectural experience as an exterior envelope consultant, architect, and owner’s representative. He applies his knowledge of complex building envelope systems and technologies in working collaboratively with architects, engineers, manufacturers, and construction managers to assemble focused and cost‐effective solutions. His responsibilities include project management, property condition assessment, technical development, system and material evaluation, drawing and specification preparation and review, performance mock‐up testing, and construction administration.
Fred’s projects in New York City and throughout the U.S. range from challenging programmatic and exterior envelope systems by internationally recognized architects, to a LEED Gold‐rated headquarters for a non‐profit organization. He consults and manages projects for clients on academic, judicial, institutional, and high‐rise office and residential buildings. System designs vary from unitized curtain walls, specialty glazing, metal cladding, to masonry and stone walls, roofing and waterproofing.
Fred is a Registered Architect in New York, California & Hawaii, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a mentor to young professionals in the field.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Princeton University, Julius Romo Rabinowitz Building & Louis A. Simpson International Building
PRINCETON, NJ
Princeton University, Andlinger Center for Energy & the Environment
PRINCETON, NJ
Princeton University, Frick Chemistry Laboratory
PRINCETON, NJ
Princeton University, Peretsman Scully Hall & Princeton Neuroscience Institute
PRINCETON, NJ
Columbia University, Jerome L. Greene Science Center
NEW YORK, NY
The New School University Center
NEW YORK, NY
Gates Vascular Institute and UB Clinical Translational Research Center
BUFFALO, NY
National Museum of American History, West Exhibition Wing Window Replacement
WASHINGTON D.C.
555 10th Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
One57
NEW YORK, NY
One Madison
NEW YORK, NY
One York Street
NEW YORK, NY
Gotham Center
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY
Winrock International Headquarters
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Phoenix Municipal Courthouse
PHOENIX, AZ
217 West 57th Street – Central Park Tower
NEW YORK, NY
ARTURO BECCAR VARELA
Arturo Beccar Varela was born in Argentina, and began working professionally in 1976, while still a student, for Architect Juan Molinos. From 1978 until its dissolution in 1987, Mr.Beccar worked in Sánchez Elía Peralta Ramos office, which has been one of the largest architectural firms in Argentina at the time, and participated in various projects, such as office buildings, private homes and hospitals.
Following this apprenticeship in 1987, Mr. Beccar partnered with Emilio Beccar Varela to found the office Beccar Varela‐ Sepra Arquitectos. As a partner and Director Project Manager, he worked on a variety of project types, which have included office buildings, hotels, houses, factories and urban developments.
In 2002, he founded his own office, Arquitecto Arturo Beccar Varela y Asociados (ABV’s), which continues to work on projects for international architects like Pelli Clark Pelli Architects, private clients such as Consutatio SA., Repsol‐YPF, BankBoston, Ledesma S.A. and Loma Negra S.A., and main contractors like Caputo S.A. and Obras Civiles S.A.
ABV’s core business is providing executive architecture, construction administration services, and project management on large scale projects, including schematic and conceptual design, as well as the development of complete construction documents and construction specifications for all building disciplines. Partnering with AJ Labelle and Partners has enabled the expansion of ABV’s Latin American service offerings by providing international façade consultation at a local level.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
Catalinas Tower
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
BankBoston Headquarters
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Serena Nordelta
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Barracas Central
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Hotel Cerro Lopez
BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA
Apartur “Las Barrancas”
PUNTA DEL ESTE, URAGUAY
Apartur “Moutain Club”
BARILOCHE, ARGENTINA
Paladini S.A.
PROV. DE SAN LUIS, ARGENTINA
ECO de los Andes
PROV. DE MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Owner / Developer
GLACIER GLOBAL PARTNERS, TRIANGLE ASSETS
Architect
ODA
Location
DUMBO, BROOKLYN, NY
Phase
SCHEMATIC DESIGN, DESIGN DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN ASSIST, CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS
System / Type
Status
The project combines our diverse expertise in Historic Preservation and in new building envelope design. The existing 1897 sugar refinery will be converted into Class A office space, its three historic brick facades fully restored. The north facade will take on a faceted design of glass and steel which evokes the industrial past of the site. SURFACE DESIGN worked closely with ODA to provide masonry restoration and window replacement detailing for the landmarked facades as well as a detailed parametric 3D model of the new north facade. Moving into the Design Assist phase, we continued to advise ODA and the selected manufacturer in developing and standardizing the complex elements of the north facade into a unitized design.
Owner / Developer
PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
Architect
KPMB ARCHITECTS
Location
PRINCETON, NJ
Phase
BIDDING/PERFORMANCE MOCK-UP/CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION AND OBSERVATION
System / Type
HISTORIC PRESERVATION/ADAPTIVE USE/CURTAIN WALL
Status
Originally constructed in 1928 to house Princeton’s Frick Chemistry Laboratory, this Collegiate Gothic structure has been re-imagined as the home for the University’s Economics and International Studies programs. The scope of work includes the replacement of existing windows with new heritage steel windows as well as new additions of modern glass curtain wall penthouse and courtyard glass atrium infills that will create common spaces and lecture facilities.
SURFACE DESIGN was engaged by the University to assist in the procurement, performance mock-up and installation of the new curtain wall facade system. We are currently performing observation services for the heritage window, curtain wall and roofing systems installations.
TINA M. TAPINEKIS
Tina Marie Tapinekis has over 30 years of experience as a preservation and restoration architect. She has established a reputation in the New York City restoration community for adopting a practical methodology to problem solving while administering construction projects. Passionate about the importance of maintaining buildings, she has devoted her career to retaining the character and fabric of the city’s facades, especially designated Landmark structures.
With her in‐depth understanding of building components, and her knowledge of historic building materials such as terra cotta and cast iron, Tina has developed a set of fine‐tuned restoration procedures and waterproofing techniques that are unique to the industry. She has successfully conducted leak investigations and directed facade restoration and roof replacement projects to remediate water infiltration. This has extended the useful life of many buildings while keeping the structure true to form.
Early in her career Tina worked for both architectural and engineering firms specializing in historic building restoration. This diverse experience helped her develop practical expertise with a wide variety of building types.
Prior to joining SURFACE DESIGN, Tina was the Principal of tmt Restoration Architect, PC for over 20 years overseeing various projects in range and scale. The building types she has restored include historic brownstone townhouses, cast iron structures in SoHo, ornate religious structures as well as curtain wall skyscrapers throughout greater New York City.
Tina is a Registered Architect in New York and is an active member in many industry associations, notably the International Concrete Repair Institute, Association for Preservation Technology.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
110 West 86th Street
NEW YORK, NY
760 West End Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
Turner Towers, 135 Eastern Parkway
BROOKLYN, NY
201 West 16th Street
NEW YORK, NY
222 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
Xavier High School
NEW YORK, NY
477 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
Ritz-Carlton Central Park, 50 Central Park South
NEW YORK, NY
The Marseilles, 230 West 103rd Street
NEW YORK, NY
NYU 42 Washington Mews
NEW YORK, NY
118 8th Avenue
BROOKLYN, NY
The Copley, 2000 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
Imagination Playground
NEW YORK, NY
41 Union Square West
NEW YORK, NY
141 West 36th
NEW YORK, NY
The Coney Island Carousel
BROOKLYN, NY
Congregation Or Zarua, 127 East 82nd Street
NEW YORK, NY
Euclid Hall, 2345 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
RUSS NEWBOLD
Leading the Historic Preservation and Restoration Division at SURFACE Design Architects, Russell has over 20 years of experience in the restoration and preservation of existing and historic building facades. This experience includes the restoration of traditional load bearing masonry structures dressed in stone, brick and terra cotta, cast iron façade assemblies, window replacement and restoration, glass and metal curtain wall assemblies, storefronts and waterproofing and roofing assemblies.
Russ has managed the façade restoration and maintenance of many large portfolio clients. These buildings demand a wide variety of technical services, including building condition surveys, forensic material deterioration investigations, leak investigations and the preparation of construction documents and the proper implementation of comprehensive restoration programs.
Over the course of his career, Russ has led preservation efforts for a wide range of architectural projects, including master plans for large federal building complexes, schools, urban planning projects, building envelope restorations and historic interiors.
Russ places great emphasis on serving as an advocate for historic structures and materials themselves, stressing appropriate and compatible conservation techniques. He has experience in a wide range of building types and preservation disciplines, and has devoted his career to the preservation of our architectural heritage, both through preservation and adaptive use.
NOTABLE CURRENT/PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE
1780 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
920 Broadway
NEW YORK, NY
Beekman Hotel at 5 Beekman
NEW YORK, NY
570 Lexington Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
Carnegie Hall
NEW YORK, NY
New York Public Library
NEW YORK, NY
One Liberty Plaza
NEW YORK, NY
270 Park Avenue
NEW YORK, NY
The Hearst Building
NEW YORK, NY
Cooper Hewitt Museum
NEW YORK, NY
Federal Reserve Bank of New York
NEW YORK, NY
St Paul’s Chapel at Columbia University
NEW YORK, NY
Pratt Institute
BROOKLYN, NY
1 Wall Street
NEW YORK, NY
180 Water Street
NEW YORK, NY
443 Greenwich Street
NEW YORK, NY
10 Jay Street
BROOKLYN, NY
27 E 62nd Street
NEW YORK, NY
1466 Broadway, the Knickerbocker
NEW YORK, NY
550 Madison, Sony Building
NEW YORK, NY
485 7th Avenue
BROOKLYN, NY
