Firm Description
Nelligan White Architects, PLLC is a New York City firm recognized for pioneering work in historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and energy-conscious and sustainable design. This comprehensive practice of architecture includes new construction, master planning, and the reconstruction and adaptive re-use of historic structures. The scope of projects range from the design of individual pieces of furniture to institutional projects over 1.2 million square feet in size. Organized as a collaborative environment, all members of the team participate in design, technical work, and construction administration. Although the list of residential and commercial projects is extensive, a long standing commitment to public and cultural work has remained a central part of the practice.The collaboration of Principals Bruce G. Nelligan, T. Michael White and Jake LaChapelle is based on the shared belief that good architecture should enhance the quality of life for the individuals and communities involved. Integral to this belief is the architect’s responsibility to incorporate environmentally sustainable solutions into every aspect of the design process. Educated as modernists, they believe independent research and an in-depth understanding of both modern and traditional building technologies can beneficially inform the contemporary architectural practice.
In their practice, Nelligan White has pioneered the use of twenty-first century techniques and materials in rebuilding and restoring important structures throughout New York City that would otherwise be lost. Their work, shaped by decades of research and historic reconstruction, demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of building performance and traditional uses of materials. This process involves careful and efficient responses to programmatic, urbanistic, and technical issues with continual participation from the principals throughout all phases of design and construction.
Over the last eight years, Nelligan White has designed and administered rehabilitation projects for a range of building construction types, worth more than $300 million in value. Most of this work has been for educational, institutional and commercial clients.
Nelligan White was responsible for the historic preservation and adaptive reuse of three armories for the New York City Department of Design and Construction: the Bedford-Atlantic Armory, the Park Slope Armory, and the Franklin Armory. Among the firm’s numerous awards for architectural excellence, these projects earned them the Lucy G. Moses preservation award from the New York Landmarks conservancy. Nelligan Whites’ repertoire demonstrates a capacity to produce work on time and on budget, an ability to work successfully with clients, and skillfully develop innovative and environmentally conscious solutions to meet challenging problems.