Dattner Architects, New York: Engaged, Collaborative, Aspirational.

Dattner Architects’ foundation is civic architecture with a strong reputation for leading complex projects and developing innovative, implementable solutions. The practice moved to its current space on the 15th floor in midtown Manhattan in 2011, where they took a full floor of a recently converted building and designed the space the way they wanted it to work. 90% of the office is situated along the windows in pods with low partitions between workstations to foster teamwork, collaboration, mentoring, and formal and informal exchanges.

They have three typologically-based studios in the office: one focuses on housing, one on educational and institutional work, and one on transportation and infra¬structure.

A hands-on approach combined with a reputation for bringing design excellence to the work they do is the base line that draws people to the firm. This translates in the studio to providing plenty of layout and pin-up space, a model shop, and a design library.

While the practice might be characterized by a consistently high quality of service, design, and technical rigor, it also strikes a healthy balance between efficiency and sociability. People come together with beer and chips at happy hour to talk about a project in construction, where candid discussions can take place about what has worked well and what hasn’t.

Beyond work, they recently marched in the New York Pride parade and competed in the annual architect’s regatta on the Hudson River. They also have a soccer team, and support opportunities to give back, such as the ACE Mentor Program, which encourages and inspires high school students to pursue careers in design and construction.

Looking ahead, the practice is actively seeking out opportunities in other urban areas where the design and technical process they’ve developed can change people’s lives and enhance communities. By practicing architecture here, you can be a part of a dynamic practice demonstrating that design can make a difference.