Business Details
25 Years
experience
Innovative Architectural Design Solutions in New York
Front Studio was founded in 2001 in New York City by Yen Ha and Michi Yanagishita. In 2009, the firm merged with Lubetz Associates, established in 1967 by Art Lubetz, creating a partnership rooted in shared values and academic connections from Carnegie Mellon University. Our philosophy centers on architecture as an interactive process that prioritizes community welfare and user experience. We specialize in diverse projects ranging from libraries and lofts to single-family homes and multi-story housing. Our work balances functionality with aesthetic innovation, as demonstrated by award-winning projects like the Sharpsburg Community Library and Tribeca Penthouse. Yen Ha, a licensed architect and Carnegie Mellon honors graduate, brings expertise in urbanism and design, while Michi Yanagishita contributes her background in Japanese culture and architectural practice.Art Lubetz, whose career spanned over five decades, infused the firm with a legacy of experiential architecture and academic mentorship. We are committed to creating spaces that enhance environmental sustainability and foster community engagement. Our projects have been featured in prominent publications such as the New York Times, Interior Design, and Icon Magazine. Through a combination of rigorous design principles and a deep understanding of user needs, we deliver solutions that stand the test of time.
Services
Libraries
Lofts
Single-Family Homes
Multi-Story Housing
Community Centers
Penthouse Renovations
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Interior Design
Sustainable Architecture
Details
- Year established: 2001
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in architectural design and urban planning.
- Our team includes licensed architects with academic and industry accolades.
- We prioritize community welfare and environmental sustainability in every project.
- We specialize in diverse project types from residential to public spaces.
- Our work has been recognized with awards and featured in major design publications.
Services
Architectural Design
We create innovative architectural solutions tailored to client needs and environmental contexts. Our approach combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver functional, aesthetically compelling spaces. Projects range from public libraries to private residences, emphasizing user experience and long-term sustainability.
Community-Centric Projects
Our community-focused designs prioritize social interaction and accessibility. We transform underutilized spaces into vibrant hubs that reflect local identity. Examples include the Sharpsburg Community Library, which reimagines a former concrete-block building as an engaging public resource for residents of all ages.
Residential Renovations
We specialize in modernizing residential spaces while preserving architectural integrity. Services include layout optimization, material upgrades, and integration of natural light. The Tribeca Penthouse renovation demonstrates our ability to balance existing finishes with contemporary elements for family-friendly living.
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable approach minimizes environmental impact through material selection and energy-efficient design. We incorporate passive lighting, eco-friendly materials, and climate-responsive features. Projects demonstrate how responsible design enhances both functionality and aesthetic value across building types.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that optimize spatial flow and visual harmony. Services include custom millwork, furniture selection, and lighting design. Our work integrates structural elements with decorative details to create cohesive, purposeful interiors that reflect client lifestyles and brand identities.
People
Yen Ha
Founding Principal
Yen Ha, a licensed architect and Carnegie Mellon honors graduate, founded Front Studio in 2001. Her work focuses on urbanism and experiential design, featured in the New York Times and Interior Design. She advocates for play-based urban transformation through her board role at play:groundNYC.
Michi Yanagishita
Principal
Michi Yanagishita joined Front Studio in 2005 after studying at Carnegie Mellon and Glasgow School of Art. As a licensed architect, she led projects like the Harlem Townhouse, published in AD Magazine. Her expertise bridges Japanese cultural perspectives with contemporary architectural practice.
Art Lubetz
Founding Partner of Lubetz Associates
Art Lubetz (1940-2025) merged his Pittsburgh-based firm with Front Studio in 2009. A Carnegie Mellon professor for decades, he designed award-winning projects like the Carnegie Library at Squirrel Hill. His legacy emphasizes experiential architecture and community engagement through design.
Questions
What types of architectural projects does Front Studio specialize in?
We design libraries, residential spaces, community centers, and mixed-use buildings. Our portfolio includes both private and public projects emphasizing user experience and environmental responsibility.
Can Front Studio handle both new construction and renovations?
Yes, we specialize in both ground-up construction and adaptive reuse projects. The Tribeca Penthouse renovation demonstrates our ability to modernize existing spaces while preserving architectural character.
Does the firm incorporate sustainable design practices?
Sustainability is core to our approach. We use eco-friendly materials, optimize natural lighting, and design energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact across all project types.
How does Front Studio engage with local communities?
We prioritize community input in public projects and create spaces that reflect local identity. The Sharpsburg Community Library exemplifies our commitment to designing accessible, socially enriching environments.
What is the firm's design philosophy?
We believe architecture should enhance human experience and environmental sustainability. Our process balances creative innovation with functional requirements to create lasting, meaningful spaces.
