Business Details
41 Years
experience
Cicognani Kalla Architect: Timeless Architectural Design & Innovation
Cicognani Kalla Architect is an architecture and design studio founded on a commitment to creating thoughtful, enduring spaces that blend craftsmanship with timeless character. Established in 1985 as Cicognani Kalla Architects and rebranded in 2025, our firm is built on over three decades of experience serving private and commercial clients across the United States and internationally. We specialize in designing custom residencesincluding houses, apartments, and townhousesas well as institutional and commercial projects that respond to their unique sites, histories, and client aspirations. Our process begins with rigorous research and evolves through sketching, model-making, and full-scale prototyping, ensuring every detail aligns with our clients' visions. Collaborating closely with master artisans, we often revive traditional techniques or develop innovative solutions to achieve unparalleled quality.Clients are integral to our collaborative approach, ensuring each project becomes a tailored, meaningful legacy. Led by principals Pietro Cicognani and Albert J. Betesh, whose partnership spans over 20 years, we continue a legacy of architectural excellence rooted in global experience and technical mastery. Our work has earned recognition from an illustrious clientele, including A-list personalities who value our dedication to creating spaces that endure physically, stylistically, and emotionally. With studios in New York City, we remain dedicated to advancing our philosophy of thoughtful design for future generations.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Historic Preservation
Interior Design
Urban Planning
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in custom architectural design.
- Our collaborative process engages clients as active partners.
- We specialize in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques.
- Our portfolio includes award-winning projects for an elite clientele.
- We maintain a legacy of excellence through continuous innovation.
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential spaces that balance timeless aesthetics with modern functionality. Our approach prioritizes site-specific design, historical context, and client aspirations. Collaborating with master artisans ensures every project achieves exceptional craftsmanship and enduring quality.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial projects integrate innovative design with practical requirements. We focus on creating environments that enhance business operations while maintaining architectural integrity. Each solution responds to the unique needs of clients and their operational contexts.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic buildings, we employ traditional techniques while incorporating modern updates. Our team meticulously researches original construction methods to ensure authentic restoration that meets contemporary standards and client needs.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that reflect clients' personalities and functional requirements. Our designs emphasize spatial harmony, material selection, and lighting solutions that create cohesive, enduring interiors aligned with architectural context.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services focus on creating sustainable, context-sensitive developments. We balance community needs with architectural vision to produce cohesive urban environments that enhance public spaces and infrastructure.
People
Pietro Cicognani
Principal Architect
Italian-born Pietro Cicognani founded the firm in 1985 after studying at Ecole des Beaux Arts and Columbia University. With over 30 years of experience designing for A-list clients, he specializes in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Albert J. Betesh
Principal Architect
Albert Betesh joined the firm in 2005 after earning his Master of Architecture from NJIT. With experience rebuilding the World Trade Center site, he brings technical expertise and contemporary vision to the partnership.
Questions
What types of projects does Cicognani Betesh specialize in?
We specialize in custom residential projects, commercial architecture, historic preservation, interior design, and urban planning for clients across the U.S. and internationally.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Founded in 1985 as Cicognani Kalla Architects, the firm became Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio in 2025, maintaining a legacy of excellence for over 30 years.
What makes your design approach unique?
Our collaborative process combines deep research, traditional craftsmanship, and modern techniques to create timeless spaces tailored to each client's specific needs and site context.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we serve clients globally while maintaining our New York City headquarters, adapting our designs to diverse cultural and environmental contexts.
How do you ensure project quality?
We collaborate with master artisans and employ full-scale prototyping to maintain exceptional craftsmanship standards throughout every project phase.
Can you handle historic building renovations?
Yes, we specialize in historic preservation projects that balance authentic restoration with modern functionality using traditional techniques and materials.
