Business Details
38 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in New York City
Founded in 1988, Issac, Stern has established itself as a leader in architectural design with over 30 years of experience serving New York City and beyond. Our approach merges innovative design with practical functionality, ensuring each project aligns with clients' unique goals while adhering to complex zoning regulations. With a portfolio of financially successful mixed-use developments, we combine deep technical expertise in NYC zoning codes with creative vision to deliver buildings that stand the test of time. Our principals, Ramy Issac and Ralph Kowalczyk, bring decades of combined experience and a global perspective to every project. We prioritize client collaboration, offering personalized service that anticipates needs and exceeds expectations. Our team's responsiveness, technical proficiency, and understanding of market demands have made us the preferred architects for developers across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.We maintain transparency throughout the design process, ensuring seamless coordination with engineers, expediters, and legal professionals. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond aesthetics to include practical considerations like furnishability and long-term building performance. With registered architects in four states and a reputation for delivering projects on time, we provide comprehensive architectural solutions for both large-scale developments and private residences. Our work reflects a philosophy that great architecture results from balancing creativity with technical precision while maintaining unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.
Services
Architectural Design
Zoning Analysis
Mixed-Use Development
Historic Conversion
Construction Documentation
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of NYC-specific zoning expertise
- Our team includes registered architects in four states
- We provide end-to-end architectural solutions for developers
- Our global perspective enhances New York City projects
- We guarantee on-time delivery of all architectural plans
What people say
Creativity and responsiveness
Second to none knowledge
Delivered on-time plans
Collaborative approach
Excellent communication skills
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design service creates innovative, market-responsive buildings that balance aesthetic vision with technical requirements. We specialize in mixed-use developments that maximize space efficiency while complying with complex zoning regulations. Our designs prioritize both immediate functionality and long-term adaptability for evolving urban environments.
Zoning Analysis
Zoning analysis services provide comprehensive evaluation of NYC's complex land use regulations to maximize development potential. We identify opportunities within code requirements while maintaining design integrity. Our expertise reduces permitting delays and ensures projects meet all legal requirements without compromising architectural vision.
Mixed-Use Development
Mixed-use development services create integrated spaces combining residential, commercial, and retail functions. We optimize layouts for marketability while maintaining design cohesion. Our approach ensures each component complements the others while meeting specific zoning and code requirements for multi-functional buildings.
Historic Conversion
Historic conversion services transform protected buildings into modern functional spaces while preserving architectural heritage. We navigate landmark regulations to maintain historical integrity while implementing contemporary design solutions. Our expertise ensures compliance with preservation standards while meeting modern usage requirements.
Construction Documentation
Comprehensive construction documentation services produce detailed technical drawings that guide building execution. Our documentation ensures clear communication between developers and contractors while maintaining design intent. We provide precise specifications that minimize construction-phase issues and ensure accurate realization of architectural vision.
People
Ramy Issac
Founder
Founder of Issac, Stern with 30+ years experience. Holds architecture degrees from Technion and Pratt Institute. Registered architect in four states with deep expertise in NYC zoning codes. Combines artistic vision with technical proficiency to deliver award-winning developments across New York City.
Ralph Kowalczyk
Partner
Partner with expertise in high-rise and historic buildings. Graduated Cum Laude from NY State University. Joined firm in 2007 and became Partner in 2017. Brings international perspective from European architectural practice. Oversees complex projects requiring both modern innovation and preservation of historical elements.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in architectural design, zoning analysis, mixed-use developments, historic conversions, and construction documentation for residential and commercial projects across New York City.
How long have you been working with NYC developers?
Our principals have over 30 combined years of experience serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens developers with zoning-compliant architectural solutions that maximize project returns.
What makes your firm different from other architects?
We combine deep NYC zoning expertise with creative design vision while maintaining personal client relationships that ensure projects meet both technical and aesthetic requirements.
Do you handle both large and small projects?
Yes, we provide architectural services for projects of all sizes, from single-family homes to large-scale mixed-use developments across the New York metropolitan area.
How do you handle zoning challenges?
Our team has unparalleled knowledge of NYC zoning codes and uses this expertise to maximize development opportunities while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Can you work with my existing development team?
We coordinate seamlessly with engineers, expediters, and legal professionals to ensure smooth project execution while maintaining our high standards of architectural excellence.
