Business Details
39 Years
experience
Building Enclosure Design Experts in Syracuse
Founded in 1987, Bell & Spina P C has evolved from a general architecture practice into a specialized firm focused on building enclosure design and high-performance envelope solutions. Our team combines decades of technical expertise with a commitment to integrated design, delivering quality documents that address complex roofing, forensic, and historic rehabilitation challenges. With a portfolio spanning educational institutions, public entities, and historic landmarks across New York State, we prioritize thorough analysis, technical precision, and client collaboration.Our principals, Neil Garry and Douglas Arena, lead a multidisciplinary team certified in building enclosure commissioning, thermography, and historic preservation. We maintain licenses in NY, NJ, MA, and PA, serving clients through offices in Syracuse and Rochester. Our reputation for technical excellence and client trust has been built through 35+ years of delivering durable, code-compliant solutions that balance functionality with architectural integrity.
Services
Building Enclosure Design
Forensic Investigation
Roof Replacement
Historic Rehabilitation
Building Commissioning
Thermographic Analysis
Waterproofing Solutions
Envelope Commissioning
Masonry Restoration
Fenestration Design
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized building enclosure expertise
- Team includes 12 licensed architects and 3 IIBEC-certified roof consultants
- Proven track record with historic preservation projects
- Integrated design approach ensures technical precision
- Licensed in NY, NJ, MA, and PA for regional expertise
Associations and certifications
- IIBEC Registered Roof Consultant (RRC)
- IIBEC Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC)
- LEED Accredited Professional
- WELL Accredited Professional
- Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (BECxP)
- Commissioning Authority + Building Enclosure (CxA+BE)
Services
Building Enclosure Design
Our building enclosure design services focus on creating high-performance building envelopes that ensure energy efficiency and weather resistance. We specialize in integrating roofing systems, fenestration, and waterproofing solutions for both new construction and rehabilitation projects. Our team employs advanced analysis tools to optimize thermal performance while maintaining architectural integrity.
Forensic Investigation
We conduct comprehensive forensic investigations to diagnose building envelope failures and water infiltration issues. Our certified professionals use thermographic imaging, hygrothermal analysis, and field testing to identify root causes. Our reports provide actionable repair recommendations that address both immediate concerns and long-term durability.
Historic Rehabilitation
Specializing in historic preservation, we restore architecturally significant buildings while maintaining their original character. Our team understands historic materials and construction methods, working closely with preservation offices to ensure compliance with heritage standards. We balance modern performance requirements with authentic restoration techniques.
Building Commissioning
As building enclosure commissioning agents, we verify that all envelope systems perform to design specifications. Our process includes third-party reviews, mock-up testing, and field inspections to ensure air barrier continuity and water resistance. We follow ASTM E2813 standards to validate system performance during construction.
Thermographic Analysis
Our certified thermographers use infrared imaging to detect thermal anomalies in building envelopes. This non-invasive technique identifies moisture intrusion, insulation deficiencies, and air leakage paths. We provide detailed reports that guide targeted repairs, improving energy efficiency and preventing long-term damage.
People
Neil Garry
Vice President
A licensed architect and IIBEC-certified Roof Consultant, Neil Garry specializes in building enclosure design and forensic analysis. With over 25 years of experience, he leads technical investigations and rehabilitation projects while maintaining active involvement in industry education and standards development.
Douglas Arena
President
Licensed architect and building enclosure specialist Douglas Arena oversees project delivery and technical excellence. With expertise in infrared thermography and hygrothermal analysis, he ensures solutions meet both performance requirements and architectural standards across diverse institutional projects.
Dennis Spina
Founder
Co-founder Dennis Spina established Bell & Spina P C's reputation for technical rigor in 1987. As a licensed architect and IIBEC-certified professional, he continues advising on complex historic preservation projects while mentoring the next generation of building enclosure specialists.
Ryan Grace
Partner
Partner Ryan Grace leads design teams on envelope rehabilitation projects. With LEED and WELL accreditations, he integrates sustainable design principles while maintaining strict adherence to historic preservation standards for institutional clients across New York State.
Gary Bell
Founder
Founding partner Gary Bell (1933-2015) established Bell & Spina P C's commitment to architectural excellence. A respected advocate for environmental responsibility in design, his legacy continues through the firm's ongoing focus on durable, high-performance building solutions.
Questions
What building types do you specialize in?
We specialize in institutional buildings including universities, historic landmarks, and public facilities requiring complex envelope solutions.
Are you licensed outside New York State?
We maintain licenses in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania to serve clients across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Do you handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with historic rehabilitation projects requiring SHPO review and preservation compliance.
What certifications does your team hold?
Our team includes IIBEC-certified roof consultants, building enclosure commissioning providers, LEED/WELL accredited professionals, and licensed architects.
How do you approach forensic investigations?
We use thermographic imaging, hygrothermal analysis, and field testing to diagnose envelope failures, providing actionable repair recommendations.
Can you assist with building commissioning?
As certified commissioning agents, we verify envelope system performance through ASTM E2813-compliant testing and third-party reviews.
