River Architects

River Architects River Architects is a MWBE-certified (Minority Women-Owned Business Enterprise).

River Architects is a Hudson Valley, New York-based, full-service architecture and design studio with a bold commitment to achieving environmental sustainability through intelligent, beautiful design. Our firm is an energetic design studio focused on delivering high quality design and technical consulting to a variety of clients. Our design aesthetics, technical expertise and commitment to sustain

ability form the core of our practice, along with a commitment to meeting the needs and aspirations of our clients. We have completed a variety of projects ranging from apartment build-outs and green roof design in New York City; restorations of landmark buildings throughout NYC and the Hudson Valley; and acclaimed bars and restaurants. We are currently designing ultra-low energy houses and renovations, including projects for certification by the Passive House Institute, US. Specialties:Progressive design for a variety of markets including residential, restaurant and bar design; technical consulting to other architects, contractors and committed building owners to solve challenging detailing and performance problems; sustainable design and consulting to enable green design and performance choices for healthier, inspiring places. We are passionate about bringing the science and sensibility of highly efficient building design together with exciting and alluring modern designs.

Thank you to everyone who joined River Architects, Phius Alliance NY, and AIA WHV for our recent Passive House Tour: Sha...
06/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined River Architects, Phius Alliance NY, and AIA WHV for our recent Passive House Tour: Shawangunk Passive in Gardiner, NY.

More than 40 architects, builders, designers, engineers, consultants, and sustainability professionals gathered to explore this Phius-certified home and learn about the design strategies, building science principles, and collaborative process behind its construction.

The tour featured presentations from the project team, including River Architects' James Hartford and Alina Chmut, builder Andy VanDam, Tony Lisanti of Integral Building + Design, Cramer Silkworth of Baukraft Engineering, and Tomas Kocis of Yaro Windows + Doors.

From the indoor Endless Pool and green roof to the high-performance enclosure and mechanical systems, the home sparked thoughtful discussions about how sustainable design can enhance comfort, durability, resilience, and quality of life.

Special thanks to Phius Alliance NY, Yaro Windows + Doors, AIA Westchester Hudson Valley, and NYSERDA for their support.

We look forward to continuing the conversation around high-performance building throughout the Hudson Valley.

A few weeks ago, Juhee Lee-Hartford and Di W. George accepted a 2026 AIA New York State Excelsior Award for Historic Pre...
05/28/2026

A few weeks ago, Juhee Lee-Hartford and Di W. George accepted a 2026 AIA New York State Excelsior Award for Historic Preservation on behalf of River Architects for The Bank Lofts in Richfield Springs, NY.

We’re grateful to AIA New York State for this recognition and proud to see The Bank Lofts honored alongside so many thoughtful projects from across New York.

The project transforms a historic downtown building into new residential space while preserving its architectural character and connection to the community.

Thank you again to our clients, collaborators, consultants, and community partners who helped bring this project to life. Read more about The Bank Lofts on our website: www.riverarchitects.com/ra-portfolio/thebanklofts

Photograph by Eddie Quinn Photography

Summer settling in at the pool house. Black wood shingles, wild gardens, and thoughtful paving.Vivian's Village, coming ...
05/26/2026

Summer settling in at the pool house. Black wood shingles, wild gardens, and thoughtful paving.

Vivian's Village, coming soon.

Join River Architects, Phius Alliance NY, and AIA WHV for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Shawangunk Passive, a P...
05/14/2026

Join River Architects, Phius Alliance NY, and AIA WHV for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Shawangunk Passive, a Phius-certified passive house in Gardiner, NY.

Led by River Architects Principal James Hartford, this site tour will explore the integration of high-performance building science, climate-specific design, and architectural detailing in an almost complete residential project. The project team will discuss airtightness strategies, super-insulated assemblies, all-electric mechanical systems, challenging enclosure conditions, and the coordination required to deliver a certified Passive project.

Special thanks to event sponsor Yaro Windows and Doors.

📍 Gardiner, NY
📅 Wednesday, May 20
⏰ 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Space is limited and advance registration is required. This event is approved for CEUs from Phius (3) and AIA (3).

Register right here: www.eventbrite.com/o/16900084242

River Architects is proud to share that The Bank Lofts in Richfield Springs, NY has received a 2026 AIA New York State E...
05/11/2026

River Architects is proud to share that The Bank Lofts in Richfield Springs, NY has received a 2026 AIA New York State Excelsior Award Merit Award for Historic Preservation.

The AIA New York State Excelsior Awards celebrate publicly funded projects that embody “Firmness, Commodity, and Delight” through thoughtful design, community impact, and lasting public value.

The Bank Lofts represents the adaptive reuse and preservation of a historic downtown building, creating new housing opportunities while honoring the architectural heritage of the community.

We are grateful to our clients and the many collaborators, consultants, and project partners whose dedication helped bring this project to life, and we are honored to be recognized among this year’s outstanding award recipients.

Photo: Pamela Cook

A room for music, and everything that comes with it.Golden hour light pours in from above, the fireplace anchors the spa...
05/04/2026

A room for music, and everything that comes with it.

Golden hour light pours in from above, the fireplace anchors the space, and custom shelving holds the layers of everyday life. Designed for a young, creative family, this Cold Spring home embraces a mix of playful and refined, where modern design meets familiar warmth.

What began as a renovation became a full reimagining (now targeting Passive certification) proving that high performance and personality can go hand in hand. We're excited to share more as this project comes to vibrant life.

At our Sagamore project, siting is the foundation of the design.The home is positioned to take full advantage of its set...
04/28/2026

At our Sagamore project, siting is the foundation of the design.
The home is positioned to take full advantage of its setting, with views stretching the lake and windows aligned to capture the warmth of the setting sun. Even while under construction, these decisions are already shaping the experience of the space.
As the building takes form, it becomes clear how thoughtful placement within the landscape can define light, views, and daily life.

This home in Damascus, PA is taking shape with Passive building principles guiding every decision from energy performanc...
01/13/2026

This home in Damascus, PA is taking shape with Passive building principles guiding every decision from energy performance to long-term comfort.

At the heart of the design is this central stair volume, drawing light upward and connecting all levels of the house, ultimately leading to a quiet perch above the treetops, designed for pause, movement, and retreat.

Even mid-construction, the relationship between form, landscape, and intention is already clear. As always, we love working with the team at New Energy Works on another great project. Keep your eye on this space for more to come! ❄️🏗️

Address

178 Main Street
Cold Spring, NY
10516

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18452652254

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