Portland, Maine Native Brings New England Style and Work Ethic to Noted Manhattan Architectural and Code Consulting Firm
When people look for a different kind of aesthetic among Manhattan architecture firms, they find it in abundance at MJM+A. One of the main reasons is that for over 20 years partner Ryan Scipione has brought a breath of fresh air to what many feel is the standard NYC architectural look and feel. Whether it is a building restoration, a new design for a retail space, a spectacular residential home, or any other environment, it just seems that the MJM+A aesthetic is richer and different almost in an unexplainable way. Additionally, through the MJM+A studio in Portland Maine, residents have found a different, more vital ethos in what they expect with the designs generated by Ryan for the last two decades. It’s been an enjoyable ride for everyone.
“What initially attracted me to the firm was founding partner Michael Macaluso’s keen interest in some of the same things I was focusing on” Ryan comments. At the time Ryan joined the firm, MJM+A was becoming well known for their expertise in the world of rehabilitating the facades of high-rise skyscrapers, and to this day are retained by building management companies, real estate investment trusts and building owners to restore the grandeur, or enhance the performance and aesthetic, of their precious properties and contribute to what is considered the most breathtaking urban skyline on the planet. Ryan continues, “This type of restorative design still excites us all at MJM+A, and as time goes by and the city ages, we see more and more of this kind of work. It’s our job to help the city age gracefully and because of this pursuit, it’s been a quick 20 years. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the building façade and envelope rehabilitation field, with all the new technologies and materials, it allows us to both enhance and integrate, old and new respectively, into that iconic breathtaking urban landscape”.
This commitment to excellence does not end at the city line. On the contrary, together Ryan and Michael have combined to restore many of the historic buildings that dot the coastline of New England. And Ryan, Michael and the team at MJM+A have worked on hundreds of other types of projects from award-winning signature restaurants to custom residences designed to reflect the DNA of their inhabitants. From gorgeous mid-rise buildings to medical facilities that make both city dwellers and their precious pets feel safe and cared for. From banks that project confidence and friendliness to chocolate factories straight out of a Willy Wonka script. The list of design projects, each with their own nuances that are specific to the signature values and aesthetics of the firm, is long and deep.
Ryan Scipione is a graduate from Keene State College’s Honors Architecture Program and holds a B.S. degree in Architectural Engineering. Building on his previous involvement as an architectural designer on residential, commercial and public projects throughout New York, Connecticut, Vermont,New Hampshire and Maine, his 20 year-experience as a partner with MJM+A Architects includes myriad residential, commercial, institutional and hospitality projects throughout the Northeast.
It is, however, his deep knowledge of construction detailing, documentation and industry practices as well as his practice of being on-site interacting with the construction personnel that provides clients with his unique and invaluable knowledge of building technology, both historical and up-to-the minute. “There is nothing like being up on a building scaffold high above the streets of Manhattan, that lets you understand in such a close, intimate way, the eclectic facades that make up the NYC’s urban fabric” Ryan says.
As such, working closely with Michael Macaluso, as well as maintaining open relationships with some of the largest institutions and property managers in the city, has established Ryan as a pivotal factor in the achievements of MJM+A.