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ABOUT Our Approach People Services News Affiliates PORTFOLIO Residential Commercial Hospitality Recreation Interiors CONTACT US
Our Approach
Creative Design Associates (CDA) was founded as an affiliate firm of RAL Companies and Affiliates LLC in order to create a team dedicated to design and implementation of creative architectural solutions within the complex urban fabric of New York City. With a history based soundly in the practice of architecture, while incorporating the expertise gained through an intimate knowledge of what is required to build in New York City, the principles of CDA bring a unique perspective to the firm. CDA seeks to incorporate the complex realities of urban construction into dynamic and practical solutions, resulting in uniquely crafted environments. Known for sleek contemporary interiors, and budget conscious planning, the firm has capitalized on its diverse background. Design solutions are achieved through a team approach to problem solving. The diverse expertise within the organization results in a environment which encourages innovation and growth. Each new project is approached with a fresh eye toward blending the latest technology with the objectives of the client. CDA also draws on the vast resources of its affiliated organizations for a broad understanding of all aspects of the design and construction process. The CDA team includes architects, designers, and landscape architects while the larger organization of affiliated firms adds additional capabilities including, budgeting, pre-construction analysis, property investigation, feasibility studies, financial analysis, and expertise in real estate law. The structure and diversity of the organization allow CDA to orchestrate the planning, design and construction for a wide range of projects.
People
Vince Cangelosi, Founder, Principal Vince Cangelosi, RA, is founder and principal of Creative Design Associates (CDA), where is responsible for overseeing the design and construction of third-party development projects as well as those of R.A.L. Companies & Affiliates, where he is director of development. Vince founded CDA in 2002, and has since grown his staff to twelve. With more than twenty years of experience in architectural design and construction—acquired through intense involvement in a wide range of small and large-scale development projects with hospitality, retail, commercial and residential uses—Vince has been responsible for the design and construction management of more than four million square feet of space. The architect, who has been architect-in-charge for many of the New York Region’s largest commercial venues, is also actively involved in major municipal projects, including the $15.5 million renovation and revitalization of the 7.5-acre Parkwood Sports Complex of the Great Neck Park District of Long Island, NY. Earlier in his career, Vince designed high-end custom homes, ranging from classic revival to abstract modernism, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of a diverse client base. His success to-date is a result of his design philosophies, which culminate to express the ideas that a building, or a home, should improve the quality of life. His approach is to combine the beauty and simplicity of the modern aesthetic with the human scale of classic design, to create architecture that is an inhabitable demonstration of an abstract idea, and to use light as a design material, among other things. Vincent attended the City College of New York School of Architecture and Environmental Studies where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree summa cum laude. His education also included studies in Urban Planning and Preservation in association with the Polytechnic Institute of Milan, Italy. He is a New York registered architect and holds licenses in Connecticut and Colorado. Jerry Gallo, Director of Architectural Services Jerry Gallo is director of architectural services at Creative Design Associates (CDA), where he oversees all aspects of architectural production, manages staff and assists in the design and development of new projects. Jerry joined CDA in 1999 as a junior architect and has since taken on increasingly complex assignments, including most recently oversight of the one-million-square-foot luxury residential conversion One Brooklyn Bridge Park. Before joining CDA Jerry worked for several small architectural firms specializing in luxury residential renovations and new construction on the north shore of Long Island, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree from the New York Institute of Technology. Spencer Levine, Director of Landscape Artchitecture Spencer Levine is a project manager at R.A.L Companies & Affiliates, where he is responsible for landscape and architectural design as well as construction management. He is also director of landscape architecture at Creative Design Associates (CDA), and vice president at Site Development Associates, a site planning and urban landscape design and installation firm. Spencer has been responsible for the architectural design and construction management of more than two million square feet of mixed-use space as well as more than 30 acres of commercial landscape design in the form of rooftops and common areas. He has also been involved in master planning, urban design, landscape design and installation of large land areas totaling over 250 acres. In addition, the landscape designer is actively involved in major municipal projects, including the $15.5 million renovation and revitalization of the 7.5-acre Parkwood Sports Complex of the Great Neck Park District of Long Island, NY Spencer holds a masters degree in landscape architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where his concentration was in urban planning and public park design, studying with renowned landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburg and cultural geographer John R. Stilgoe. Additionally, his studies concentrated on public-private development, design law and policy, ecological design and storm water management. Spencer’s undergraduate studies were at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences where he received a Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in landscape architecture with distinction in research honors. Spencer’s early studies included a concentration in construction documentation, specification, and management and successful completion of an honors thesis entitled “Restoring the Urban Fabric of Sprawled Cities,” which focused on city planning from an analytical and infill development perspective.
Services
CDA offers a variety of design services to fulfill our clients needs. Our services include architecture, interior design and landscape design. Our spaces are treated as environments and are designed within a mindset of creativity and originality.
News
Square Feet, Pet Shops Find Room to Grow, The New York Times, 12/09/2009 View New York Times article. 30 Under 30 for 2008, Real Estate New York, 03/00/2008 Spencer Levine, 26, Project Manager RAL Companies and Affiliates. More than two million sf of mixed-use space and more than 30 acres of commercial landscape design have been the result of Levine's architectural design and construction management... Condo reaches Loft-y heights, Brokers Weekly, 02/27/2008 RAL Companies & Affiliates has received formal declaration from the Office of the New York State Attorney General that the Loft 25 condominium-offering plan is effective... Creative Design Assoc. to begin $15.5m renovation and revitalization of Parkwood Sports Complex, NY Real Estate Journal, 10/30/2007 Great Neck, NY Demolition is underway and almost complete at the 7.5–acre Parkwood Sports Complex in Great Neck,Long Island, according to Creative Design Associates (CDA), a full-service architecture firm based in New York City... Designing Parks Within A Knowledgeable Community, Parks & Rec Business, 09/00/2007 It was a beautiful day for a haircut. Ruth Tamarin, Chairperson of the Great Neck Park District Board of Commissioners, in Long Island, N.Y., sat still has the scissors snipped her hair. Young Spencer Levine sat in the next chair. "Where do you go to school?" asked his barber. "I'm studying landscape architecture at Cornell." Not one t miss an opportunity, Tamarin introduced herself to him, and soon Levine was offered a Horticultural/Architectural internship with Great Neck... CDA to lead $1.5MLI sports complex renovation, Real Estate Weekly, 08/08/2007 Creative Design Associates (CDA) has been contracted to lead a $15.5 million renovation and revitalization of the Parkwood Sports Complex of the Great Neck Park District of Long Island after a capital improvement bond was issued to the park from the Town of North Hempstead. Construction is scheduled to begin Fall 2007... Redesigning the kitchen and bath, The Real Deal, 07/00/2007 Kitchen today do not scream "trophy space"–they whisper. And, so for that matter, do bathrooms. The latest trend in kitchens and bathrooms is an emphasis on larger spaces and quiet, tasteful luxury, which can be seen in new condo projects popping up around the city... New Developments in Chelsea, New York Living Magazine, 05/00/2007 A conversion of a 1918 industrial loft building, designed by Creative Design Associates, the condominium features a landscaped roof deck, fitness center, and lobby with views of the garden and reflecting pool... Park Condos, But the Park Comes Later, The New York Times, 04/29/2007 View New York Times article. How Are Things Going at Parkwood?, Great Neck Record, 00/00/2007 Even with the mud, the demolition and the wind gusting through the trees blowing the leaves that just turned autumnal colors onto the ground, the beauty of Parkwood is still much in evidence. The structure of the place stripped to its bare bones is still something to behold. One can appreciate, even more, the magnitude of the main pool, devoid of water, dwarfing the two men working inside its depths...
Affiliates
A.S.I. Building Services, Inc. Property Maintenance Management Services Design Construction Consultants, LLC Feasibility studies, code consulting, fee development services, venture management, administration and owner representation services. Innervations, LTD Interior Design Environments Site Development Associates, Inc. Landscape and Site Design Spandrel Staffing Services, LLC Labor Management Solutions Warehouse Agency Advertising agency
Residential
360 Furman Street Slated for completion in 2008, and at nearly one million square feet, 360 Furman Street is one of CDA's most ambitious and challenging projects to date. The building's waterfront location and adjacencies to the desirable Brooklyn Heights neighborhood and the planned Brooklyn Bridge Park stretching over one mile along New York's East River, provide an ideal context for this luxury residential building. The size, location and interrelation of diverse urban elements involved in this project required the implementation of CDA's broad pool of resources. The building incorporates a range of housing types including waterfront townhouses, spacious lofts, and terraced penthouse residences, all of which capitalize on the sweeping 360-degree views. CDA has applied their understanding of the urban housing market, along with a strong design sensibility to create spaces that are at once inviting and high tech. While the residences reflect the twenty-first century , the overall approach to the rehabilitation of the building is sensitive to the rich past of the Brooklyn waterfront. Echoes of the bustling waterfront shipping center that was 19th century Brooklyn are reflected in the adaptation of the structure to modern use. The building also incorporates retail and commercial uses complementary to the surrounding park and public access corridors. Loft25 A turn of the century printing press provided the canvas for this seventy-nine unit loft conversion in the heart of Chelsea Gallery District. Innovative use of materials such as all glass kitchens and custom ceramics in the baths have become hallmarks of the building. On the roof, a starkly modern landscape provides a tranquil setting for sunbathing by day, and transforms into an activated setting for evening events with its integrated bar and kitchen. Sleek and modern, this chic residence offers dramatic views, both interior and exterior. The New Yorker Condominium The New Yorker Condominium, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, presented the challenge of adapting a post-modern era residential building to twenty-first century luxury standards. The units were re-envisioned with an eye toward a modern aesthetic, while maintaining a sense of formal elegance expected by the target audience for this project. Over sized wood trim, and glossy hardwood floors were installed along side sleek European kitchens. Dramatic limestone flooring was paired with retro inspired luxury bath fittings. The results are at once striking and inviting. Tower270 A former New York State office tower, 270 Broadway was converted to 98 luxury condominiums. The lavish stone and terrazzo finishes of the lobbies were preserved, and combined with modern elements and lighting effects to create a welcoming modern interior, suitable to a luxury residential building. The sprawling upper floors were subdivided into generous homes, with abundant light and air, complementing sweeping views in all directions. Custom kitchens and lavish baths complement the generous floor plans. Since its inception, Tower270 has become one of the most desirable addresses in Lower Manhattan. 25 Boadway Originally conceived in 1920 as the headquarters and for the famed Cunard Building's deep floor plates and federal landmark status presented many unique challenges for the design team. A portion of the Great Hall, a grand space which once served as the primary ticketing lobby for the Cunard passenger liners, would now need to serve as the point of entry for the residential tenants of the building. The solution is an elegant and intimate residential lobby stitched into the hall's existing fabric, preserving the integrity of the original design while satisfying the requirements of privacy and security for the residential tenants. The new residential portion of the building, floors sixteen through twenty-two, include 208 spacious rental units with well appointed contemporary kitchens along with private residential amenities including meeting rooms, playrooms, and gym space. The remarkable new rooftop recreation area includes a grass sunning platform and translucent canopies providing shade to the many sitting and play areas. Focus was placed on creating a unique living experience which would set the project apart from the competition while preserving the integrity of the building's history.
Commercial
20 Exchange Place CDA was called upon to design the resident lounge and recreation spaces for the conversion of a landmark Deco-era Manhattan skyscraper. The lush textures and rich colors of the late deco streamline style inspired these sumptuous interiors. 86 Chambers Street The project at 86 Chambers Street was accomplished in several phases beginning with the design and construction of the exterior facade. CDA, in collaboration with Studio Petrarca, developed an extensive steel facade system that replaced the dilapidated and disjointed storefront typical in the immediate area. The end result unified the broad Chambers Street facade at the pedestrian level, dramatically transforming the street scape. With the success of this intervention, many building owners followed suit with their own facade restorations. The second phase of the project included the design and fit-out of the lower seven floors of the building designated for office use. This phase included collaboration with the General Services Administration in the fit-out of four full floors for the civil division of the United States Attorney's Office as well as traditional individual client based projects for several private companies.
Hospitality
Capella Telluride Capella Telluride resides on its own level, a realm unto itself. It embodies a complete concept. Superb architecture. Lush interior design. Ultra-luxury amenities. Meticulous personalized service from a professional staff that is at your beck and call, night and day. A healing spa. A sexy bar. Multi-star cuisine. And an exclusive private lounge. Capella means options—fully decorated and furnished hotel condominiums are offered, as well as two, three and four bedroom residences. Inn at Lost Creek Unique among Telluride luxury hotels and Telluride luxury lodging accommodations, INN AT LOST CREEK is that welcome rarity—a charming, unpretentious, upscale hotel where warm hospitality is refreshing and genuine. Whether you're on a family vacation, enjoying a romantic escape or simply getting away from it all, Inn at Lost Creek offers you an elegant feeling of home and personalized service in a boutique Telluride hotel at the center of Telluride Ski and Golf Resort's Mountain Village.
Recreation
Parkwood Among the projects earmarked for improvements are the complex's Olympic-sized swimming pool and its filtration system, locker rooms, restrooms, deck, underwater lighting, handicapped access, and intermediate and kiddie pools. An Aquatic lazy river feature will be added. Sensory Playgarden The Playgarden will consist of different modules for varying developmental ages. The first stage of construction, planned for spring 2008, Will define the Playgarden which is located between the Great Neck house and the Senior Center just south of Arrandale Avenue and is approximately 21,000 square feet. The Playgarden is based on a journey arrival sequence, with the journey being much of the users experience. In keeping with the overall historic design intent of the Village green and its associated gardens, the Playgarden is designed in a garden style taking much of its cues from the Victorian gardens that the Greens designer was most known for. The paths and activities are surrounded by lush sensory plantings that were designed to be part of the play experience and stimulate the senses of all people using the space without creating blind spots and security issues in the green. The infrastructure of the project including defining the garden rooms and activity spaces as well as introducing play experiences will constitute the first stage of construction, with much of the 2-5 year old area and the complete Evos climbing system being installed. With the completion of this phase the existing playground will be removed and provide a space for a new Veterans Memorial for the village Green. Village Green CDA was chosen through a competitive RFP process to lead the design and engineering of a master plan for the renovation and rehabilitation of the Great Neck village Green. The Green, originally designed by noted landscape architect Beatrix Farrand had not had any modernizations or upgrades since the 1970’s. CDA was tasked with designing an aesthetically appropriate and electrically modern lighting and power system, proposing improvements to the path system, redefining major elements of the Green and establishing a new identity for the green in the Lives of the great neck residents. Electrical Upgrades and Relamping- Completed 2008 Large central node and fountain element- Anticipated completion early 2009 Welcome element and grand entry- anticipated Completion 2009 The Playgarden at the Village Green- Phase 1 anticipated completion Fall 2008 The Cohan Property In 2002 CDA was chosen to lead the design and engineering of the Cohan property extension to Stepping Stone Park. Stepping stone park, the Great Neck Park Districts most highly valued park bordered the estate of George M. Cohan and when this site was sold to developers in the early 2000s the Park district through eminent domain proceeds was able to procure the waterfront portion of it to build upon the existing Stepping stone park. CDA was charged with designing an engineering solution to a steeply sloping site that would enable people to get close to the bulkhead and enjoy the views of Manhattan and the bridges in its foreground. The design of this promenade element was to blend with the existing aesthetic of the park and build on its existing design vocabulary. Cohan Property Promenade- Completed Fall 2003
Interiors
Public Spaces CDA has been involved in the creation of a variety of exciting interior spaces. From lobbies to large public roof gardens, we have had the opportunity to bring our signature design aesthetic to many unique environments. Private Spaces Private spaces offer unique design challenges. Each space requires careful consideration and attention to the needs of the end user. CDA has had the opportunity to create a wide range of environments for our clients.
CONTACT US
____________________________________________________________________________________ 434 Broadway Fifth Floor New York, NY 10013 t: 212 748 8900 | f: 212 748 5555 info@cdany.com jobs@cdany.com |