Firm Description

Belmont Freeman Architects (BFA) is a New York City firm that creates timeless, modern spaces where people live, learn, gather, and work. Founded in 1986, the practice provides elegant design solutions to complex functional, technical, and contextual challenges.

Practicing across academic, civic/cultural, commercial, and residential sectors, BFA has built in North America, Europe, and Asia. Expert in the sustainable practice of historic preservation and restoration, the firm embraces environmental responsibility as essential to architecture.

Believing in economy of means both material and aesthetic, BFA enjoys a reputation for innovation, highly personalized service, and efficient project management. Its full services are complemented by those of an experienced team of subconsultants.

Outside the studio, Founding Principal Belmont (Monty) Freeman, FAIA, and other firm members foster the next generation of practitioners, teaching at leading institutions including Columbia University, New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), and Parsons School of Design. BFA is also a proud supporter of The Architecture Lobby, promoting equity in the workplace and the profession.

BFA’s seminal projects include the restoration of New York’s legendary Four Seasons Restaurant, the reimagined Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the renovation of the Ezra & Cecile Zilkha Art Gallery at Wesleyan University, and the LGBT Carriage House at the University of Pennsylvania.

The firm’s work has received awards from multiple American Institute of Architecture chapters and the American Society of Interior Designers New York Metro, as well as the Historic District Council (NYC) and other groups for its outstanding design, preservation, and renovation work. BFA is certified by New York City and State as a Minority Business Enterprise (Hispanic).

Founded as Freeman & Pizer Architects with Max Pizer in 1986, the firm became Belmont Freeman Architects in 1994.