we believe good design has the power to make lives better.
how we work
We are problem solvers, developing elegant, often unexpected solutions to difficult design challenges. We believe that creativity results from collaboration, which in turn supports good architectural design. We actively recruit voices from outside our firm to make our projects better; we seek insight from a team of building users, clients, engineers, consultants, and builders to enrich the outcome. We are a design firm with a service firm approach, committed to a consistent design team throughout the duration of each project. Find your team here.
We create projects that are relevant and responsive, sometimes surprising, and always unique. Each project is an adventure, defined by its particular circumstances and participants rather than reflecting a standard design style. Our process is iterative; we listen, we explore, we improve. As a result, each of our projects look and feel completely different‑‑the only consistency being our respect for site and context.
what we do
Schwartz/Silver is a nationally recognized practice that is committed to architectural excellence in the public realm. We serve academic institutions, museums, libraries, and public agencies in New England and across the country. We frequently work within historic and/or urban settings to adapt and expand existing buildings or create new ones.
We create meaningful architecture that is respectful of history and context, inquisitive in approach, and worthy of its own place in time.
academic design
We partner with academic institutions to address their ever-evolving campus facility needs. As dedicated problem-solvers, we serve national research universities like Princeton, Yale, Brown, and UVA, as well as public and private colleges and secondary schools. Our Academic Practice leader, Mark Schatz, can be contacted here.
civic design
Our thoughtful, cost-effective designs for federal, state, and local governments meet the needs of their users and fulfill our enthusiasm for design in the public realm. Several of our projects are part of the US Government’s Design Excellence Program. Our Civic Practice leader, Peter Kleiner, can be contacted here.
library design
We are at the forefront of a revolution in library design. Our award-winning new libraries, transformations, and library programs create efficient, flexible, engaging spaces for staff and users. Our Library Practice leader, Angela Ward Hyatt, can be contacted here.
museum & cultural design
We have completed more than forty museum projects and are experts in all aspects of museum design. Our extensive experience means we also consult nationally to both museums and other architects on spaces and equipment for collections storage. Our Museum & Cultural Design Practice leader, Jon Traficonte, can be contacted here.
Founded in 1980, we have a 45-year legacy of designing projects that serve the public good. Click here to learn more about the history of Schwartz/Silver
