ABOUT
Fradkin & McAlpin Architects is a New York City based multidisciplinary design practice, founded in 2000 by David McAlpin and Bennett Fradkin.
At Fradkin & McAlpin Architects, we practice architecture as a collaborative discipline through dialogue with our team and our clients. Our approach brings considered design, insight, and leadership grounded in our decades of experience to thoughtfully and creatively design to our clients' objectives.
We use a disciplined design process that, when dealing with historic structures, creates a dialogue between restored elements and modern vocabulary that supports new uses and functions. The spaces we design are transformative and inspiring to those who use them.
BENNETT FRADKIN, AIA
PRINCIPAL
Bennett has more than 36 years of experience working on a diverse array of projects. He believes that a methodical architectural process and a well directed effort are the means to a superior design and a successful project.
Throughout his career, Bennett has been responsible for a number of widely renowned projects. Some projects include the new Science, Technology & Innovation Center for Landmark College, The Russell Sage Foundation’s expansion of their Phillip Johnson headquarters, as well as overseeing the firm’s international work for Tiffany & Co. Bennett was also the driving force behind the design of two technically complex projects that have become local institutions: Brooklyn Brewery and NY Distilling.
Bennett has written architectural guidelines for, and is the chair of, the Architectural Review Board in the village of Hastings-on-Hudson in Westchester County, New York. He has served on the economic development committee for the New York State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program, helping to develop a program for a 30-acre waterfront development site. He uses these same advisory skills as consulting architect for Radburn, America’s first garden city. For this groundbreaking community, he wrote architectural guidelines and regularly helps the association’s board evaluate proposals for new building projects. He is also President of the Board of Directors of the Greenburg Nature Center, a board member of the New York League of Conservation Voters, and chairman of the President’s Advisory Committee at Landmark College.
Bennett received his B. Arch from Carnegie Mellon University, and is a registered architect in New York, New Jersey and Vermont.
DAVID MCALPIN, AIA
PRINCIPAL
David has practiced architecture in New York City since 1979, and has led his own practice as principal since 1984. He is well-known for his ability to adapt and update structures to modern uses. David’s designs are memorable places which are marked by their ability to enhance and celebrate daily lift. Whether the assignment is educational, residential, or business-based, his projects embody each client’s objectives and identity.
Primarily found in the tristate area, David’s works can also be seen from Puget Sound to Prague. Since his first project, an award-winning, adaptive design for a school for autistic children (Princeton, NJ 1978), David has realized an exciting variety of commissions such as: translating educational pedagogy into a center for learning differences; updating nineteen and early 20th century buildings for religious institutions; developing the brand aesthetic for a unique art gallery; and historically significant residential spaces.
David’s interest in design, education and nature is the foundation of his professional practice and his public service efforts. He served New York Trinity School as a board member from 2001-2007. From 1997-2002 and from 2007 to the present, David has chaired the board at Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center. He also contributes to The Wild Center in the Adirondacks and New York City’s Broadway Mall Association as an advisory board member. Additionally, David has taught design studios and appeared as a guest critic for multiple architectural schools.
David believes that good design lifts people’s spirits. Joined together, understanding, innovation and creativity are the foundation of his approach to making architecture that clients and users can appreciate and enjoy. David earned both his Masters in Architecture and his B.A cum laude from Princeton University.
LIBBY COOPER, AIA
ASSOCIATE
Libby joined FMA in 2008 and has since been instrumental in the majority of our religious and community projects. She has excelled at coordinating diverse teams for the complex institutional projects such as the historically sensitive renovation of the Brick Presbyterian Church social hall and school offices, and numerous projects for the Salvation Army. Libby is a registered architect in the state of New York, and a member of the AIA. She holds a B.Arch from the Cooper Union.
