A Collaborative Design Partner
Fradkin & McAlpin Architects is a 15-person firm practicing architecture, planning, design, and interiors in New York City since 2000.
Good design, client satisfaction, and an effective process are integral to FMA, and our practice is managed with these objectives guiding every project. We describe ourselves as a small firm with large firm capabilities—our professional resources enable us to manage large-scale, complex projects, while our culture allows us to provide the personal attention to our clients typically seen in smaller offices.
Fradkin & McAlpin staff members are talented, highly competent, and extraordinarily hard-working, with sound experience in all phases of the design process, from programming through construction administration. They are well-rounded individuals and bring their diverse personal experience and imagination to their work.
In addition to the efforts of our exemplary team, the active participation of one of the firm’s two principals ensures that each project enjoys the benefits of their years of experience and refined design sensibilities. Their involvement facilitates early detection of potential problems, quick decision-making, and problem solving.
While FMA has extensive experience with a wide range of project types, our true talent lies in problem-solving and ensuring that each project is developed from a fresh perspective and tailored to fit the needs of the client, not their predecessors. We look forward to hearing about your project and helping to bring it unique life.
Leadership
Our Services
- Architecture
- Renovation
- Adaptive Reuse
- New Construction
- Master Planning
- Site Planning
- Feasibility Studies
- Space Planning
- Interior Design
- Sustainable Design
- Corporate Identity
- Environmental Branding
- Construction Administration
- Signage
- Furniture
- Lighting
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. He is currently working on a new Science, Technology & Innovation Center for Landmark College, the acclaimed college for students with learning differences; he navigated The Russell Sage Foundation’s expansion from their Philip Johnson headquarters into the adjoining Victorian brownstone; and he oversees the firm’s international work for Tiffany & Company. 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, and 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 life. 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 to 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 spirit. 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 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.
Professional & Community Involvement
Out of the studio, the members of Fradkin & McAlpin are highly involved in the design community and are active in a number of organizations either directly or contingently related to our work. We believe that encouraging the pursuit of these interests enhances our team both professionally and personally. On any given week, you can find us guest critiquing at a university studio, participating in a committee discussion, or attending a lecture.
Some of our affiliations include:
American Institute of Architects
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center
WILD Center, Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks
Greenburgh Nature Center
NY League of Conservation Voters
Architectural League
Broadway Mall Association
New York Institute of Technology
Hastings-on-Hudson Architectural Review Board
Princeton University
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
National Realty Club
Society for College and University Planning
Society for Marketing Professional Services
US Green Building Council
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