Marren and Newman Architects has completed projects in a wide variety of building types including renovations, major alterations, historic preservation and new construction. Our work has ranged in scale and complexity from a small performing arts stage in the IBM Atrium, included building-wide artist loft condominiums in SoHo, a new building for the Wölffer Estates Winery in the Hamptons, a new Sports Medicine Facility in Long Beach, Long Island, to Master Planning for the Yeshivat Rambam School in Baltimore. The OMO Norma Kamali Retail Store at 11 West 56th Street (AIA Honor Award, Architectural Record, Interiors Magazine), and the Lobby and Facades of the Architects and Designers Building at 150 East 58th Street (Architectural Record, ID International) are two of our widely recognized works in NYC. In addition to professional practice, Peter has held faculty positions at Parsons, The New School for Design.
The firm’s approach to the design process begins with an investigation of both the speculative and physical nature of place. Through a highly engaged and collaborative process with each client, a shared set of expectations is created. The design work is noted for its integration of fine arts, careful attention to construction detailing, an appreciation of craft, and the innovative use of materials, finishes and light.
Educated during the dynamic period of the 1970s at the at the University of California at Berkeley, and following work on sustainable housing and schools, and time studying and teaching drawing and architecture at the University of New Mexico, Peter returned to New York in the mid 1980’s. Working with RKT&B Architects, and managing projects such as City Center Dance Theater, the transition to his own private practice came when he received the commission to design the Norma Kamali retail headquarters while still at the firm. The office was originally established as Peter Michael Marino Design.
Margaret Newman, a Partner since 1992, has been on extended leave since 2007 and is currently serving as Chief of Staff for the NYC Department of Transportation. Margaret is involved with the management of the agency and has provided direction for special projects including for the design of the agency’s new headquarters. She has played key roles in the development of the Street Design Manual and Sustainable Streets, the agency’s first strategic plan.
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When Peter formed his initial practice, he soon became aware of the presence of another architect, in private practice in New York, with the exact same birth name. Following a period using P. Michael Marino Design (which proved confusing), after much deliberation, and with respect to his late father, the musician (saxophone and clarinet) Jess Marino, he made the difficult decision in 1992 to legally change his name to Peter Marren.
A few things worth thinking about, looking at, visiting, handling…
Piero della Francesco, Rembrandt sketches, Emile Nolde watercolors, Claus Oldenburg drawings, Barnett Newman, Agnes Martin, Richard Diebenkorn, Richard Serra, Michael Heizer, Richard Sachs Cycles, Seven Cycles, Conrads Bike Shop NYC, Céline (since 2009), eres, IWC, M+ Co (Tibor), Ticonderoga #2’s, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Pt. Reyes National Seashore