Sometimes people ask us what kind of architectS are you, we respond we do "buildings": the zoning, the exterior, the landmarks, the preservation, the lighting, the interiors, the branding....TRA studio is the total design studio

expertise/services

The expertise of our comprehensive collaborative studio spans the disciplines of Programming, Planning, New Construction, Multi-family, Preservation, Adaptive Reuse, Institutional Master Plans, Interiors for living, working, connecting and retail.

As summarized in our name, TRA stands for “in between” in Latin, we see ourselves as the connectors between the private sector and the community, the developers and the agencies, the clients and the contractors, the buildings but also the spaces between.

Our diversified portfolio demonstrates that we can bring to successful completion complex projects and address the multiple issues that are presented during the various phases from acquisition, to implementation and post-construction. Having to respond in a timely manner to the ever-changing demands of working in the city, means that every day we are expanding our role, offering a single point of reference and a wide range of services. We believe that everything matters, we are often hired for all aspects of a project, moving from the exterior to the interior, including assistance with construction delivery services. We implement cutting-edge practices for construction delivery, administration, and management. We stay with you through the entire process, we make it happen, we solve today’s problems but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

We always collaborate with our clients, making all significant programming, budgeting and design recommendations, from feasibility through construction, down to the furniture selection and graphic program.

Most of our work comes from repeat clients and direct references: we love our clients and they still love us even after working together on multiple projects.

how we do it

Our proactive and cohesive process greatly benefits you as the client, below is a snapshot of how we work:

We begin by researching information

A Low Commitment Consultation, (LLC), offers the option to review strategies and risks before the starting the process

We see Proposals and Contracts as the first phases of design

After the initial meeting, (or meetings), we write a summary of the proposal, after that is accepted, the contract that follows represents the first phase of design and the roadmap for the project.

We establish a Program

We want to get to know and understand your vision, whether the project entails a large site or a small intervention within an existing space, we continue to interview you as the client as well as other stakeholders, such the end user and the community. The first priority of our team is always to get to know you, understand what really matters and learn about your needs aspirations.

We explore with Diagrams

We approach all projects, regardless of size, by searching for opportunities and comparing them in a collaborative process that includes you as the client .The process results in producing alternative 3D diagrams, of which one is further developed often becoming the reference frame that organizes the rest of the design. We want to tell a story, but we want to tell only what really matters.

We evaluate Feasibility early in the process, using AI assisted tools

The Zoning experience and in-house coordination with the agencies allows us to promptly investigate feasibility opportunities before the project even starts.

If you are a developer, we have access to powerful AI assisted tools that allow to prepare schematic feasibility studies and schedule sin Revit, optimized for profitability, density, and living standards

We continue to design throughout the Schematic and Design Development phases

We scope the budget and further refine, in a collaborative process with you and the consultants, the program, diagram and the areas of focus for the design, uncovering new opportunities. We prepare multiple schematic representations, both in CAD 2D and BIM 3D modeling. The 3D virtual model simulates the finished product, allowing you to walk through the spaces and experiment with all details down to the finish of your kitchen counter, or view the entire building within the context of the city.

We review the model with you and modify the aspects of the design being discussed in real time, making you part of the team. To better evaluate the design we also prepare 3D printed models.

We think in 3D, we produce all Construction Documents in 3D

Early in the design process, we take the role of orchestrator, "between", (as in the root of our name TRA), consultants, contractors and sub-contractors,  and often prepare shop-drawings in a shared collaborative process. We adopt model-based delivery practices throughout the construction phases, the shared 3D model contains and coordinates all architectural, structural and MEP information. We continuously evaluate alternative cost-effective solutions, shifting in and out from design to construction. In order to better understand how everything fits together, we also produce 3D printed mock-ups of specific details.

We take the Construction very seriously: the “ Amplified Construction Administration” process

The studio benefits from Robert Traboscia’s extensive experience in construction and our successful completed work, on time and within budget, demonstrates our specialized project management skills. TRA is often asked to act as the Owner’s representative and the Construction Manager, working closely with the General Contractor, assisting with the project administration, including procurement, obtaining bids, evaluating change orders, tracking, scheduling, all working within the set budget.

TRA is often asked to act as both the owner’s representative and the construction manager. The repeated success of our projects greatly assist us in demonstrating, how our “ Amplified Construction Administration” process adds value in all phases of design and construction.

We  believe that design never ends.

Design is not complete until construction ends. We see the execution part of the design. Through our 25 years+ of experience, we developed our own brand of Architect Led process, we can quickly move from conventional construction administration, to amplified construction administration.

Hands on involvement in all phases by the principals ensures quality control from start to finish.

We assist you during Post-construction

We share the BIM 3D model with the Building Facilities Manager, insuring that maintenance is simplified, more efficient and cost effective.

We are an asset for your project, we remain available for you in the future

“The thing I like best is how they have stayed with us to solve any problem that has come up, even years after the renovation was complete. 

“I find them smart, creative and non-profit budget-conscious.  And not only did they do a wonderful job, they have always been available for the past four years whenever an issue comes up”. 

From the owners of the Cobble Hill Brownstone