Synthesis Architects serves medium to large public and private clients, providing value-added design services. We are committed to creating environments that enhance the quality of our urban, suburban and rural communities and improve the way we learn, work, play, and live our lives.
Our mission is to ensure client success by developing appropriate, client-focused designs, built on sustainable practices and designing environments that provide for more effective teaching, more engaged learning, more productive workplaces and enhanced quality of life.
Celebrating over 35 years of Professional Practice in Schenectady, New York, Synthesis is an award-winning design firm providing architecture and planning services for colleges/universities, civic + corporate, K-12 schools, automotive dealerships, healthcare/medical, commercial, not-for-profit and institutional projects.
Firm Leadership
Michael Szemansco
Founding Principal
AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate
James Graham
Principal
AIA, LEED Green Associate
Teresa Szemansco
Director of Business Development
Michael Goard
Vice President, Operations |
Senior Architect
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Awards
Boys & Girls Club of Schenectady
- Vincent C. Mastrofrancisco Partners in Program Award
General Electric – Building 66
- Honor Award – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
Ferrari Palm Beach
- Award of Merit – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
Rebuild Prattsville Vision Concept
- Honor Award | Planning & Analysis – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
Schenectady Gateway Plaza Implementation Plan
- Award of Merit | Planning & Analysis – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
Schenectady City School District
- High School Courtyard Succession Garden: Award of Merit | Built Design – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
Port Chester Downtown Waterfront Concept Plan
- Award of Merit | Planning & Analysis – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
State Street Streetscape
- Citation Award – American Institute of Architects New York State
- Award of Merit | Public Landscape Design – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
- Award of Merit | Rehabilitation and Restoration – New York Construction Best of 2005
- Outstanding Appearance Award – The Chamber of Schenectady County
Suqian “Ancient Yellow River” Master Plan
- Award of Merit | Planning & Analysis – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
- Second-place winner – International Design Competition Jiangsu Province, China
Times Union Center
- Come Back Building of the Year – Captital Region BOMA
Jay Street Pedestrian Area
- Best Urban Oasis – Metroland Best of the Capital Region
Schenectady/Scotia Waterfront Market and Feasibility Study
- Award of Merit | Planning & Analysis – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
New York State Department of Transportation Region One Office Building, Schenectady, New York
- Design Cost Data Featured Project November/December issue
- John J. McManus Memorial Mark of Excellence Award – Capital District Masonry Institute
- Award for Outstanding Appearance – The Chamber of Schenectady County
- U.S. Department of Energy LEED Certified Silver level “Green Building”
City of Auburn, New York
- Community Achievement Award | Downtown Revitalization Projects – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
The Waters Edge Lighthouse Restaurant
- Runner-up Winner in the National 2005 “Versa-Lok” Concrete Retaining Wall Systems Design Contest
- Award of Merit | Built Design – New York Upstate American Society of Landscape Architects
Adirondack Residence
- Featured Project – Adirondack Home by Ralph Kylloe
Port Jervis Waterfront Urban Design Plan
- Outstanding Award for a Plan – Upstate New York American Planning Association
Riverside Park and Pump House
- Award of Merit – Schenectady Heritage Foundation
Progressive Insurance Regional Headquarters
- John J. McManus Memorial Mark of Excellence Award – Capital District Masonry Institute
Schenectady City Hall
- Preservation Award – Schenectady Heritage Foundation
Western Gateway Transportation Center Intermodal Center
- Honor Award – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
Central Park “Park 4 Play,” Schenectady, New York
- Merit Award – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
The Parker Inn
- Award for Outstanding Appearance – The Chamber of Schenectady County
Central Park Pavilion, Schenectady, New York
- Honor Award – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
Private Residence, Saratoga Area
- Featured Article – Homestyle Magazine
Michelson Real Estate
- Honor Award – American Institute of Architects Eastern New York
Lighthouse Restaurant on the Mohawk River, Glenville, New York
- Runner-Up Winner in the National 2005 “Versa-Lok” Concrete Pavers Landscape Design Contest
Private Residence
- Historic Preservation Award – Historic Albany Foundation
Residential Design
- Small Home Competition Winning Design, Small House Designs, Elegant Architect-Designed Homes, 34 Award-winning Plans, 1,250 square feet or less
- Passive Solar Residential Addition, • Better Homes and Gardens, article
- Remodeling, article
- Albany, New York
