Our Firm

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 33 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

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

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

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