We believe that modern design aesthetics are personal and subjective, and benefit from collaboration and inclusion – hence “Ampersand.”
Founded in 2014, Ampersand Architecture is an architecture and design firm based in New York City’s NoHo district. Ampersand specializes in high-end apartment renovations, new home construction, townhouses, commercial interiors and art galleries. We are a NYS and NYC certified M/WBE firm.
Collaboration
We collaborate closely with our clients, engineers and specialists from a range of fields to design and foster thoughtful and innovative projects at multiple scales. We insure that our clients' desires and needs are met on a very personal level, resulting in environments that are unique as each of our clients.
Aesthetic
Our firm specializes in modern design that is warm, natural and in keeping with its historical setting, whether that is mid-century, pre-war, or industrial.
Approach
Architecture should strive for timeless design, with a strong commitment to clarity and quality of details. We believe in built spaces that are modern, but not trendy. "Style" should not be predetermined, but should be a product of rigorous and creative exploration.
Amy Lopez-Cepero
Principal
e: amy@ampersandarchitecture.com
Before founding Ampersand, Amy Lopez-Cepero worked with Specht Harpman as a senior project architect. During her 18 years at Specht Harpman she worked on creative commercial interiors and high end residential projects throughout the East Coast and Caribbean. Amy also was a founding partner at OLO Studio, a design and architectural office in New York City.
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Amy received a BFA and BBA from Southern Methodist University in 1989. She went on to earn her Master's in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997. During her master's work, she received the Phillip Crete Gold Medal Thesis Prize, the Charles Merrick Gay Technology Award, the James Smyth Warner Memorial Award, and the Lewis E. Dales Traveling Fellowship.
Amy has worked on projects that have been recognized by numerous publications, including Interior Design and Architectural Digest. Her work at Specht Harpman has received awards from the American Institute of Architects New York, Architectural Record, the A List, Wired Magazine and ID Magazine, to name a few.
Amy is a Licensed Architect in New York, Connecticut and New Jersey. She is NCARB certified and a member of the American Institute of Architects.
When not in the office, Amy enjoys anything with wheels, spending time in her screen-printing studio, and collecting vintage artifacts.
Photograph by Leslie dela Vega
Adam Schreiber
Associate Architect
e: adam@ampersandarchitecture.com
Before joining Ampersand, Adam Schreiber's architectural experience included working with Sauerbruch Hutton, Specht Harpman, Delson or Sherman, and Joshua Brandfonbrener Architect. Adam has been a contributor to several design/build projects in furniture as well as architecture.
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Adam earned his BA in Psychology from Williams College in 1999, and his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 2007. As a graduate student, Adam was a founding editor of the student publication ISSUE: and a member of the Solar Decathlon team that represented UT on the National Mall.
Adam is a Licensed Architect in New York and is NCARB certified.
Outside the office, Adam enjoys biking, waterskiing, traveling to new parts of the world, and making elaborate themed mixtapes.
Photograph by Leslie dela Vega
Mieke Vandersall
Administrator, Bookkeeper
e: mieke@ampersandarchitecture.com
Mieke runs her own consulting business helping religious non-profits with fundraising and organizational growth. When she isn't doing “good” for the world at large, she has managed the finances at multiple small businesses in the architecture, film and music industries. She now works part-time at Ampersand managing their books and keeping it all running smoothly.
When not working, Mieke gets excited about yarn bombing, aikido, and a good glass or two of wine.
Photograph by Leslie dela Vega
BIrdie
Chief Morale Officer
e: birdie@ampersandarchitecture.com
Birdie received a Certificate in Behavioral Studies from the Pandemic Puppy School of the Arts in 2020.
Her responsibilities as chief morale office include security detail and general office entertainment.
When not in the office, Bird is a big fan of all “things” being thrown around and enjoys debating life with her sisters Berry and Rosie in Washington Square Park.
On the weekend she can be found frolicking in the local rivers, waterfalls, and woods at the Birdhouse.