Steven Harris
A native of Northern Florida, Steven Harris is the founding partner of Steven Harris Architects LLP in New York. He was educated at New College, the Rhode Island School of Design and Princeton University. He is currently Professor of Architecture at Yale, where he has taught for more than 25 years; he previously taught at Princeton and Harvard.
Since establishing Steven Harris Architects in 1985, he has led the design of an extensive range of residential, commercial and institutional projects, with a particular fondness and skill for exploring the architectural potential of residential life. Under his direction the firm has completed projects in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California and other areas of the United States, as well as in Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica and Croatia. Diversity is a hallmark of his prolific and innovative work: AIA award-winning projects range from a Manhattan townhouse to a bowling alley and pool hall in Queens, NYC to the southernmost private residence on the Baja Peninsula. In 2008, he was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame.
Harris's work is regularly featured in international publications, and his firm’s first monograph, True Life, (Princeton Architectural Press, 2010) showcases twenty-five years of acclaimed residential work. He also co-edited the book Architecture of the Everyday with Deborah Berke. His insights and works have contributed much to the landscape of contemporary architecture, and he continues to lecture worldwide, from Yale seminars to The Biennale in Santiago, Chile.
When not in the office, Harris can be found on vintage driving rallies around the world. He recently completed the Peking to Paris Endurance Rally in a 1964 Porsche.
Since establishing Steven Harris Architects in 1985, he has led the design of an extensive range of residential, commercial and institutional projects, with a particular fondness and skill for exploring the architectural potential of residential life. Under his direction the firm has completed projects in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California and other areas of the United States, as well as in Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica and Croatia. Diversity is a hallmark of his prolific and innovative work: AIA award-winning projects range from a Manhattan townhouse to a bowling alley and pool hall in Queens, NYC to the southernmost private residence on the Baja Peninsula. In 2008, he was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame.
Harris's work is regularly featured in international publications, and his firm’s first monograph, True Life, (Princeton Architectural Press, 2010) showcases twenty-five years of acclaimed residential work. He also co-edited the book Architecture of the Everyday with Deborah Berke. His insights and works have contributed much to the landscape of contemporary architecture, and he continues to lecture worldwide, from Yale seminars to The Biennale in Santiago, Chile.
When not in the office, Harris can be found on vintage driving rallies around the world. He recently completed the Peking to Paris Endurance Rally in a 1964 Porsche.
John Woell
John joined Steven Harris Architects LLP after moving to New York in 1995. His keen interest in residential architecture and his deep knowledge of the city’s building and landmark regulations has assisted John in guiding the firm’s extensive work in New York. He has been highly successful in working with Cooperative Boards and Building Architects and is well-versed in the historical evolution of the New York City brownstone.
John completed his Master of Architecture at Yale University, where he studied with the literary scholar Harold Bloom, the artist Frank Stella, and the philosopher Karsten Harries. A native of Minnesota, John Woell received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Minnesota, graduating with distinction – and with a coveted thesis prize as well. John received additional instruction in architectural history and theory at the Escuela Superior de Arquitectura in Barcelona; he also has lived in Paris and Los Angeles, where he worked with Richard Meier on the design and construction of the Getty Center.
John has taught and lectured on innovative design at Yale and other universities. His prolific and skilled work has been recognized with awards from UNESCO and the AIA; he also received a grant from the Graham Foundation for his research.
John completed his Master of Architecture at Yale University, where he studied with the literary scholar Harold Bloom, the artist Frank Stella, and the philosopher Karsten Harries. A native of Minnesota, John Woell received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Minnesota, graduating with distinction – and with a coveted thesis prize as well. John received additional instruction in architectural history and theory at the Escuela Superior de Arquitectura in Barcelona; he also has lived in Paris and Los Angeles, where he worked with Richard Meier on the design and construction of the Getty Center.
John has taught and lectured on innovative design at Yale and other universities. His prolific and skilled work has been recognized with awards from UNESCO and the AIA; he also received a grant from the Graham Foundation for his research.
Eliot Lee
A native of Northern California, Eliot received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with honors from Princeton University in 1995 and his Master of Architecture from Yale University in 1998. At these two institutions Eliot studied under Elizabeth Diller, Beatriz Colomina, and Thomas Beebe, as well as Steven Harris.
Prior to joining Steven Harris Architects LLP in 1998, he was employed by various firms on both the East and West Coasts—Interim Office of Architecture, Michael Graves & Associates, and Cesar Pelli & Associates. Currently a partner at SHA, Eliot has worked as lead designer on a range of projects including residences in Ojai, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, Napa Valley, Water Mill, Southampton, Montauk and Taipei; the Beach Volleyball and Archery venues for the NYC2012 Olympic bid; a new 9 story condominium on Bond Street; and renovations of townhouses, apartments and lofts in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Eliot is a registered architect in the state of New York. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and children, and in his free time he enjoys playing classical piano and the occasional round of skeet.
Prior to joining Steven Harris Architects LLP in 1998, he was employed by various firms on both the East and West Coasts—Interim Office of Architecture, Michael Graves & Associates, and Cesar Pelli & Associates. Currently a partner at SHA, Eliot has worked as lead designer on a range of projects including residences in Ojai, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, San Diego, Napa Valley, Water Mill, Southampton, Montauk and Taipei; the Beach Volleyball and Archery venues for the NYC2012 Olympic bid; a new 9 story condominium on Bond Street; and renovations of townhouses, apartments and lofts in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Eliot is a registered architect in the state of New York. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and children, and in his free time he enjoys playing classical piano and the occasional round of skeet.
Lucien Rees Roberts
Lucien Rees Roberts was born in England and educated in architecture and design at Cambridge University. In 1981 he moved to New York, where he currently is partner of Rees Roberts + Partners. He also was the founding head of the interiors department at Steven Harris Architects LLP, where his aesthetic vision has played an integral role in the development of the firm and the successful execution of its projects.
Well-known for his subtle use of color, texture and fabric, Rees Roberts’s designs capture the essence of modern living. Coming from the third generation of painters in his family, his love for art is a unique and important source for his inspiration and has left an indelible mark on his design tastes. His work achieves a functional elegance that is characterized by his deference to art, light and views provided by natural surroundings. Each project reflects the character of the client as well as the needs of everyday life, and his designs incorporate a combination of custom furniture and unusual antiques.
Rees Roberts has designed interiors for projects in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California and other areas of the United States, as well as in Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica and Croatia. In December 2008, he received the honor of being inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, and his design work is regularly featured in a wide range of international design books and publications.
Well-known for his subtle use of color, texture and fabric, Rees Roberts’s designs capture the essence of modern living. Coming from the third generation of painters in his family, his love for art is a unique and important source for his inspiration and has left an indelible mark on his design tastes. His work achieves a functional elegance that is characterized by his deference to art, light and views provided by natural surroundings. Each project reflects the character of the client as well as the needs of everyday life, and his designs incorporate a combination of custom furniture and unusual antiques.
Rees Roberts has designed interiors for projects in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Florida, California and other areas of the United States, as well as in Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica and Croatia. In December 2008, he received the honor of being inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, and his design work is regularly featured in a wide range of international design books and publications.
Deborah Hancock
Deborah Hancock brings a rich and varied background to Rees Roberts + Partners. Having earned a degree in art history, she began her career as a fashion and home furnishings trend forecaster for Cotton Incorporated. In this capacity she traveled throughout Europe and Asia, unearthing unique and innovative fabrics and furnishings along the way. Looking for a way to marry her love of traveling the markets of the world with a career in New York, she began exploring the world of interior design by importing antiques from Indonesia. After attending Parsons School of Design, she was decorating homes in New York by 1996. A wide variety of projects—from city-based bachelor flats to family-oriented country homes—helped to round out her experience and her eye for design.
Deborah understands the visual impact of an interior space as a layering of objects, textures and colors, and her work evokes those elements which transcend time and label. She designs with the client in mind, ultimately creating an aesthetically-inspired environment tailored to the individual.
Deborah has been with Steven Harris Architects since 2004 and is now a partner in Rees Roberts + Partners. Her completed projects include the furnishing of apartments on Central Park West and East End Avenue in Manhattan; townhouses on the Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, and Brooklyn Heights in New York City; and residences in the Hamptons and Geneva, Switzerland.
Her passport is always current.
Deborah understands the visual impact of an interior space as a layering of objects, textures and colors, and her work evokes those elements which transcend time and label. She designs with the client in mind, ultimately creating an aesthetically-inspired environment tailored to the individual.
Deborah has been with Steven Harris Architects since 2004 and is now a partner in Rees Roberts + Partners. Her completed projects include the furnishing of apartments on Central Park West and East End Avenue in Manhattan; townhouses on the Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, and Brooklyn Heights in New York City; and residences in the Hamptons and Geneva, Switzerland.
Her passport is always current.
David Kelly
David Kelly is the partner in charge of the landscape department at Rees Roberts and Partners. Kelly, who is from British Columbia, Canada, has been with the firm for 15 years. His collaborative approach with his clients ensures a fully integrated landscape, and his experience with green roof technology and sustainable building practices marries well with his keen aesthetic sense to create bold and innovative landscapes on many scales.
In 2010 Kelly won an American Society of Landscape Architects Award for his landscape design of a retreat in Cape Town South Africa. The project borders the base of Table Mountain and was designed so that it would seamlessly integrate with the rugged and diverse natural environment. Plantings from the rich native Fynbos weave throughout the garden drawing on the regions remarkable biodiversity, and a natural swimming pool and dynamic outdoor living spaces add to the unique visual and lived experience of the landscape.
Kelly has completed a number of projects in Manhattan including an indoor glass conservatory with a 30-foot green growing wall. In addition to the numerous city projects he is working on a 110 acre sustainable farm in upstate New York which when finished will allow the owners to be able to live off the grid. Other projects include a private retreat in Martha’s Vineyard, MA; an oceanfront residence in Montauk, NY; a multi-unit compound in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and a guest house on an island off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
In 2010 Kelly won an American Society of Landscape Architects Award for his landscape design of a retreat in Cape Town South Africa. The project borders the base of Table Mountain and was designed so that it would seamlessly integrate with the rugged and diverse natural environment. Plantings from the rich native Fynbos weave throughout the garden drawing on the regions remarkable biodiversity, and a natural swimming pool and dynamic outdoor living spaces add to the unique visual and lived experience of the landscape.
Kelly has completed a number of projects in Manhattan including an indoor glass conservatory with a 30-foot green growing wall. In addition to the numerous city projects he is working on a 110 acre sustainable farm in upstate New York which when finished will allow the owners to be able to live off the grid. Other projects include a private retreat in Martha’s Vineyard, MA; an oceanfront residence in Montauk, NY; a multi-unit compound in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and a guest house on an island off the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia.