We are interested in architecture that is better, not different.
James Cleary Architecture is a full-service architectural firm that designs a variety of commissioned and speculative works. Our projects range from a re-imagined brownstone to a modern apartment building, from renovations to new ground-up construction, and from elegant urban apartments to Shaker-inspired country retreats. Each shares a consistent creative vision that is fresh, contemporary, and unafraid of engaging with the architectural past.
Our work often mixes high and low to unexpectedly beautiful effect, pairing blackened steel with Carrera marble, or common industrial cement panels with teak millwork.
We work in close partnership with our clients, transforming commonplace spaces into inspired & highly functional environments that give form to your needs and aspirations.
Our extensive practical knowledge of construction allows us to find ways to build creative design ideas with the highest level of quality and the best possible use of your resources. We have a deep network of long standing relationships with skilled consultants, contractors, fabricators, and craftspeople, any of whom we can call upon to help realize your project.
At the end of the day, we and our clients take great pleasure that with each completed project, we are leaving the built environment better than we found it.
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Park Slope Brownstone 82nd Street Residence Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House 253 Pacific Street Connecticut Lake House – Master bedroom with window bench & pocket garden Park Slope Brownstone Park Slope Brownstone – Children’s play area & bedroom Park Slope Brownstone – Children’s bedroom reading nook Connecticut Lake House – Cottage exterior with terrace & dock Connecticut Lake House – Cottage sleeping lofts Connecticut Lake House – Cottage stair Connecticut Lake House – Cottage sleeping loft detail Connecticut Lake House – Cottage stair & kitchenette 82nd Street Residence – Dining room from foyer Connecticut Lake House – House dining room & kitchen 253 Pacific Street Park Slope Brownstone – Living room with fireplace 253 Pacific Street – Living room fireplace Park Slope Brownstone – Child’s play area Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House – Cottage kitchenette 82nd Street Residence 58th Street Apartment 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street Park Slope Brownstone 58th Street Apartment 82nd Street Residence 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street Park Slope Brownstone Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House Park Slope Brownstone 82nd Street Residence 82nd Street Residence Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape Park Avenue Roofscape 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street Chelsea Roof Terrace Chelsea Roof Terrace Chelsea Roof Terrace Chelsea Roof Terrace Chelsea Roof Terrace Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House Moo Burger Moo Burger Moo Burger Moo Burger Moo Burger 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street 253 Pacific Street Park Slope Brownstone Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House 253 Pacific Street: 253 Pacific Street: 253 Pacific Street: 253 PACIFIC STREETWhile this new 6 story building is inspired by Brooklyn’s historic brownstones, its material palette is forward looking. Wood clads the entire first floor. Above, concrete piers bracket zinc cladding and planter boxes shade windows from sun and add a touch of green to the street.The interior features exposed concrete ceilings, walnut flooring, kitchens combining smooth lacquer with blackened steel, fireplaces, and stairs which create unique cross views through each unit. Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House Connecticut Lake House: CONNECTICUT LAKE HOUSEAt a lakefront site, with an existing house, cottage, and garage, JCA created a peaceful retreat, reconfiguring the property to create a strong connection to the water. A vertical addition houses a master suite with a internal pocket garden. The lower floors feature open plans, organized around large new bay windows. Outdoors, a large terrace was inserted between house and cottage, and is flanked by a new dock, parallel to the shoreline and cantilevering over the water. Park Avenue Roofscape: Park Avenue Roofscape: PARK AVENUE ROOFSCAPEJCA’s design for this previously unfinished 2,800 s.f. roof creates a private oasis by concealing existing elements that create visual chaos and simplifying sight lines to bring the skyline view to the forefront. Machine room walls are screened with resin panels. Bent sheets of bronze conceal the parapet from view. An aluminum and wood shade canopy cantilevers off the building’s side. And the greenery in wood cladded planters softens the rigid geometry of the space, 82nd Street Residence: 82ND STREET RESIDENCEThis classic apartment suffered from years of benign neglect. For our renovation, original details were documented and later carefully rebuilt, but the project was much more than a reconstruction. The space was updated, seamlessly integrating new closet space, a reconfigured kitchen and bathrooms, and an HVAC system. Traditional elements are complemented by contemporary millwork, including shelving, an A/V cabinet, and a full wall of modular desks and storage cabinets. Photo: Jason Valdina Park Slope Brownstone: PARK SLOPE BROWNSTONEJCA transformed this dilapidated brownstone into a light-filled home.Our design features a parlor floor that gathers the home’s social spaces in one grand room. New elements such as freestanding storage cabinets, and a playful canopy that wraps the dining area’s walls and ceiling, are contrasted with preserved original details. The garden floor contains the home office and master bedroom suite, while on the top floor, children’s bedrooms flank a bathroom and play area.
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