As a starry-eyed twelve-year old, Principal Architect James Wagman planned and built a model of his dream town for what in hindsight was clearly a prescient homework assignment. During high school he interned for a number of the most respected architecture firms in Philadelphia. Now, over thirty-five years later, his thriving, sought-after architectural practice is responsible for some of the most compelling and innovative renovations, restorations, and new buildings at landmark Manhattan addresses.
Mr. Wagman, a LEED certified, registered architect, holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the Pratt Institute in New York City. With an eclectic body of work and an all-encompassing background to which few can lay claim, James Wagman Architect, LLC primarily acquires commissions by word-of-mouth recommendation. The award-winning firm has earned a reputation for refreshingly modern, yet historically aware synergy. Beyond historical context, the firm works carefully to develop a purpose-driven understanding of the client's most desirable style and functionality.
Prior to launching his firm, Mr. Wagman was a long-time partner in an a real estate development company specializing in historic restorations as well as building affordable housing for low-income families. Initially, they did all the construction themselves, acquiring an artisanal, nuts-and-bolts knowledge of the energy and time a craftsperson must put into each facet of a project. As their business grew, they were less hands-on, but kept the experience alive with each new project. At the same time, Mr. Wagman also became an expert at navigating the intricacies of building codes as he negotiated with banks, building departments, and city and state agencies.
Currently, the firm is working on a range of projects including numerous townhouse renovations and restorations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, apartment and loft renovations throughout Manhattan, and a preschool on the Lower Manhattan and a high school in Brooklyn Heights. The firm's work has been profiled in numerous publications including Sotheby's International Realty Domain, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
In addition to notable residential work, the firm has completed a number of institutional and commercial projects, including the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, NY, The Blue School in New York City and ongoing work at The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn Heights.

Services Provided:
Architectural Services include, interior renovations of apartments, lofts and townhouses, apartment combinations, townhouse and rooftop additions. We are specialists, who work within all of the Landmarks Preservation Districts in The New York City Area.

Areas Served:
New York City and State

Certification and Awards:
Member of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) LEED Certified through the U.S. Green Building Council, Licensed through NCARB in New York State and Vermont