Michael Kostow is an architect, planner, and design strategist. He is recognized as a leader in the planning and design of media production facilities, performing arts venues, and workplace design for creative entrepreneurs. His extensive portfolio of work includes both new build and adaptive re-use projects.
As the founding principal of Kostow Greenwood Architects, an award-winning, New York based design firm, Kostow leads a team of architects and designers in concept design through construction for developers, corporations, and institutions. Most notably, his experience with strategic planning, programming and concept development promotes the integration of architectural design and strategic business objectives.
A licensed architect with over 30 years of professional experience, he provides overall design direction for the firm as well as team leadership on specific projects. Michael is involved in all project phases from initial site evaluation and programming through concept development, design, and construction.
Kostow Greenwood Architects grew out of our predecessor firm which Michael founded in 1987. His vision, leadership, and expertise have shaped our practice and given it national stature in entertainment, media and performing arts.
Kostow received his Master of Architecture degree from Yale University and a B.A. in Architecture from Lehigh University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional. Kostow speaks at industry events and contributes to architecture and design publications.
Notable Projects:
Abu Dhabi Media Company
CNN NY Broadcast Center
HBO Studio Productions
Mad River Post
MTV Networks
Apollo Performing Arts Center
Centennial Memorial Temple
James Earl Jones (formerly Cort) Theatre
Longacre Theatre
Loews Metropolitan Theatre
Fir Tree Partners NY and Miami
Sirius XM Radio
Smart Design Innovation Center NY and San Francisco
Tiger 21 Conference Center
VSP / Marchon Innovation Lab
Jane Greenwood’s collaborative leadership style, clear vision, and common sense informs every aspect of our practice. She has directed a large body of work focused on broadcast, media, cultural, and institutional clients over her 25-year career. Jane is actively involved from concept design through construction, and she sees each project as an opportunity to create extraordinary results by challenging conventional wisdom yet remain grounded in thoughtful solutions. This, along with a good dose of humor, is what makes Jane smile. Jane graduated with honors from Pratt Institute School of Architecture. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Lena Dau-Ping Fan is an Architect in NYC. In 2012, she joined Kostow Greenwood Architects where she quickly rose from a junior designer position to being a team leader and project manager, to her current role as an Associate Principal. Lena worked during her academic career at firms that focused on designing recreational buildings and hospitals to firms specializing in luxury residential and hotels. Her passion for architecture is to provide inclusive, well-designed, and exciting environments.
Key projects completed at KGA include the expansion of The Shubert Organization's historic Broadway James Earl Jones Theatre; the expansion of the iconic Apollo Theater into the Apollo Performing Arts Center, broadcast studios for CNN in NYC and other office interior projects.
Lena deftly orchestrates the full team of professionals required for state of the art performing arts venues; master plans, renovations, and feasibility plans. Within the office, she also focuses her efforts on mentoring team members and helping colleagues gain the necessary experience to pass architectural licensing exams. Outside of the office, Lena is active in her church's mission projects, and sponsors other designers in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Notable Projects:
CNN New York Broadcast Center
BronxNet Mercy College
Apollo Performing Arts Center
James Earl Jones Theatre Annex
Ambassador Theatre Group
Shubert Warehouse
Salvation Army Centennial Memorial Temple
Actor's Equity Association
Northland Center Mall Redevelopment
Credit Sights
Fir Tree Partners NYC and Miami
The Shop East at VSP Global
Gary A. Li joined the KGA team in 2017 and became an Associate in 2021. Since joining the team, he specializes in the cultural, sustainable development, and creative workplace sectors, with specific expertise in design, planning, and detailing. Prior to KGA, Gary worked at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill where he focused on education projects.
The foundation of Gary's design ideology is creating place-based solutions. He thrives on understanding the complexities and minutiae of each project to create innovative solutions for each individual project. As Associate, he has led the design and coordination efforts on several complex mixed use and workplace projects such as The Shubert Organization's Imperial Theatre New Lobby, the Northland Center Mall Redevelopment, 46 Bowery, and Smart Design Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Gary received his Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, holds a NCARB Certificate (allowing for reciprocal licensure in other jurisdictions), and a LEED Green Associate. He also contributes as a judge of the international WAN Awards. Some of his earlier designs have been featured in exhibitions at Future Tenant Gallery in Pittsburgh and the Korea Institute of Interior Design HY International Invitation in Seoul.
Notable Projects:
Lionsgate Studios
The Related Companies Real Estate Master Plan
Apollo Performing Arts Center
James Earl Jones Theatre Annex
Northland Center Mall Redevelopment
Fir Tree Partners NY
Tiger 21 Executive Conference Center
Credit Sights