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
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 a 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 joined the firm in 2017, became an Associate in 2021, and now a Principal in 2023.
A focus on place-based solutions is the foundation of Gary's design philosophy. His innovative design sensibilities paired with a strong technical foundation of code requirements and detailing allows him to navigate a multitude of project types in the cultural, sustainable development, and creative workplace sectors. He is involved with all phases of the building process from site selection through construction administration. He’s known to be one of the few architects that still believe in the art of sketching!
Gary’s design process is rooted in understanding the clients’ objectives, intricacies of the site, and complexities of the program. He brings his deep passion for learning about new construction techniques and integrating new materials to craft exceptional project-specific solutions.
Gary’s contributions to the design for the award-winning James Earl Jones Theatre Annex on Broadway and Smart Design studio at the Brooklyn Navy Yard demonstrate his passion for innovation, attention to detail and human-centric design. His keen interest in adaptive-reuse and sustainable development are behind the firm’s conceptual designs for the Northland Center Mall Redevelopment and National Philharmonic of Moldova.
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 is a LEED Green Associate. He is a juror for the international WAN Awards and a volunteer on NCARB’s Examination Committee. His speaking engagements include being invited to present the James Earl Jones Theatre Annex project at the League of Historic American Theatres National Conference.
Prior to joining Kostow Greenwood Architects, Gary worked at Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill where he focused on education projects.
Notable Projects:
Apollo Performing Arts Center
James Earl Jones Theatre Annex
The Shubert Organization Warehouse
Kings Theatre Flexible Auditorium
Theatre Feasibility Studies for The Shubert Organization
Northland Center Mall Redevelopment
National Philharmonic of Moldova
Tenuta Terraviva Agriturismo
Smart Design Brooklyn Navy Yard
Tiger 21 Executive Conference Center
Credit Sights
Fir Tree Partners NY
Lionsgate Studios
Studio Master Plan for The Related Companies
Studio Feasibility Study for RXR Realty
Mitchell Kurtz has design experience with theaters, performing arts facilities, galleries, multi-family housing, residential and
commercial properties. As the principal of the firm founded in 1986, Mr. Kurtz is intimately involved in the design, management
and quality control of all projects in the office. His architectural experience has resulted in a broad knowledge of design and
technical issues, particularly in theaters and public buildings. Prior to his architectural training, Mr. Kurtz had a long career in
theater production and design for resident theaters and touring companies.
Recent architectural projects include a 5,000-seat covered amphitheater for the Chautauqua Institution, a 200-seat flexible
auditorium arrangement at the JCC Manhattan, renovation projects for Lucille Lortel Theater, Daryl Roth Theatre, New York
Theatre Workshop, Barnard College, Pratt Institute, and The New School. The firm provides architectural services to producing
and presenting performing art and museum venues to assist with altering the venue for site-specific and production-specific
needs, including The Public Theater, Signature Theater, Daryl Roth Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, the New Group, Lortel
Theater, Lincoln Center, Ars Nova, Spyscape Museum and St. Ann’s Warehouse.