Meet the Team
Studio Life
We are a creative, highly motivated and close-knit studio of architects and designers. Some of us have worked together for over 20 years. We thrive in collaboration and believe the strength of our designs is rooted in our diverse backgrounds, our broad areas of expertise, and our passion for details. We want to create environments where our owners deeply enjoy the carefully made decisions that we are so passionate about.
The firm was established in 1986 by Architect James “Jamie” M. Copeland on Fifth Avenue in New York City, offering project planning, interior design and architecture services. In 1993, the firm moved its offices to Garrison, in the Hudson Valley, and expanded its offering to also include construction management, giving owners greater control over project costs, quality and scheduling.
Looking back over 30 years, Jamie sums it up best.
“If you find your passion, and find a way to serve other people with that passion, it’s not work,” he says. “It’s joy, and I found other people to do that with. They love what they do, they’re good at it, they’re open-minded about it. There’s a lot of cross-fertilization and freedom of input.”
Outreach and Community Involvement
Adopt-a-Highway
In addition to all of the work our team does in the community as individuals, we come together to take care of a stretch of Route 9D in Garrison, right in our backyard. We pick up litter along this two mile section at least four times a year to demonstrate our commitment to the local environment. Be sure to catch us in the bright yellow and orange vests the next time you drive by!
School Field Trips – “A Day in the Life…”
We hope to inspire the next generation of professionals in this industry by offering the opportunity for local schools to visit our office as a field trip. With a tour and presentation, students gain a better understanding of how a studio of architect’s and designer’s work together. We take pride in fielding questions, offering project critique and sharing personal stories.
Sailing Excursions with Captain Copeland
In Jamie’s free time he invites inner-city students from the surrounding areas on multi-day sailing excursions. These trips offer a real-life application of trust, teamwork and responsibility within a setting that is outside the comfort zone for most participants. Previous guests include the San Miguel Academy of Newburgh, Chicago Hope Academy and even local West Point cadets. Every so often the HD crew gets a free ride too!
