New York Firm Studio 397 Refines Its Approach

How do you design with hospitality in mind?

What have you learned as you continue to grow your team?

Construction Firms Go Circular as They Try to Meet Demand for Greener Office Buildings

In New York, architecture firms Gensler and Studio 397 recently completed a retrofit on a new headquarters for Turner Construction Company

Getting to Know: Architect Samantha Josaphat-Medina

We sat down with the co-founder of STUDIO 397 Architecture, named after the fact that she is only the 397th African American female architect to achieve licensure in U.S. history.

Highlighting the Remarkable Achievements of Black Professionals in the A/E/C Industry!

A highlight about Samantha Josaphat & Luis Medina

Mayor Adams Announces $25 Million FOR Health & Beauty Businesses At Brooklyn Navy Yard

R.F. Wilkins Consultants will partner with McKissack & McKissack and Studio 397 Architecture, two additional Black woman-owned businesses, to design and build out AYO Labs, a State-of-the-Art Facility to Position New York City as Leader in Nearly $450 Billion Health and Beauty Industry.

Turner Construction Company HQ & NY Office Receives LEED Platinum Certification

 LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors v4 - LEED on June 15, 2023

Strategic Mentorship: How Samantha Josaphat Is Reaching the Next Generation of Architects

When architect Samantha Josaphat earned her license in 2017, she became the 397th Black woman in the United States to reach that milestone

Samantha & Luis were judges fo The 1st Annual PHN Climate Design Awards

The Passive House Network is honored to present the first annual Climate Design Award winners. Spanning all of North America’s dynamic topography, from very hot to arctic conditions, dense urban lots to open wilderness, the judges were tasked with selecting projects that are robustly climate adaptive, beautiful, and thoroughly engaged with their place.

Penn Station's Future as World-Class, Spacious Facility

STUDIO 397 is a part of the winning team for the redesign of Penn Station that will be led by FXCollaborative Architects LLP and WSP USA Inc., with the acclaimed British architect John McAslan + Partners.


IIDA INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLE 25

IIDA's 25th annual Industry Roundtable (IR25) convenes design leaders from an array of firms and manufacturers, with the IIDA International Board of Directors and IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO, Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, for an in-depth discussions about an ambitious topic - The Future of Design. 

PERSPECTIVE FUTURE FEMALE: SAMANTHA JOSAPHAT

On designing meaningful spaces that foster human connection, the power of letting go, and the upsides of being an underdog

Impactful Boys & Girls Club Receives Teen Center RenovatioN

Madison Square Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, stable, supportive environment for youth in some of New York City’s most under-served neighborhoods. George to the Rescue surprised the clubhouse with a renovated teen lounge, with dedicated reading area, entertainment space and special gallery wall featuring photos of Madison Square youth.

George to the Rescue' renovates the Brooklyn Boys & Girls Club

TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager teams up with George Oliphant of "George to the Rescue" and a powerhouse design duo from Studio 397 Architecture to get to work at the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club in Brooklyn, which provides a safe space for children and teens in the area.

The 397th African American Female Architect

Samantha Josaphat and Luis Medina, principals of STUDIO 397 join Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York for the 5 10 20 Podcast.

Our conversations start with an understanding how we arrived at what we are doing now but, more importantly, focusing in on our vision for the future, looking out 5, 10 and 20 years.

Design Climate Action Fellowship

Luis Medina and Samantha Josaphat are awarded the Design Climate Action Civita Institute fellowship .

Since 1985, the Civita Institute has funded the creative explorations of architects, planners, designers, artists, writers and other arts professionals annually to pursue projects in Civita di Bagnoregio.

The New Home Office Tips Every Designer Needs


This webinar will offer interior designers and other design professionals the tools and info needed to create a healthy and effective home office. We'll also share a few products that will appeal to aesthetes and ergonomics experts alike.

Luis Medina get’s Certified as a Passive House Designer

Pass­ive House build­ings are en­ergy ef­fi­cient build­ings that provide users with high levels of com­fort and ex­cel­lent air qual­ity around the clock. As a res­ult, build­ing pro­fes­sion­als need ad­di­tion­al ex­pert­ise that en­sures that the high re­quire­ments for the build­ing en­vel­ope and tech­no­logy can be met.

Your Attention Please

Find out what insects can teach us with entomologist Dr. Sammy, see what kind of world architect Samantha Josaphat is building, and get immersed in the art of Illustrator Keturah Bobo.

Modern and Beautiful Family Home Near Union Square | Open House TV

Samantha Josaphat and Luis Medina give us a tour of a home they recently renovated for a growing family.

Inside The Making Of A Revamped Brooklyn Marketplace


Samantha Josaphat-Medina and Luis Medina are the creatives at the helm of Studio 397, a Brooklyn-based architecture and design firm.

Apartment interior design: outstanding spaces around the globe

Apartment interiors can be tricky to balance. Create a sense of space and get inspired by our global edit of architect-designed ideas. From minimalist mezzanines and lofts that bridge old and new, to sleek urban penthouses and dramatic transformations

Women fight for workout space at Brooklyn NYCHA development


The seniors at the Pink Houses helped raise $230,000 for a new outdoor fitness hub. A group of enthusiastic seniors worked with local elected officials and city agencies to help make their vision real.

SAMANTHA - GUEST ANNOUNCEMENT.png

Episode 13: Samantha Josaphat-Medina of Studio 397 Architecture

In this episode, Christian sits down with Samantha to share insights on the architecture industry. Listen on any of these platforms.

IIDA.jpg

SAMANTHA JOSAPHAT ON BUILDING A CAREER YOU LOVE

2021 Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Visionary Award winner discusses creating your dream career and re-discovering a love for architecture and designing spaces.

2021_Luna_Award_Logo.jpg

IIDA ANNOUNCES RECIPIENT OF THE 2021 ANNA HERNANDEZ/LUNA TEXTILES VISIONARY AWARD

The IIDA Foundation is pleased to announce Samantha Josaphat, RA, founder and principal at STUDIO 397 Architecture as the recipient of the Anna Hernandez/Luna Textiles Visionary Award, which recognizes contributions made by women business owners in the design industry.

ARD_ADP_Logos.png

6 Tips for Maximizing Your Client’s Budget

Luis Medina shares best budgeting strategies with Architectural Digest readers.

Next1000_2021_HonoreeBadge_v1__003_.jpg

Samantha makes the inaugural Forbes Next 1000 list!

This first-of-its-kind initiative celebrates bold and inspiring entrepreneurs, who are redefining what it means to run a business today.

IMG_3378.png

The virtual show house opens November 18-24

Mark your calendar! Visit the link in our bi1o to learn more about The Iconic Home and the designers behind the project.

1176px-CBS_logo.svg.png

Unique Virtual Home Showcase Highlights Work Of African-American Designers

A free, virtual experience aims to showcase the talents of Black designers while offering others an opportunity to step inside a dream home without leaving their own home.

IMG_3385.png

Architectural Digest joins Black Interior Designers Network to launch 'The Iconic Home Virtual Show House

NEW YORK (WABC) -- For 100 years, Architectural Digest has been the leading authority in design. Featuring the work of some of the most sought after architects and designers in the world.

architect.png

What Does Real Action Look Like?

ARCHITECT asked a dozen designers of color to share what would convince them that the recent calls and vows to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the AEC sector would lead to meaningful, lasting change.

Cultured+logo.png

15 ARCHITECTS ON BEING BLACK IN ARCHITECTURE

The fact remains that only two percent of all of the licensed architects in the united states are black. We spoke with a group of 15 black architects about their challenges, successes and hopes for the future in the architecture industry, where change is a long time coming.

CC24B3AC-8512-4E99-B72E-40D857BACD1A.jpg

What to Look for in a Business Partner

STUDIO 397 along with other Designers and Architects reveal how they successfully found their perfect match.

EAF667B9-F10C-4D86-989F-6704A52E35FF.jpg

Architectural Digest Celebrates Studio 397’s Three Years of Business

Congratulations, Studio 397! Today marks three years of business for the architecture firm, which was founded by Samantha Josaphat in 2017.

FCM_Logo_2-1800x1440.jpg

Flatbush Caton Market Micro Entrepreneur Relief Fund

Preserving the Caribbean culture of Flatbush Brooklyn by supporting our entrepreneurs.

wall_street_journal_logo_png_1476818.png

For Black Designers, a Surge of New Visibility and Business is ‘Bittersweet’

Architects and interior designers of color welcome more attention, but feel conflicted over the industry’s lack of representation and diversity

tm_horizontal.png

Four Black Architects You Should Know

There’s a hard truth many in the architecture and interior design world don’t talk about: The industry is severely lacking in diversity. It’s been estimated that only 3% of architects in the United States are Black, and only 0.3% are Black women. 

Seeking Advice.PNG

Institutions and organizations, please consider the following questions when approaching anyone for their input or advice. 

Strivers%252BRow%252BTwo%252BLines%252BBlack.jpg

Strivers’ Row celebrates doers

Check out Samantha’s feature for her journey to building her own, her perspective on the role of Black architects in the culture and ensuring legacy, what lies ahead and more.

NYCOBA-NOMA-blk.png

black lives matter

The years leading up to 2020 has been unprecedented, and in the midst of COVID-19 the continued pressure for justice in America again police brutality in the black community continues to rise. nycoba|NOMA has shared numerous links of resources for those who need help mentally, how to stand against injustice in America, and how to vote.

Brooklyn For Life

LOCAL EATS FOR BROOKLYN'S FRONTLINE FIGHTERS

This outbreak is touching all of us, whether or not we come in contact with the coronavirus. Of course, on the frontlines of efforts to protect us from this pandemic are the healthcare workers and the first responders. They're feeling pressures right now that most of us are unaware of.

WAN 2020 Judge Social Media Image.png

THE 2020 World Architecture News Awards.

Samantha Josaphat along with other industry peers who will be joining the 2020 WAN AWARDS as judges.

weneedmorepodcast.jpeg

We need more podcast

Samantha Josaphat - Founder of Studio 397 Architecture sits down with WE NEED MORE PODCAST to discuss all things business, inspiration, peaks and pits of the journey and legacy.

NOWTHIS.png

NOW THIS

Less than 1% of registered architects in the U.S. are Black women — meet the person trying to change that 💪🏿

bwaf.jpg

LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA

Samantha Josaphat honored with the 2020 BWAF Tribune Award.

archinect-vector-logo.png

NOMA International Conference celebrates diverse architectural leadership and excellence

In October, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) hosted their 47th Annual NOMA Conference in Brooklyn. With more than 1,200 registered attendees, this year's event was the largest for the organization.

jm_bond_center_logo_300.png

2019 Max Bond Lecture

Established in 2010 as a joint collaboration, this is an annual design talk in memory of J. Max Bond, Jr., FAIA, NOMA, an architect, advocate, and teacher—a trailblazer of his time.

architect.png

NOMA's 47th Conference Attracts Record Attendance

More than 1,000 architects, designers, and building professionals registered to attend the event in New York.

NOMA19_Logo_800x400_white.gif

47TH NOMA CONFERENCE

This one of a kind annual conference brings together building industry thought leaders, future architects, and shining stars of the design, real estate, planning and construction industries under one roof to experience all that Brooklyn has to offer.

wall_street_journal_logo_png_1476818.png

MTA Vendors Mull Ending Contracts as Authority Seeks 10% Cuts

After a recent letter Samantha Josaphat sent to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), in response to the reduction of design fees, in support of her members and member firms effected by the mandate. Samantha was asked to speak to The Wall Street Journal to explain the s mandates impact.

march+28.jpg

A talk with kimberly

Kimberly Dowdell, President of National Organization of Minority Architects(NOMA)and Partner at Century Partners on discusses the design of civic & business leadership.

2909FC89-14B4-43F4-9D55-D865CCF6B03B.png

Sag Harbor’s NEWEST NEW yORK State Historic Landmark

As nycoba | NOMA President Samantha Josaphat is excited to share that her organization took part in creating history! Back in the fall of 2018 nycoba NOMA assisted the historically African American neighborhoods of Sag Harbor Hills, Azurest and Ninevah (SANS) to achieve New York State Historic Landmark status.

dwell.png

9 Brilliant Black Designers and Architects You Should Know

In honor of Black History Month, we’re celebrating the work of black designers and architects who are shaping diverse fields—from furniture and product design to architecture and interiors—confronting every obstacle to become groundbreakers and game changers.

MiND

Trail Blazin’ | An Interview with STUDIO 397’s Samantha Josaphat

Passion and the courage to take risks have taken Samantha Josaphat from a corporate machine to a creator navigating her way to success as Principal of her own firm, Studio 397. With a strong desire to explore her creativity Samantha invested in herself and left a corporate architecture firm to blaze her own trail.  Samantha shared her journey, insights and dreams in this Q&A with MiND!

logo-aiany.png

AIANY WIA Recognition Award RECIPIENT

Samantha Josaphat received the 9th Annual Women in Architecture award from AIANY. This award honors one recently licensed woman architect who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to the growth and advancement of our profession. 

Joblogues.png

Episode 60: Living MinimaL W/ SAMANTHA JOSAPHAT

Joblogues the Podcast is closing out the year with STUDIO 397 Architecture founder, Samantha Josaphat to discuss focus, minimalism and building a professional foundation for success in the fascinating world of architecture.

Presidents%2BLetter.jpg

PRESIDENTS LETTER

In a letter to the nycoba NOMA Membership, Samantha expresses her gratitude for being elected their 2019/2020 president, and her intentions on how to move the organization forward.

Times Square.png

Times Square Valentine Heart Design Competition

This is the first-ever exhibition of proposed projects for the annual Valentine Heart Design Competition, which invites New York City-based architecture firms to design an icon that communicates and celebrates love in the heart of this dynamic city.

21 NINETY.png

HABITS & LIFESTYLE

How Samantha Josaphat is amplifying the presence of black women in architecture.

UN.png

UNITED NATIONS

Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.

STUDIO 397.PNG

STUDIO 397

STUDIO 397 principal, Samantha Josaphat is an Architect and community leader in her industry. She is the USA's 397th African American Female Architect