About

NV/design.architecture

NV/NY

We take pride in a personalized design approach that balances our clients’ goals, the requirements of the site, and the unique architectural potential for timeless design found within each project. We believe that the best architectural design has a clarity of intent, seamlessly fulfills the requirements of the program, exceeds the client’s vision in unexpected ways, and maintains a commitment to cost and time. We apply our expertise to meet simplicity and clarity of design while navigating the often complex land use, landmark and building processes in New York City. Our studio is active in a wide range of projects including urban planning, parks, multi-family residential construction, commercial and residential renovation & new construction, and preservation. Founded in 1998, the New York studio is led by architects Kim Letven and Arturo Bárcenas.

NV/MX

Created in 2019 by founding NV/da partners Brenda Nelson and Tom van den Bout, NV/Mx is based in Oaxaca Mexico. Starting with the intention of developing our creative side in a new context, NV/Mx work has expanded to include sustainable residential development, architectural competitions and product design. 

Kim Letven , Principal

Kim Letven has over 15 years of experience with high-end retail and residential clients, as well working on award-winning public works. She has a particular interest in sustainable design and worked on Brooklyn’s first passive house. Her design excellence is augmented by her pragmatism, creative problem solving, and collaborative management skills. A graduate of the University of Oregon, she received her master’s degree from Pratt Institute. Kim is a registered Architect in the state of New York. 

Arturo Bárcenas, Principal

Arturo Bárcenas has more than 20 years of experience working in small design studios and high end residential firms in Texas and New York. He brings his passion for design and detail-oriented approach to every project. He received his bachelors degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Masters degree of Architecture from Columbia University. Arturo is a registered Architect in the state of New York and  LEED professional.  

Brenda Nelson, Principal

Brenda Nelson began her career in San Francisco, where over 10 years she worked with a variety of leading firms ranging in specialization from interiors and furnishings to urban planning. She took sabbatical in Japan, studying design and architecture, before co-founding NV/da, with Tom van den Bout, in 1998. A registered Architect, she is highly regarded by NV/da’s clientele as an effective architectural manager of complex projects, maintaining control of the balance between design quality and intent, project cost, and project schedule.

Tom van den Bout, Principal

Tom van den Bout is a registered Architect in multiple jurisdictions with over 30 years experience in the Metropolitan Area. His experience in previous firms range from the design of award winning, large scale projects at Kohn Pedersen Fox (the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC) to numerous residential and institutional projects for smaller, well known design firms (Tod Williams & Billie Tsien Associates, Steven Holl Architects, and Tsao & McKown Architects).

Team

Richard Stora III, Associate

MaryAnne Barone, Design Architect

Emily Hertzberg, Design Architect

Find us

Selected Press

Dwell

Commercial Observer

Brownstoner

AdMagazine

New York Times

Archdaily