Greg Belanger co-founded Howell Belanger Castelli Architects in 1994 along with Thomas Howell and Raffaele Castelli. He began his architectural career in 1983 and has been honing his planning and management skills resulting in HBC’s growth and development by integrating these skills into the firm’s day-to-day projects and professional development process. In addition to managing several clients he also manages the day-to-day operations of the office.

Through his long career, Greg has been responsible for a wide variety of projects in different market segments including retail, institutional, residential, corporate and educational projects for both the public and private sectors. This diversity has enhanced his ability to think three-dimensionally and coordinate multiple design disciplines. Greg’s leadership style supports collaboration, which helps him maximize the expertise of the multidisciplinary designers that make up HBC Architects.

Greg is a graduate of Pratt Institute with a Bachelors of Architecture Degree. Greg is an NCARB and AIA member and licensed in 18 States and the District of Columbia.

Raffaele approaches Architectural design with a spirit of excitement, collaboration and diligence backed by over many years of experience. He started working as an intern Architect in 1985 at Miele Associates in Middle Village while attending NYIT. He obtained his New York State Architectural registration in 1991 and began the journey with Howell Belanger Castelli Architects in 1994. His understanding and broad knowledge of building design and associated systems assure quality at every level of project development.

Raffaele’s experience in maintaining strong client relationships over the years has made him an invaluable asset to the firm and a positive contributing member to our clients. His experience in broad market segments of Architectural building types has led to his reputation as a specialist in the Architectural Design and Construction process. This process includes zoning analysis, building codes analysis, space planning, design development, contract document preparation, contract administration, construction cost analysis, project scheduling and contract management.

Raffaele actively manages and directs various project types that range from, ground-up buildings, adaptive re-use, exterior façade renovations, interior design, office interiors, restorations, entertainment/hospitality and private residences. He enjoys being actively involved in projects and provides team members with strong leadership experience, motivation and vision. His continuous involvement in the daily operations of the firm, together with his participation in the design phases of each project ensure that the core values of HBC Architects are realized for successful projects and client satisfaction.

Raffaele earned a NAAB Certified “Professional Bachelor of Architecture” degree from the New York Institute of Technology. He currently holds Architectural licenses in 18 states, is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is certified by The Nation Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Raffaele is a proud first generation American raised by two immigrant parents that came to NY in the 1960’s from Italy. He is married to a wonderful wife, and they share four successful adult children. He grew up in Astoria, Queens and resides in Nassau County , NY. He enjoys family life, Roman Catholicism, classic rock, Portuguese water dogs, bourbon, 1969 Mustang Mach 1 restorations, sporting clays, Formula 1 racing, anything Italian and being called “Raff”.

Michael joined Howell Belanger Castelli Architects in 1997 and has been a Principal of the firm since 2005. His professional experience specializes in hospitality (food and beverage as well as entertainment) and retail design with prior experience in residential single-family dwellings, nursing homes, senior assisted living facilities, hi-tech laboratory space, and student housing.

This vast experience has allowed Michael to broaden his passion for architecture to creatively design buildings and spaces that specifically meet his client’s needs. He has developed long lasting relations with several national hospitality/restaurant groups as well as several national retailers. It is these relations that help to guide the strategic direction of HBC and motivates him to continuously promote the firm’s growth, expansion and diversification.

He holds a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree from the accredited New York Institute of Technology which he obtained in 1993. While attending NYIT, he studied the art and architecture of Italy in their Academic Travel Abroad program.

Since 1996, he is licensed as an Architect in New York and is currently also licensed in 13 states as well as Puerto Rico. He is a member in good standing of the American Institute of Architects, holds an NCARB certificate, and is also a LEED Accredited Professional.

Matthew Dresser joined Howell Belanger Castelli Architects in 2001 as a lead architect and project manager and has been a Principal of the firm since 2017. Matthew has extensive experience in all facets of the firm overseeing planning, design and construction of a wide range of project types and sizes. These include both boutique and big-box retail (ground-up’s and interior fit-out’s), institutional, hospitality projects including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, as well as New York City residential projects. Matthew brings great enthusiasm, thoughtful precision and a hands-on approach to each project working closely with clients, consultants, vendors and our talented staff of architects and designers. He has also taken on a leadership role in mentoring junior designers and architects to hone skills, project management and client relations. He prides himself in producing the highest quality of work possible and building long-lasting relationships with his clients.

When Matthew isn’t in the office providing his clients and staff with the utmost care, you will find him spending quality time with his family, enjoying NYC’s restaurant scene, hitting fairways on the golf course or skiing down the nearest snow-capped mountain.

A native Floridian, Matthew graduated from the Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University School of Architecture in 1998 and moved to New York City in 2000 to further develop his love for design and architecture. He is a member, in good standing, with the American Institute of Architects since 2008 and is a licensed architect in New York and Vermont.

Joseph started his journey into architecture in 1983 after attending NYIT with the goals of becoming a licensed architect and starting his own firm. On the way gaining valuable experience in building design, construction, and project management not only in architecture but also as Owners Rep/CM and a Contractor/PM.

It is through this vast field experiences that the first goal was met, becoming a registered architect in 1997 and a few years later starting his own firm.

Having worked almost extensively in the restaurant and Fast Casual space over most of his career, working with most of the National chains, Joseph joined Howell Belanger Castelli Architects in 2008 to broaden his experience and relationships to a higher level in the industry.

Joseph has been a Principal at HBC since 2017.

Joseph is a Registered Architect State of New York and a member of the American Institute of Architects.