Howell Belanger Castelli Architects
ABOUT US

Going Strong
Since 1994

Est. in 1994, Howell Belanger Castelli Architects has provided professional Architectural, Planning and Design services for corporations, institutions and individuals both domestic and international. We have completed commissions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Puerto Rico and Dubai.

While our designs may be noted for new or unique ideas, HBC is committed to understanding each project’s problems and solving them with economically appropriate answers carefully documented and delivered in a timely manner. This, followed up with close monitoring during the course of a project will ensure success for our clients.

Our extensive portfolio of experience demonstrates a clear understanding of local, regional and national issues affecting project in addition to our client’s needs. The Firm offers both full A/E services in addition to collaboration with other design and construction companies nationwide.

Est. in 1994, Howell Belanger Castelli Architects has provided professional Architectural, Planning and Design services for corporations, institutions and individuals both domestic and international. We have completed over 1800 commissions in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Puerto Rico.

While our designs may be noted for new or unique ideas, HBC is committed to understanding each project’s problems and solving them with economically appropriate answers carefully documented and delivered in a timely manner. This, followed up with close monitoring during the course of a project will ensure success for our clients.

Our extensive portfolio of experience demonstrates a clear understanding of local, regional and national issues affecting project in addition to our client’s needs. The Firm offers both full A/E services in addition to collaboration with other design and construction companies nationwide.

Meet the Partners

Our 25 person professional staff in our Manhattan office constitutes our most important resource. We recognize that our value to our clients is the direct result of the talent within our organization. Establishing a culture of ideas and recognizing the importance of teamwork within our Firm and with other members of the Project Team is the best way to create the vision put forth by our Clients.

Howell Belanger Castelli Architects will always be committed to hiring, fostering, and advancing the very best professionals in the field. Good design, after all, begins with understanding the problems and good ideas, and clarity and good ideas come from good people. Thus the success of a project relies on the collaboration of design leaders, the talents of team members, and the clients they serve.

Gregory Belanger

Gregory Belanger

Gregory Belanger
AIA

Co-Founder


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347.821.3005

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.

Gregory Belanger

Raffaele Castelli

Raffaele Castelli

Raffaele Castelli
AIA

Co-Founder


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347.821.3019

Raffaele approaches Architectural design with a spirit of excitement, collaboration and attention to detail backed by over many years of experience. He started working as an intern Architect in 1985 while attending college as a freshman, obtained is 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 systems assure quality at every level of project development.

Raffaele’s experience maintaining strong client relationships over the years has made him an invaluable asset to the firm and a positive contributing team member to our clients. His extensive experience in a broad range of market segments 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 reuse, exterior façade renovations, interior design, office interiors, and hospitality to private residences. He enjoys being involved in projects and provides team members with strong leadership, experience and vision. His continuous involvement in the daily operations of the firm and staff development, together with his participation in design and construction 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 married with four children and resides in Nassau County of New York State.

Raffaele Castelli

Michael S. Sjöholm AIA, LEED AP

Michael S. Sjöholm

Michael S. Sjöholm
AIA, LEED AP

Partner


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347.821.3011

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.

Michael S. Sjöholm

Matthew Dresser

Matthew Dresser

Matthew Dresser
AIA

Partner


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347.821.3009

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.

Matthew Dresser

Joseph Corridore

Joseph Corridore

Joseph Corridore
AIA

Partner


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347.821.3048

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.

Joseph Corridore

Emeritus

Thomas Howell – 2017

It is our firm belief that the best results evolve out of proven process.

HBC Architects has developed a comprehensive approach to project management. This system allows the client to review design decisions and anticipate their impact through all phases of the project. To steer this work flow and insure continuity of the project, HBC Architects does the following:

All of our Client work is directed by one or more of the firm’s Principals.

Day to day project activities are carried out by an Architect/Project Manager supported by Staff that increase or decrease depending on the job phase and workload.

We carefully schedule our full office project commitments starting about six months before the Project’s construction start.

This Master Schedule is monitored and updated on a weekly basis.

As Project phase and workload dictates, our Staff will spend time on the project keeping it on track and on schedule.

Services

Pre-Design
Programming
Site Feasibility Studies
Survey of Existing Conditions
Planning, Zoning and
Building Code Analysis

Design
Site Development
Master Planning
Architectural Design
Space Planning and
Interior Design
Rendering Services
3D Modeling and Animation
Prototype Development
Lighting Design
Landscape Design
Construction Document
Development
In-House MEP Engineering
Services
Building Information Modeling
(BIM)

Sustainable Design
Sustainable Design and
Documentation (LEED)
Construction

Project Management
Permit Expediting
Bid Analysis and Review
Construction Administration
Project Close-outs