By Phil Corso
Some of the borough’s most notable and unique architects had their work on display Tuesday when the American Institute of Architects’ Queens chapter came together in Bayside.
The networking group showcased members’ work inside the Clearview Golf Course clubhouse as part of the city’s architecture and design month, underscoring their goal to develop a unique and attractive landscape in the borough.
“Our work is different here,” said Joe Sultana, architect and secretary of the chapter. “I strive to build up the old character of Queens in new homes, not just boxes.”
Sultana’s residential architecture work can be found throughout the borough, from Douglaston and Little Neck to Malba and Beechhurst.
The architect’s attention to detail was on full display as he helped install photos of other members’ work onto the Clearview Golf Course clubhouse wall, using a red laser level across the wall to make sure the displays were straight.
Other architects featured in the reception included Howard Graff, Larry Werfel, John Calcagnile, Vilehmina Guthrie, Andras Krasznoi and junior architect and NYTech student Wingsze Tam. Each of the professional designers had a piece of work from Queens on display, but their designs reached throughout the city.
Each photographic display highlighted the unique attributes of each designer, while some others were supplemented by 3-D models throughout the room.
Sultana, a Queens native, grew up in Astoria and eventually moved to Beechhurst, where he said the identity of the different neighborhoods helped inspire him to preserve the hometown Queens he knew from childhood.
“I’ve been to all five boroughs, and when homes have their own character, the entire neighborhood benefits,” Sultana said. “It’s all about the individuality of the homeowner.”
Vice President Willy Zambrano does mostly commercial architecture and said the Tuesday evening showcase was just another chance for the architects to share their work with like-minded designers.
“It’s all about sharing what we can actually do,” Zambrano said.
While browsing the works on display, Zambrano pointed to the residential designs of architect Kevin Wolfe, whose work can be found on the streets of Douglaston. The houses he helped design were large and unique, each one with its own identity, Zambrano said.
“This is what we try to preserve,” Zambrano said. “The goal is preservation through our architecture.”
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
