Birchwood Architecture
Two decades of architectural rigor, thoughtfully applied to every project.
Design Philosophy
Architecture should be equitable in how it serves people, sustainable in how it's built, and resilient enough to endure for generations—the same principles that guided two decades of public work across New York City, now brought to every project Birchwood Architecture undertakes.
— Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA
Historic Mill Revitalization
Location: Upstate New York
Project Type: Adaptive Reuse & Community Architecture
Status: Preliminary Conceptual Design
This conceptual design explores the revitalization of a historic mill and the introduction of a contemporary coffeehouse pavilion, envisioning a renewed destination for community gathering, education, and creative collaboration.
The proposed approach celebrates the mill's original stone architecture while introducing contemporary interventions that enhance natural light, functionality, and connections to the surrounding landscape. A complementary coffeehouse pavilion, incorporating repurposed shipping containers and modern architectural elements, creates an inviting space for visitors while exploring opportunities to support the site's long-term sustainability.
Together, the two structures demonstrate how historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and thoughtful new construction can work in harmony to honor a site's architectural heritage while creating meaningful spaces for future generations.
Contemporary Garage & Guest Residence
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Location: Hudson Valley, New York
Project Type: Residential Architecture
Status: Conceptual Design
This conceptual design explores the integration of a contemporary garage and flexible guest residence within the natural landscape of the Hudson Valley.
The proposed structure combines functional garage space with adaptable living accommodations, offering a thoughtful approach to expanding residential functionality. Dark exterior cladding, clean architectural lines, and integrated solar panels create a modern aesthetic that complements the surrounding wooded environment.
Emphasizing sustainability, versatility, and a strong connection to the landscape, the design demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can accommodate evolving residential needs while maintaining a harmonious relationship with its setting.
Historic Residential Renovation
Location: Chatham, New York
Project Type: Historic Residential Renovation
Status: Built
A complete gut renovation of an 1850s farmhouse in Columbia County, Chatham, NY. Birchwood Architecture developed the architectural plans and secured approval from the Town, paving the way for the home's transformation. The project reimagined the house from the inside out, preserving its historic character while creating spaces designed for contemporary living. The interior was fully reconfigured around a vaulted great room overlooking the surrounding landscape, with original hand-hewn beams, the existing brick chimney, and restored wide-plank pine floors carefully integrated into the new design. Every decision balanced respect for the home's history with the needs of modern family life.
Meet the Founders
Founded by husband-and-wife team Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA, and Janice Rosario, Birchwood Architecture brings together more than two decades of architectural expertise, a decade of business operations experience, and a shared appreciation for thoughtful, purposeful design.
Together, they combine technical excellence, creative vision, and a deeply personal approach to creating spaces that reflect the people and communities they serve.
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Principal Architect & Co-Founder
Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes
Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA, brings over two decades of architectural experience spanning residential, commercial, and public-sector projects. An alumnus of The Cooper Union with a master's degree from the University at Albany, SUNY, Yuri combines a strong academic foundation with extensive professional expertise.
As a Lead Architect with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, he leads multidisciplinary teams delivering complex public projects, with expertise in architectural design, construction management, code compliance, zoning, and sustainable design.
Yuri also serves as Co-Chair of the AIA New York Public Architecture Committee, contributing to conversations about the role of architecture in shaping communities and the built environment.
At Birchwood Architecture, he brings this depth of experience to projects of every scale, balancing design excellence, technical precision, and a thoughtful, client-centered approach.
Operations Director & Co-Founder
Janice Rosario
Janice Rosario brings over a decade of experience in business operations, organizational leadership, and strategic management to Birchwood Architecture. A graduate of Hunter College, her professional background includes leadership and operations roles across architecture, design, and public relations firms.
As Operations Director, Janice oversees the firm's business operations, client relationships, and strategic growth, bringing a thoughtful, organized, and collaborative approach to every project.
Janice is also a nationally recognized choreographer and educator whose work has been commissioned by more than 40 institutions and dance companies across the country. Her artistic practice brings a distinctive understanding of movement, space, and the human experience, complementing Birchwood's commitment to thoughtful, people-centered design.
Selected Professional Experience
As a Lead Architect with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA, leads complex public-sector projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and consultants.
His expertise spans architectural design, building codes, zoning, regulatory approvals, construction documentation, and project delivery.
At Birchwood Architecture, Yuri brings this same level of experience and technical expertise to homeowners, businesses, and community organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond.
Areas We Serve
Proudly serving homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector organizations throughout the Hudson Valley and across New York State, including Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Ulster, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, Albany, and Rensselaer Counties.
Based in Chatham, NY.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Birchwood Architecture
Chatham, NYPhone: 917-783-7934
Email: y.birchwood@gmail.com