Birchwood Architecture
Two decades of architectural rigor, thoughtfully applied to every project.
About Us
Birchwood Architecture is a full-service architecture studio serving homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and public-sector clients throughout the Hudson Valley and across New York State.
Birchwood Architecture is led by Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA—a New York State licensed architect with over 20 years of experience. Yuri serves as a Lead Architect for the New York City, where he designs and delivers some of NYC's most complex public buildings and civic infrastructure. Through Birchwood Architecture, he brings that same level of technical expertise, thoughtful design, and attention to detail to every project—from custom homes and historic renovations to commercial and community spaces.
Yuri holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The Cooper Union and a Master of Architecture from the University at Buffalo. He has also been recognized by American Institute of Architects (AIA NY) as a "Featured Member: Yuri Birchwood-Fuentes, AIA" recognizing his contributions to the profession and commitment to design excellence.
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
How We Work
1
Design & Planning
Whether you're building a custom home, renovating an existing property, reimagining a workplace, or planning a community project, every successful project begins with thoughtful design. We develop concepts that balance function, context, and long-term value while tailoring every solution to your goals.
2
Permitting & Code Navigation
Preparation of permit-ready drawings, zoning and code review, coordination with municipalities, and guidance through local approvals. Drawing on more than two decades of experience navigating New York's public review process, Birchwood provides the technical expertise needed to move projects confidently from concept to approved plans.
3
Construction Administration
Representing your interests throughout construction by reviewing progress, answering contractor questions, visiting the site, and helping ensure the design is built as intended.
Selected Public & Civic Projects
As a Lead Architect with the New York City Department of Design and Construction, Yuri leads multidisciplinary teams delivering complex public projects throughout New York City. Working alongside engineers, construction professionals, and client agencies, he guides projects from early planning through construction. His experience spans architectural design, consultant coordination, code and zoning review, sustainable design integration, and quality assurance across both Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery methods.
Today, that same technical expertise, thoughtful project management, and disciplined problem-solving inform every project Birchwood Architecture undertakes.
Selected Residential Project
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.
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 & NYC.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Whether you're planning a custom home, renovating an existing building, or exploring a commercial or community project, we'd love to hear from you.
Phone: 917-783-7934
Email: y.birchwood@gmail.com