THE STUDIO FOR SUSTAINABLE SHELTER
S3 Architecture is the Studio for Sustainable Shelter – an Architecture, Interior, and Urban Design Studio based in New York City and Rhinebeck, NY.
S3 works with builder Upstate Modernist to create distinctly unique modern residences and residential developments in the Hudson Valley. Blending a distinctly modernist aesthetic with natural materials, warm textures and traditional forms, the S3 + Upstate Modernist collection of homes offer a re-imagined modern lifestyle. Each property starts with a preservation-focused plan maintaining natural spaces, sight lines and solar orientation. Every home is unique and site specific, designed to respond to the natural characteristics of the land on which it sits. S3 employs a sustainable design approach, utilizing renewable materials and energy-efficient systems in construction.
In New York City over the past two decades, S3 has also designed new buildings, interior renovations, history building conversions, and urban designs for residential, commercial, educational, retail, hospitality, and entertainment projects. This cumulative exposure and a collaborative approach with designers, engineers, and energy consultants have prepared S3 to successfully complete large and small projects with varied programs.
S3 produces designs with functional modernist aesthetic, and in response to the context. S3 works with every Client to evolve a unique and functional design response to the program, budget, and schedule.
S3 Team
CHRISTOPHER DIERIG
Christopher is a Registered Architect in New York State and a member of the US Green Building Council. He holds a Master's Degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University, and a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture from the University of Kentucky. He also studied architecture in Venice, Italy at the Atelier Architteture Veneziano. Prior to opening S3, Christopher worked in award-winning German, New York, and Midwestern architecture firms. He founded and operated S3 since 2006, working with commercial developers and private residential clients. Since 2016 Christopher has also operated Upstate Modernist, an award-winning modern builder in New York’s Hudson Valley.
DOUG MAXWELL
Doug leads S3 business development, operations, market positioning and client & partner relations. Founding S3’s real estate development and builder entity, Upstate Modernist, Doug has led concept and actualization of multiple large-scale developments in the New York Hudson Valley totaling in excess of 450 acres. Doug is an entrepreneur offering S3 a blend of business, design and technology focus. He leads S3 team interior design concepting, oversees project planning, and as a licensed real estate broker in New York state, Doug oversees sales & marketing. Doug holds a Master of Science degree in Horticulture from Texas A&M University where he was a research fellow and inaugural member of the Aggie 100 leaders in entrepreneurship.
BEN GRINBLATT
Ben is a Registered Architect in the State of New York. He has worked on residential and hospitality projects at S3, including multiple dwelling site plan and development Brooklyn Heights Farm. He received his Master's Degree in Architecture from the Spitzer School of Architecture (City College of New York) and also holds a Bachelor's of Arts in History from the University of Maryland, College Park. Ben has experience working in both engineering and architecture firms in NYC, and has been with S3 since 2017.
BLITHE PEREZ
Blithe is an Architectural Designer pursuing her license. With S3, she has worked on residential + hospitality hybrid development Sylvan Rock, a collaboration with and first private residence by Aston Martin Design. She received a Masters Degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College. She has worked at multiple firms in Massachusetts and New York before joining S3 in January 2020.
KEYAN HANSEN
Keyan is an Architectural Designer and Graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design in pursuit of licensure. He has many years of experience in all ranges of architecture, design, and construction. He has worked with large award winning commercial firms, development firms, cutting edge startups, and high-performance-high-end residential firms. He is a transplant from the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. and joined S3 mid 2021.
MATT SHUFELT
Matt is a Registered Architect in the State of New York. He joined the team at S3 in early 2022 after working at various residential and commercial architecture firms in New York. He holds a Master's degree in Architecture from The Spitzer School of Architecture (CCNY), a BA from The University at Buffalo, and studied at La Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya.