Circular is committed to delivering sustainable architecture, interiors, and experiential design solutions for our clients.
We design with empathy and integrity to create solutions that make the world a better place to live, capturing value for our clients, society and the environment.
Our aspiration is to become a global leader in producing designs for innovative, resilient, human-centered spaces and systems that promote happiness, delight,health fulness and community
With twenty-five years of experience executing projects in New York and around the world, we have honed our ability to meet our clients' needs with exceptional service and efficiency.
Disciplines
- Sustainable Design
Our name Circular is derived from the principle of the Circular Economy, which involves eliminating linear waste and pollution from the outset and keeping products and materials in use at their highest value.
We offer a cradle-to-cradle systems-based approach to all aspects of design, that leverages life cycle analysis, community engagement and environmental regeneration as forces for positive change.
Our approach provides our clients with resilient and adaptable buildings with superior energy efficiency for a wide range of budgets.
- Retail Brand Experience
Our expertise in retail brand experience design spans decades, continents, and industries, including apparel, telecommunications, automobiles, and beyond.
We help our clients forge meaningful connections between their brand and their customers. while enhancing public perception.
Discover more about our brand experience and retail projects here.
- Educational Design
Our work in educational building design includes public, private and non-profit projects that serve various types of learning institutions.
We approach every educational project with a high degree of sensitivity to the particular needs of each client, and a deep consideration for the end users.
Meet the Team
- Jordan Parnass, AIA RIBA CPHD LEED APPrincipal
As Principal of Circular, Jordan has been the creative force behind the firm’s award-winning projects worldwide. With over 25 years of experience, he has consistently kept the firm at the leading edge of integrating new technology and practices into the work. Jordan is a Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD) and a LEED Accredited Professional. Jordan holds a BA in Art and Semiotics from Brown University, and a Masters of Architecture from Columbia University.
- Gregory Merryweather, RA CPHDDirector of Architecture
Greg has been a part of Circular since 2001, and in his role as Director of Architecture he oversees research, production and execution of the firm's projects. Greg is a Certified Passive House Designer, and a professor at Pratt Institute. He holds an M.Arch from Columbia University and a BS Arch from Ohio State.
- Melanie CreanDirector of Special Projects
Melanie is an artist, designer and academic, and oversees Circular’s interactive, installation and community engagement work. Her practice explores relationships between gender, speech, history and the social structures of control. Melanie is Associate Professor of Art, Media and Technology at Parsons the New School for Design. Previously, Melanie founded the production studio at digital art non-profit Eyebeam. Melanie has won numerous commissions and fellowships from Creative Capital, Creative Time, NYFA, NYSCA and others, and holds degrees from Brown University (BA Art and Semiotics) and The School of Visual Arts (MFA).
- Alex Truica, NCARB CPHDSenior Architect
Andrei "Alex" Truica is a senior architectural designer and project manager specializing in public sector and institutional projects. Alex is a Certified Passive House Designer, and holds a Master of Architecture from Pratt, as well as a BA from Fordham University.
- Mara AstarloaArchitectural Designer
Mara is a licensed architect in Spain, and has extensive experience in retail design as well as conservation and restoration of existing buildings. Mara completed her M. Arch at ETSAM, UPM Escuela Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid.
- Paul Loupe, CPHDArchitectural Designer
Paul is an architectural designer committed to creating generous spaces that thoughtfully mediate the occupant's relationship with the environment, society, and themselves. He is a Certified Passive House Designer and received his B. Arch with a minor in Sustainability Studies from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
- Pedro TrenoArchitectural Designer
Pedro Treno is an architect with a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Pedro has contributed articles to books as part of his ongoing research on Brutalism.
Awards
- 2024
American Institute of Architects
New York State Excelsior AwardSociety of American Registered Architects
SARA New York Council Honor Design AwardNYCxDesign
Education Category Finalist2024American Institute of Architects
New York State Excelsior AwardSociety of American Registered Architects
SARA New York Council Honor Design AwardNYCxDesign
Education Category Finalist - 2021
Passive House Institute
Passive House Award Special RecognitionAmerican Institute of Architects
New York State Design AwardAmerican Institute of Architects
Brooklyn Chapter Award: Best International ProjectAmerican Institute of Architects
Brooklyn Chapter Award: Project of the Year2021Passive House Institute
Passive House Award Special RecognitionAmerican Institute of Architects
New York State Design AwardAmerican Institute of Architects
Brooklyn Chapter Award: Best International ProjectAmerican Institute of Architects
Brooklyn Chapter Award: Project of the Year - 2020
American Institute of Architects
NY Chapter Design Award2020American Institute of Architects
NY Chapter Design Award - 2019
PHIUS Passive House Projects Award
2019PHIUS Passive House Projects Award
- 2018
NYCxDesign Award
RIBA RSPCA Animal Centres of the Future
2018NYCxDesign Award
RIBA RSPCA Animal Centres of the Future
- 2017
American Institute of Architects
New York Chapter Design AwardBrooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Building Brooklyn Award2017American Institute of Architects
New York Chapter Design AwardBrooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Building Brooklyn Award - 2015
CODAawards – Landscape Category
2015CODAawards – Landscape Category
- 2010
American Institute of Architects National Design Award
2010American Institute of Architects National Design Award
- 2008
Association of Retail Environments Design Awards
2008 Fixture of the Year. Spring 2008.2008Association of Retail Environments Design Awards
2008 Fixture of the Year. Spring 2008. - 2000
Interiors “I-Award.” Interior design award.
Best Retail Project, Fall 2000.New York State Council on the Arts. Spring 2000.
2000Interiors “I-Award.” Interior design award.
Best Retail Project, Fall 2000.New York State Council on the Arts. Spring 2000.
Press
- 20242024
- 2019
Germany Trade & Invest • Blick nach Sri Lanka
Holzmagazin • Aktiv für ein Passivhaus kämpfen
Detail Magazine • Passive Energy in the Tropics: Factory Update in Sri Lanka
2019Germany Trade & Invest • Blick nach Sri Lanka
Holzmagazin • Aktiv für ein Passivhaus kämpfen
Detail Magazine • Passive Energy in the Tropics: Factory Update in Sri Lanka
- 20182018
- 2017
InHabitat • JPDA’s clever furniture piece solves a common studio apartment layout issue
Remodelista • 10 Favorites: Warm Wooden Stairs, Modern Edition
CNBC • Architects pushing the envelope with tiny homes
2017InHabitat • JPDA’s clever furniture piece solves a common studio apartment layout issue
Remodelista • 10 Favorites: Warm Wooden Stairs, Modern Edition
CNBC • Architects pushing the envelope with tiny homes
- 2013
Remodelista • Expert Advice: Architects’ 10 Favorite Closet Picks
Construir magazine • No. 167
Globe & Mail - 6 big ideas to make the most out of your small space
SpacesTV Youtube • A Real Life Digital Architect - Digital Architect Video
Idealista • Casas de banho pequenas mas modernas: fotos com ideias de decoração
2013Remodelista • Expert Advice: Architects’ 10 Favorite Closet Picks
Construir magazine • No. 167
Globe & Mail - 6 big ideas to make the most out of your small space
SpacesTV Youtube • A Real Life Digital Architect - Digital Architect Video
Idealista • Casas de banho pequenas mas modernas: fotos com ideias de decoração
- 2012
Forbes / Houzz • Can You Live a Full Life in 220 Square Feet?
NYMag / Dwell Supplement • City Modern Supplement
NY Daily News • Creativity begins at home for these New York City architects
Architectural Digest China • Well Small Space
Annabelle Swiss
2012Forbes / Houzz • Can You Live a Full Life in 220 Square Feet?
NYMag / Dwell Supplement • City Modern Supplement
NY Daily News • Creativity begins at home for these New York City architects
Architectural Digest China • Well Small Space
Annabelle Swiss
- 20112011
- 2010
NY Times • Unique Watches, Built by Artisans
Dwell • Live/Work: Mixing Business with Pleasure
Dwell • Manhattan Transformation
Curbed • Is This the East Village's Best Studio Apt?
The Village Voice • The Best Use of 500 Residential Sq Feet in the East Village, Period
2010NY Times • Unique Watches, Built by Artisans
Dwell • Live/Work: Mixing Business with Pleasure
Dwell • Manhattan Transformation
Curbed • Is This the East Village's Best Studio Apt?
The Village Voice • The Best Use of 500 Residential Sq Feet in the East Village, Period
- 2008
Brownstoner • Brooklyn Modern #2: Gut Renovation in Boerum Hill
VMSD • The O2 Experience
Arch Record, Building Types Study • American Apparel Williamsburg: Edgy space reflects brand’s street credibility 2008
ID
The New Yorker
NY Times
Popular Science
NY Daily News
LA Times
Metro
BPM
Silicon Alley Reporter
2008Brownstoner • Brooklyn Modern #2: Gut Renovation in Boerum Hill
VMSD • The O2 Experience
Arch Record, Building Types Study • American Apparel Williamsburg: Edgy space reflects brand’s street credibility 2008
ID
The New Yorker
NY Times
Popular Science
NY Daily News
LA Times
Metro
BPM
Silicon Alley Reporter
- 2007
GDR Global Innovation Report
Time Out NY • The Luminists
Eakin • Julien Sinclair, Salons and Spas
2007GDR Global Innovation Report
Time Out NY • The Luminists
Eakin • Julien Sinclair, Salons and Spas
- 2006
Dinardo, Anne, VMSD • The Anti-Brand
2006Dinardo, Anne, VMSD • The Anti-Brand
- 2002
Time Out New York
2002Time Out New York