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The ROI of Healthy Sustainable Schools: Design Matters 2025.07.17 Incorporating biophilic design in schools—through natural light, views, and adaptable spaces—can significantly improve student performance, well-being, and attendance.

The Intersection of Green Architecture and Automotive Dealerships 2025.07.17 The push for sustainability is transforming more than just the vehicles we drive—or ride. Across the globe, motorcycle and automotive dealerships are adopting eco-conscious architectural approaches that align with principles like circularity, passive design, and material reuse. As the automotive industry accelerates toward carbon neutrality, sustainable dealership design is emerging as a crucial intersection between architectural innovation and environmental responsibility. Recent dealership projects around the world demonstrate how architectural strategies—ranging from passive design and renewable energy integration to biophilic landscaping and community-centered spaces—are being used not only to reduce environmental impact but also to align with the broader climate goals of car manufacturers.

From Potential to Practice - Introduction 2025.07.16 As AI continues to evolve, its role in architectural practice is shifting from novelty to necessity. This introduction launches From Prompt to Punch List, a new blog series that maps the expanding landscape of AI tools to each phase of the design process—from pre-design surveys to contract administration. Rather than offering hype or rankings, the series provides architects with a grounded guide: what tools do, where they fit, and how to use them responsibly. With a practical, equity-minded lens, we’ll explore how AI can enhance—not replace—the thoughtful, human-centered design process Circular is known for.

Circular Design: Fashion Retail Reimagined - Introduction 2025.07.15 Second Life on Broadway explores Circular’s collaboration with Los Angeles Apparel to design their flagship retail store in Manhattan's SoHo district. Set within a historic cast iron building, the project reimagines traditional retail fit-outs through a circular design lens—prioritizing reuse, adaptability, and low-carbon strategies. This blog series documents the full journey, from site analysis and spatial planning to sustainable material choices and modular construction. It offers a real-world case study in how high-impact retail environments can be built faster, smarter, and more sustainably—by working with what’s already there.

The ROI of Healthy Sustainable Schools: Introduction 2025.07.15 Why Smart Design Is the best Investment a school can make.

Circular's Corona 3K Center Receives a 2024 Brooklyn AIA Design Award 2025.04.21 We are proud to announce that the Corona 3K Center has received a 2024 Brooklyn AIA Design Award! Circular's Corona 3K Center was recognized for its exceptional contributions to design excellence, innovation, environmental responsiveness, technical skill, and social impact.

A School is Born

Part 1 Introduction 2023.05.30 Part 2 High Performance 2023.10.09 Part 3 Interior Details 2024.02.20 Part 4 Materials 2024.05.31 Part 5 Specialized Systems 2024.06.02 Part 6 Wayfinding 2024.06.24 Part 7 Universal Design 2024.09.10

SEL: A Circular Pathway to Social-Emotional Design 2025.04.08 Drawing on the CASEL framework, Circular applies a human-centered, emotionally responsive design approach to create spaces that nurture well-being and connection.

Reimagining Retail: Implementing BMW Motorrad’s New Corporate Identity 2025.04.08 Circular is using thoughtful architecture, digital integration, and sustainable experiential design to translate BMW Motorrad’s global Corporate Identity into locally adapted U.S. dealership environments that honor brand heritage and deepen customer engagement.

Building Better: Sustainability in Design 2025.03.21 Buildings produce nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, driven by both operational and embodied carbon. Reducing embodied carbon through smarter design, material reuse, and sustainable systems is essential to building a low-carbon future.

Learning by Design Magazine Awards Recognizes Corona 3K as "Outstanding Project" 2024.11.04 Our Corona 3K Center was recognized for excellence in educational architecture by Learning by Design.

The Future of Circular Design 2024.10.30 A summary of the concepts we have previously discussed in our series about circular design principles.

Historic Brooklyn Waterfront Apartment Refresh - Insulation 2024.09.23 High-performance insulation and triple-pane windows boosted energy efficiency, comfort, and value, demonstrating a modern upgrade's seamless integration into a historic building.

A School is Born: Universal Design 2024.09.10 Universal design is a cornerstone of our practice. Learn about how we applied our methodology at the award-winning Corona 3K Center school to deliver a welcoming and accommodating educational environment.

Circular Design

Part 1 Introduction 2023.09.22 Part 2 Necessity 2024.02.06 Part 3 Efficiency 2024.04.17 Part 4 Resiliency 2024.06.18 Part 5 Adaptability & Life Cycle 2024.08.21 Part 6 Future Possibilities 2024.10.30

Historic Apartment Refresh: A New Kitchen 2024.08.26 Collaborating with the interior designer, our team ensured that the kitchen not only accommodated modern conveniences, such as an adjoining elevator, but also facilitated smooth circulation. This thoughtful layout transformation helped turn the kitchen into a central, welcoming space that seamlessly blends modern design with the historic charm of the building.

Circular Design - Adaptability & Life Cycle 2024.08.21 This episode corners the flip side of the longevity coin, asking how one might adapt a structure over time as culture and climate changes around it.

A School is Born: Wayfinding 2024.06.24 This blog post highlights the use of color wayfinding in our 3K school, where vibrant hues guide young students. The exterior's bold colors transition from cool to warm, leading to the main entrance. Inside, color-coded hallways and classrooms, along with coordinated patterns and columns, foster independence and security.

Circular Design Part 4: Resiliency 2024.06.18

Historic Apartment Refresh: A New Fireplace 2024.06.13 A city fireplace enhances coziness but requires careful planning for safety.

The AI Deep Dive: Navigating the Crossroads 2024.06.13 We highlight the challenges driven by AI, emphasizing the need to balance technological integration with maintaining the human touch.

Circular Wins 2024 SARA NY Design Award 2024.06.07 Circular's Corona 3K Center project has been awarded a 2024 SARA NY Honor Design Award.

Circular Design: Fashion Retail Reimagined

Part 1 Introduction 2025.07.15

A School is Born: Specialized Systems Installation 2024.06.02 High performance infrastructure allows for flexibility and resiliency.

A School is Born: Materials 2024.05.31 Next, we look into the material aspects of our project, examining floor and wall finishes, as well as colors.

The AI Deep Dive: AI Shaping the Industry 2024.05.02 Our second episode in the AI Deep Dive, we discuss current and developing AI tools in the architecture and engineering sector, and examine potential issues and opportunities with such software.

Circular is Now a Certified B Corp 2024.05.01 We are excited to share that Circular has been awarded B Corp Certification by B Lab after an extensive and thorough evaluation process.

The AI Deep Dive: Beyond Stereotypes to Authentic Design 2024.04.26 Our third episode in the AI Deep Dive, we discuss AI design authenticity.

Circular Design Part 3: Efficiency 2024.04.17 This 3rd part of our Circular Design series examines Efficiency in terms of the density of value embedded within a particular building component or design choice.

Circular Wins 2024 AIANY Excelsior Award 2024.04.01 Circular's Corona 3K Center project has won the 2024 AIA NYS Excelsior Award for public projects!

From Potential to Practice: Navigating AI Across the Design Process

Part 1 Introduction 2025.07.16

A School is Born: Interior Details 2024.02.20 Work on the school continues with a number of details regarding tackboards, classrooms, and circular columns being resolved.

Circular Design Part 2: Necessity 2024.02.06 An analysis of our Dedegumo Watch Atelier project through the "Necessity" lens of Circular design.

Pre-School Architecture: Designs for a New Generation 2024.01.22 Designing spaces for early childhood education is a unique challenge.

Foundations of Automotive Retail Design 2024.01.19 An exploration of the foundations and current innovations in automotive retail design.

Historic Apartment Refresh: Windows 2023.10.25 Explore the intricacies of replacing windows in a historic apartment, focusing on sound insulation, thermal comfort, maintaining aesthetics, and the high-performance window selection process.

Historic Apartment Refresh: Elevator and Accessibility 2023.10.18 Explore the hurdles of adding an internal elevator for accessibility, dealing with structural complexities, adhering to building codes, and ensuring smooth wheelchair movement in a historic apartment renovation.

A School is Born: High Performance 2023.10.09 The school building's exterior envelope gets some serious high performance upgrades.

Historic Brooklyn Waterfront Apartment Refresh

Part 1 Introduction 2023.10.05 Part 2 Elevator and Accessibility 2023.10.18 Part 3 Windows 2023.10.25 Part 4 A New Fireplace 2024.06.13 Part 5 A New Kitchen 2024.08.26 Part 6 Insulation 2024.09.23

Historic Apartment Refresh: Introduction 2023.10.05 Circular's ongoing luxury residential renovation project is set within a historic building in Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Introduction to Circular Design 2023.09.22 Introduction to our blog series on Circular Design, a powerful approach for sustainable architecture that dismantles waste, preserves resources, promotes longevity, and adapts to changing needs, providing a progressive roadmap to address environmental challenges.

Sustainable ADUs: Coming to a Backyard Near You 2023.09.13 Circular completes designs for Passive House "Excelsior ADU" in response to housing sustainability, affordability, and accessibility crises in New York State

The AI Deep Dive: Tools of Design 2023.06.20 AI-generated design has transformative potential for the field of architecture.

A School is Born: Fast-Track Pre-K in Queens 2023.05.30 This project was created under a unique adaptive reuse program that takes over existing commercial and retail buildings to use as the shell for a rapid fit-out.

Healthy Workplace Design With Passive House Principles 2023.05.03 A look into how Passive House Design principles are better for businesses.

Contemporary Educational Design Trends 2023.05.01 Recent developments in the design of modern schools are directly catering to the needs of both students and teachers, resulting in the transformation of outdated buildings into vibrant learning centers.

How We Did It: Park Slope Passive House Series

Part 1 Introduction 2021.08.16 Part 2 Architectural Design and Layout 2021.08.16 Part 3 Passive House Design 2021.08.16 Part 4 Demolition and Framing 2021.10.06 Part 5 Insulation and Air Barrier 2021.10.07 Part 6 Heating, Cooling & Ventilation 2021.10.11 Part 7 Final Testing and Handoff 2022.07.12 Part 8 Interior Finishes 2022.07.13 Part 9 Preliminary Blower Door Testing 2022.07.14

The Metaverse Deep Dive: Context 2023.03.06 The Metaverse is a rapidly growing concept that is becoming an impending reality, with potential implications for technology, architecture, and society.

Automotive Retail Strategies for Today’s Market 2023.03.06 An exploration of successful tactics for automotive retail design.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - The Impact (7/7) 2023.03.05 The refurbishment of a 64,000 sq. ft. industrial building to Passive House standards created an energy-efficient mixed-use office and production facility, allowing the Star Garment Group to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance performance, surpassing that of a new conventional facility.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - Performance Testing (6/7) 2023.03.03 Performance evaluation is crucial for Passive House projects to confirm that the building meets efficiency standards.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - Getting it Built: Sri Lanka Edition (5/7) 2023.03.02 Constructing a Passive House in Sri Lanka presented challenges due to the shortage of local skilled tradespeople, limited availability of high-performance building materials, and high heat and humidity levels, requiring Circular to be flexible and innovative.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - Strategies for Passive House Design in Sri Lanka (4/7) 2023.03.01 The integration of Passive House design principles for this project established a sustainable foundation for future high-performance projects in the area, guiding the team's approach to engineering, aesthetics, and quality control to meet the highest standards of sustainability.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - A Holistic Design Approach (3/7) 2022.11.23 Every project raises its own set of challenges our design team must solve. In the case of an ambitious project like the Star Garment Innovation Center, there were multiple obstacles to be overcome during both design and construction planning.

How we did it: Star Garments Innovation Center

Part 1 Passive House in Sri Lanka 2022.09.01 Part 2 Efficient Adaptive Re-Use 2022.09.04 Part 3 A Holistic Design Approach 2022.11.23 Part 4 Strategies for Passive House Design in Sri Lanka 2023.03.01 Part 5 Getting it Built: Sri Lanka Edition 2023.03.02 Part 6 Performance Testing 2023.03.03 Part 7 The Impact 2023.03.05

Post-Pandemic Office Design 2022.10.25 The ongoing struggle to get employees back to the office has revealed that some aspects of work-life balance are more important than others in the eyes of staff seeking a more enticing “new normal” work environment.

2022 Retail Design Trends 2022.09.19 Retailers need to re-imagine the design of their spaces to improve connections with local communities and create unique brand experiences to address the evolved demands of the post-pandemic consumer.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - Efficient Adaptive Re-Use (2/7) 2022.09.04 In an effort to reduce the cost and the carbon footprint of the project, the Star Garment Innovation Center was planned as an adaptive re-use of an existing building. Special care was taken to retain as much of the original structure as possible while still achieving the ambitious programmatic and energy goals.

How we did it: Star Garment Innovation Center - Passive House in Sri Lanka (1/7) 2022.09.01 The Star Garment Innovation Center is one of Circular’s most exciting and groundbreaking projects. Not only is the building the first Passive House Certified structure in South Asia, but it is also one of the only two factories in the world to be built to the system’s rigorous standards.

JPDA is now known as Circular 2022.07.15 We've changed our name to reflect our holistic focus on sustainability and social benefit.

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - PRELIMINARY BLOWER DOOR TESTING (7/9) 2022.07.14 We're looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects, a landmarked multifamily townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - INTERIOR FINISHES (8/9) 2022.07.13 We're looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects, a landmarked multifamily townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

THE AI DEEP DIVE

Part 1 Tools of Design 2023.06.20 Part 2 Beyond Stereotypes to Authentic Design 2024.04.26 Part 3 AI Shaping the Industry 2024.05.02 Part 4 Navigating the Crossroads 2024.06.13

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - FINAL TESTING AND HANDOFF (9/9) 2022.07.12 Final handoff to the clients

School Sustainability: Designing for Today 2022.07.09 Passive House schools are healthier for the planet as well as for students and educators.

POST-PANDEMIC RETAIL DESIGN: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? 2021.10.20 Covid-19 has permanently changed life as we know it, including how we work, how we learn, travel and shop.

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATION (6/9) 2021.10.11 We’re looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects, a Landmarked multi-family townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - INSULATION AND AIR BARRIER (5/9) 2021.10.07 We’re looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects, a Landmarked multi-family townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

HOW WE DID IT: PARK SLOPE PASSIVE HOUSE - DEMOLITION AND FRAMING (4/9) 2021.10.06 We’re looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects, a Landmarked multi-family townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

How We Did It: Park Slope Passive House - Passive House Design (3/9) 2021.08.16 Our last post explored the larger transformations of this building, including unit and layout conversions that gave our client an open duplex in addition to a rental flat.

The ROI of Healthy Sustainable Schools

Part 1 Introduction 2025.07.15 Part 2 Design Matters 2025.07.17 Part 3 Common Spaces 2025.07.21

How We Did It: Park Slope Passive House - Architectural Design and Layout (2/9) 2021.08.16 In this second post, we’re taking a closer look into the architectural design and layout renovations, ultimately converting the building from a 3 family to 2 family townhouse, and bringing with it openness and light.

How We Did It: Park Slope Passive House - Introduction (1/9) 2021.08.16 In this new blog series, we’re looking back at one of our completed Passive House projects—a multifamily townhouse in Brooklyn—giving insights into the design and construction process.

Ethical and Sustainable Fashion: Can it Be Achieved? 2021.08.12 A Holistic Approach is the Only Solution Despite a rise in demand for ethical clothing, the fashion industry has a long way to go before it can achieve global fair trade and sustainability.

Field Report: BMW Motorrad on California's Central Coast 2021.03.25 Circular introduces BMW Motorrad's Make Life a Ride to California's wine country.

JPDA Wins BKLYN Design Awards Project of the Year 2021.03.15 We are proud to announce that JPDA’s Star Garment Innovation Center project won two design awards from AIA Brooklyn, including Best International Project and Project of the Year! The Star Garment Innovation Center sets a new high bar for sustainability, energy efficiency and worker health.

Dynamic Dealership Designs 2021.03.15 Experience Matters If you’ve shopped for a new ride recently, chances are the dealership where you went to test drive and purchase the car looked very much the same as it did 50 years ago.

Passive House for Supermarkets: Decreasing Energy Use Increases Profits 2020.11.18 It’s a little-known fact that supermarkets are the most energy-intensive of all commercial buildings, consuming more Btu’s per square foot than even hospitals.

Pandemic Passive House: How We Solved Work From Home 2020.10.29 Nobody expected to be spending so much time at home this year, but it's safe to say we all have a much keener appreciation of the positives and negatives of “living at the office” 24/7.

Passive House & LEED: Why compromise when you can have the best of both worlds? 2020.10.20 If your company is planning a LEED building or renovation project, learn how incorporating Passive House design can help you maximize sustainability, energy efficiency and worker comfort.

NYC Climate Mobilization Act Recognizes Passive House as Key Approach to Reducing Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions 2019.10.11 New York’s existing buildings account for almost 70% of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Staying Warm and Cozy this Winter with a Passive House 2017.02.09 The weather has been very unpredictable this season.

*Happy Holidays from all of us at JPDA!* 2016.12.21 We love all the projects we've been able to work on this year, and we wish all our supporters the best.

Adam Smith's Texas Harley-Davidson Grand Opening 2016.05.09 With great fanfare Adam Smith's Texas Harley-Davidson dealership has opened in Bedford Texas.

Harley-Davidson Dealership Re-Design Challenges 2016.01.15 Each Harley-Davidson renovation poses certain challenges, but can similarly can be seen as opportunities.

Passive House in Boerum Hill 2016.01.11 In our third Boerum Hill townhouse renovation, we are applying Passive House principles to transform a derelict single-room occupancy townhouse into an energy-optimized machine for family living.

How We Used Dance Notation to Develop a Conceptual Model for DSPAC 2016.01.07 For the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center project, JPDA used photography and graphic analysis to create a conceptual diagram that informed our design process throughout the project.

We love anaglypta wallpaper! 2015.06.17 Anaglypta is an embossed wallpaper which comes in a range of patterns and textures.

Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center 2015.05.07 As we are approaching the completion date for construction we are excited to give you a sneak peek into the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Centre.

Clove Lakes Medical Office Progress 2015.04.29 Progress at the Clove Lakes Medical Office is coming along nicely.

Passive House is the Future 2015.02.18 Circular has committed to Passive House principles for all our projectsAs architects we necessarily work at the intersection of art, engineering and commerce.

First look at DSPAC's custom mosaic tiles 2015.02.13 We were really excited to recieve progress photos of our custom mural being made for the Dwana Smallwood Performing Arts Center, which is currently under construction in Brooklyn.

Benzine and Boardwalk 2013.11.11 A preview of one of the many large-format graphics that will adorn the walls of our soon to be opened Harley-Davidson flagship in Manhattan.

Spreading the Light at BHH II 2013.04.09 As rough-in continues, there’ve been a couple of nice developments on the job site.

BHH II Skylights Installed 2013.03.01 This week services are being installed throughout the Boerum Hill House II.

Framing wraps up at BHH II 2013.02.22 On the job site at the Boerum Hill House II this week, framing is complete, which means if you squint your eyes and apply some imagination you can start to see the various rooms and spaces taking shape.

Boerum Hill House II Design Walkthru 2013.02.15 While framing continues on Boerum Hill House II, we’ll take this opportunity to illustrate the design concept with some drawings and images from our working 3D model.

Boerum Hill House II [BHHII] Construction Underway 2013.02.08 This week, JPDA began construction on a new townhouse renovation in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

Rio +20 and Brand Responsibility 2012.06.27 Though the UN Conference on Sustainable Development ended to mixed reviews in the media last week (see - Activists slam Rio+20 sustainable development summit as a 'hoax', Rio+20 Draft Agreement Agreed Upon, Labeled 'Weak', Rio+20: reasons to be cheerful) - Scientific American is reporting on one potentially positive initiative that a handful of brands have agreed to which involves incorporating methods for accounting for natural capital.

Battery Park gets some storage 2012.03.30 Just a little under a year ago we completed a small loft insertion into a studio apartment in Battery Park City, found here.

Light through the layers. 2012.03.22 Less than 2 months left in our gut rehab of a Park Slope townhouse.

Marcel Breuer Digital Archive 2012.03.15 Syracuse University has announced the launch of the Marcel Breuer Digital Archive, showcasing the early work of the designer.

Can architecture really be to blame? 2012.02.06 A recent 99% Invisible episode explores the myth that modern architecture was to blame for the squalid conditions at the Pruitt-Igoe housing complex in St-Louis.

BREAKING OUT AND BREAKING IN 2012.01.30 BldBlog is hosting a distributed film festival exploring the architecture of escapes and break-ins in movies.

Ron Johnson's 'Think Different' Moment 2012.01.25 We're all excited to see what Ron has to say and the transformations he'll make at JC Penney.

Samsung hopes to take storefront interactivity to a new level 2012.01.25 http://www.

Milburn house down to its guts. 2010.07.14 The house we're working on in Millburn, NJ has been stripped down to show its true character.

JPDA's O2 Dublin Brand Experience is published in Night Fever 2 2010.06.25 Pick up a copy of Night Fever 2, Frame Magazine's survey of innovative hospitality design.

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About

FAQ

Contact 68 Jay St, Suite 501 Brooklyn, NY, 11201 hello@circular.cx +1 718 852 2650

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Contact
68 Jay St, Suite 501
Brooklyn, NY, 11201 hello@circular.cx +1 718 852 2650