ABOUT US
Imrey Studio LLC is a New York-based architectural firm specializing in the planning and design of museums and non-profit organizations worldwide. Our holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the user’s experience is considered, making our projects both functional and meaningful.
We believe in the power of architecture to empower and inspire individuals and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Our work focuses on creating environments that are elegant, functional, economical, and inspiring.
Founded by Celia Imrey in 2011, we have expertise in museum and gallery design, exhibition design, fine art storage, library design, educational design, performance space design, as well as in master planning.
Our portfolio on this site showcases a selection of favorite projects, reflecting our dedication to enhancing the public experience and use of individual spaces. For more information about our work, please contact us at team@imreystudio.com.
CELIA IMREY, AIA, LEED GA
Celia Imrey, AIA, is a distinguished architect with over 30 years of professional experience, focusing primarily on cultural institutions. She holds a Master’s in Architecture from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts in Semiotics, magna cum laude, from Brown University. Her early career included significant projects with renowned architects such as I. M. Pei designing the permanent galleries of the Miho Museum and William McDonough & Partners, where she served as the project architect for the award-winning Greenhouse for Herman Miller. In 1998, with a commission to design artist Dennis Oppenheim’s home, Imrey founded her first design practice, Inline Studio.
Celia Imrey’s designs have since garnered numerous accolades and have been published in over 100 national and international publications, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Azure, Casabella, Architectural Digest, Metropolis, Architectural Record, and many more.
Celia’s mentors, I.M Pei, William McDonough, Vito Acconci, and David Adjaye, have confirmed her commitment to people above buildings, experiences above static sights, and enduring emotional connections above superficial impressions.
As the Global Head of Exhibition Design at Adjaye Associates from 2022-2023, Imrey developed museum, library, educational, and exhibition designs for over 20 cultural institutions worldwide. Her prominent projects include the Princeton University Art Museum, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, the National Cathedral of Ghana, and the Enslaved Burial Ground Museum & Genealogy Center in Barbados.
Celia has been actively engaged in education and non-profit leadership roles. She taught architectural design studios at Barnard College for 12 years and has led over 20 architecture and art courses at Yale, Brown, Columbia/Barnard, and NYU. Her lectures span a wide range of topics, most recently focusing on her work at IIT in Chicago, St. John's University in New York, and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. She has served on the board of Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center and is currently on the board of the American Institute of Architects Westchester Hudson Valley chapter. Celia co-founded Yale Women in Architecture, the school’s largest alumni group.
She holds a New York State architectural license and continues to contribute to the field as an influential figure in advocating for women in architecture.
CLIENT RECOMMENDATION EXCERPTS:
“Throughout our work together, (Celia) showed consistent understanding and dedication to our visitors and our institution. The CMoG is a tightly-run ship; (Celia and her team) seamlessly integrated into our fast-paced workflow, exceeding our expectations for time- and budget-sensitive designs. It's been a great experience to work with (Celia).” — Warren Bunn, Corning Museum of Glass
“(We).. had previously engaged two different designers …. None of the designs seemed very efficient. Celia and her team quickly solved the puzzle. They developed ---- far beyond what we had previously been able to achieve. I thank Celia for her important contribution to our business so far and I look forward to continuing to work with her on many more projects together.” — Caroline Page-Katz, Christies Auction house.
“Perhaps the greatest testament to the success of Celia's design for ---- is that it still passes the "eye test". The design is elegant, timeless and durable and the spaces looks as fresh as they did after 10 years as it did upon opening.” — Duane Blue Spruce, National Museum of the American Indian
“Celia is professional, an expert, and a great designer. She is a tireless enthusiast and a deep listener. Her spirit is contagious and we are excited to be working together on such an important project. I highly recommend her to work in any capacity on your project. I have dealt with several architects, and none compare to Celia's ability to capture the vision!” — Giselle Suzsa, Kingsbridge Heights Community Center