ABOUT US
Imrey Studio LLC is a New York-based architectural firm specializing in the planning and design of public and non-profit organizations worldwide. Founded by Celia Imrey in 2011 as a registered Woman-Owned Business, the firm evolved from her previous U.S. and French practices, Imrey Culbert LP and Imrey Culbert Architectes Sarl. Imrey Studio believes in the power of architecture to empower and inspire individuals and communities, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Their designs, which emphasize elegance, economy, and clarity, have been widely published.
The firm offers a broad range of services, including master planning and feasibility studies, museum and gallery design, exhibition design, library design, educational design, fine art storage, and performance space design. Imrey Studio is committed to working closely with clients, ensuring that their partnerships are as valued as the final designs themselves. The studio's work focuses on creating environments that are functional, economical, and inspiring, while clearly communicating the mission and goals of the institutions they serve.
In addition to their design work, Imrey Studio is a strong advocate for educational and humanitarian causes. They provide pro-bono services and fundraising assistance to schools, community centers, hospitals, urban planning authorities, and public safety facilities. Their portfolio showcases a selection of favorite projects, reflecting their dedication to enhancing the public experience and use of individual spaces.
Imrey Studio's expertise extends to content development, curatorial analysis, workplace design, visitor experience, and interpretive design. Their holistic approach ensures that every aspect of the user experience is considered, making their projects both functional and meaningful.
CELIA IMREY, AIA, LEED GA
Celia Imrey, AIA, LEED GA, 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 on the Miho Museum and William McDonough & Partners, where she served as the project architect for the award-winning Greenhouse for Herman Miller. In 1998, Imrey founded her first design practice, which has since
garnered numerous accolades and has been widely published in international outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Architectural Record, and Architectural Digest.
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. In addition to her practice, Imrey founded Space Kit LLC in 2012, a commercial and residential design company that provides fast and efficient designs and permitting for home and office renovations in New York City.
Imrey has also been actively engaged in education and non-profit work. 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 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. Imrey co-founded Yale Women in Architecture, the school’s largest alumni group.
Celia Imrey’s designs have been published in over 100 national and international publications, including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Azure, Casabella, Architectural Digest, and many more. 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:
“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
“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