SPAN Architecture

SPAN Architecture SPAN Architecture, LLC SPAN Architecture, LLC brings together a diverse array of experiences and interests as practitioners, teachers, artists and theorists.

Karen Stonely AIA LEED AP and Peter Pelsinski AIA LEEP AP began collaboration in 1998. Their award winning work combines thoughtful and inventive conceptual design with technological and material innovation. Solutions to problems are approached with an open mind and evolve through an organic, collaborative process both within and outside the studio to include the client, artisans, builders and lea

ders in their related fields. SPAN works on an array of typologies including hospitality, single and multi-family residences, retail spaces, offices, interior design, art, furniture and objects. Above all else, SPAN shares a deep appreciation and reverence for design through architecture and art that guides their pursuit of creating superlative work.

Partner Karen Marie Stonely extends a sincere thank you to GROHE and the panel for How Water Influences Architecture. Th...
06/11/2026

Partner Karen Marie Stonely extends a sincere thank you to GROHE and the panel for How Water Influences Architecture. The conversation was thoughtful, inspiring, and enriched by the breadth of perspectives and projects each of you shared. It was truly a pleasure to be part of the discussion together!
Participants: Patrick Speck (Grohe, Leader LIXIL Global Design), Danny Forster (Danny Forster & Atchitecture), & Vanessa Deleon (Vanessa Deleon Design)



SPAN partner Pete is a juror for this year’s powerhouse Best of NeoCon. Join him in person at THE MART at the Grand Stai...
06/05/2026

SPAN partner Pete is a juror for this year’s powerhouse Best of NeoCon. Join him in person at THE MART at the Grand Stair on Monday, June 8th from 7:30-8:30am CDT or stream directly on the Official NeoCon Website.



This week, we’re sharing part two of an ongoing series of posts from Karen Marie about biophilia - What Biophilia Actual...
05/07/2026

This week, we’re sharing part two of an ongoing series of posts from Karen Marie about biophilia -

What Biophilia Actually Means

Biophilia has been flattened into an aesthetic—plants, textures, a certain look.

That version misses the point.

In our work, biophilia is understood as a system. It operates through light, air, material, proportion, and connection to living systems. These elements don’t sit on top of architecture—they are the architecture.

Daylight is calibrated, not just introduced.

Materials are selected for how they feel, not just how they photograph.

Spaces are sequenced to move the body through states of compression and release.

When these elements align, something shifts.

People settle. Their breathing slows. Their awareness expands.

That response is not subjective—it’s physiological.

If we accept that the built environment shapes us, then biophilic design becomes less about style and more about responsibility.



Photo:

We are thrilled to share that Harper House has been selected as a Special Mention in this year’s Architizer A+ Awards fo...
05/05/2026

We are thrilled to share that Harper House has been selected as a Special Mention in this year’s Architizer A+ Awards for the Residential Interiors category.

Harper House, built in 1849 and transformed in 2024, is a historical monument in New York City and the music industry.

We are honored to be included and grateful to the team for their extraordinary contributions to this project.







Photo credit:

The built environment is not neutral. It shapes how we feel, think, and function - often before we are even aware of it....
04/30/2026

The built environment is not neutral.

It shapes how we feel, think, and function - often before we are even aware of it.

At SPAN, we’ve built our work around a simple premise: biophilia is not an image or aesthetic layer. It is a form of performance infrastructure. When calibrated with intention, space can regulate stress, support cognitive clarity, and restore a sense of agency.

This means moving beyond symbolic references to nature. It requires a more rigorous approach - one that considers daylight as a physiological tool, materials as sensory interfaces, and spacial sequence as something that can either calm or agitate the body.

Across projects - from remote coastal landscapes to dense urban environments to healthcare settings - we test how these principles translate across scale and typology. The goal is consistent: to create spaces that are not only visually compelling, but that measurably support well-being.

This is not about making things feel “natural”.

It’s about understanding how environments actually work - and designing accordingly.

We’ll share a few projects over the next few weeks that explore this in different contexts.

- Karen Marie Stonely, SPAN principal

Photo:

SPAN partner Peter Pelsinski was recently joined Design Milk for Friday Five to talk shadows & light, color, play and mo...
04/23/2026

SPAN partner Peter Pelsinski was recently joined Design Milk for Friday Five to talk shadows & light, color, play and more!

Scroll to read Peter’s Friday Fives



Before the spring heatwave in New York, Elina and Andrew visited one of our trusted partners in making beautiful things ...
04/16/2026

Before the spring heatwave in New York, Elina and Andrew visited one of our trusted partners in making beautiful things happen,

We love working with the Jonas team. Their multi-generational family tradition of craftsmanship and expertise is unparalleled. We’re always in good hands.

SPAN loves a site visit. Partner Pete Pelsinski recently travelled to Maine to check in on the progress of new renovatio...
04/09/2026

SPAN loves a site visit.

Partner Pete Pelsinski recently travelled to Maine to check in on the progress of new renovations at our August Moon project and was greeted by crisp snow and sunshine.

Weaving the landscape into the interior details of this home make it a true SPAN favorite.

03/23/2026

New feature from -

Architect, artist, and co-founder of SPAN Architecture Karen finds inspiration everywhere—from the way the sunlight breaks through the branches to old cities that leave you feeling young at heart. Check out our Fab 5 interview in our recent newsletter!

Part two of SPAN Partner Karen Marie Stonely’s visit to Bagru, India where she learned about the 300 year old history of...
03/13/2026

Part two of SPAN Partner Karen Marie Stonely’s visit to Bagru, India where she learned about the 300 year old history of sustainable, eco-friendly wooden block prints and natural dyes.

From Karen Marie, “Each dye comes from natural sources, the vibrant indigo flower being one of the most popular. Black dye, as seen here, is made from discarded iron horse shoes and unrefined brown sugar!”

Address

11 Broadway, Ste 1500
New York, NY
10004

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12127327012

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SPAN Architecture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to SPAN Architecture:

Shortcuts

Share