Firm Profile
Michael Landau Architects is nationally recognized for its design expertise in religious architecture. Our firm is committed to quality architectural design that is functional, aesthetically pleasing, and of lasting value. Our approach to design is based upon intense dialogue and collaboration. We believe that only by listening closely to our clients and understanding their perspective can we be successful in transforming their visions into significant architecture. We are proficient, effective leaders of demanding projects of all types and sizes. We draw inspiration from challenges to create design solutions that meet current and future program requirements, are tailored to our client’s need and budget, and produce coherent and dynamic architecture that evokes timeless values.
Michael Landau Architects design work has been recognized nationally through awards, publications and exhibitions. MLA brings a national perspective to the design of religious buildings. Founding partner Michael Landau, AIA has over 40 years of experience in the planning, design, and construction of worship facilities. He has served as the national Chair of the Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art and Architecture, the knowledge community of the American Institute of Architects dedicated to advancement of the worship facility design. MLA’s expertise also incorporates the latest thinking in sustainable design. We work with our clients to adopt the ‘green’ building strategies that allow them to be good stewards of the environment as well as the financial resources of the congregation.
Michael Landau Architects is known for providing quality professional services which deliver well-constructed buildings. The firm’s size and unique blend of experience allow for direct, continuous involvement in each project by both partner and associates. The success of our projects is a result of a total design effort and a thorough professional service that responds to the needs our clients.
Michael Landau
Since the mid-1970’s Michael has designed numerous Synagogue projects ranging from renovations to complete new facilities. He has been recognized nationwide for both design excellence, and appropriate, functional creative solutions that reflect the Congregations physical needs, character and vision for the future.
After designing a Synagogue for his architectural thesis and following seven years in New York City working with internationally famous architects, [Marcel Breuer & Associates and Mitchell /Giurgola Associates] he started his own practice in Raleigh, NC while teaching Design at NC State University. This arrangement provided the opportunity to pursue his interest in Synagogue Architecture.
From 1982 until 1988, Michael Landau was the principal architectural designer for a large architectural/engineering firm specializing in design of R & D facilities. Major projects included work for Procter and Gamble, American Cyanamid, Merck, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly and numerous projects for Rutgers University.
Mr. Landau’s design for the 400,000 square foot Robert M. Schaeberle Technology center for Nabisco Brands in East Hanover, New Jersey, was the winner of a design competition and was awarded the “1986 Lab of the Year†Award by Research and Development magazine. He was recognized as an innovative designer who can address complex functional requirements with appropriate, creative and humanistic solutions.
In 1988 he re-established his own firm, Michael Landau Associates [now Michael Landau Architects], a multi-disciplinary Architectural firm in Princeton, NJ, with a primary interest in contributing his talents to creating meaningful spiritual environments. He has subsequently been involved in over 50 Synagogue commissions and is an expert in understanding individual Congregational priorities and character. There is a dynamic process in educating Congregants and artistically interpreting their visions and aspirations.
Education:
University of Virginia, B. Arch., 1965
Registration:
Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin
NCARB Registration
Professional:
American Institute of Architects
Affiliations:
IFRAA [Interfaith Forum on Religious Art & Architecture]
Knowledge Community of the AIA
Chairman Advisory Group 2007