Husband and wife architecture/design firms steps into spotlight

Real Estate Weekly, April 28, 1999

Success stems from having a passion for what you do and doing it well. For John Cetra and Nancy Ruddy, the husband and wife team behind Cetra/Ruddy Incorporated (Cetra/Ruddy), one of New York City's fastest growing architecture and interior design firms, this is the philosophy they live by.

"We have enthusiasm about our work and a dedication to excellence," Ruddy said. "For us, it's about understanding the client's needs, staying committed to their goals and delivering the highest quality design regardless of the budget or project type."

Founded in 1987, this award-winning boutique firm has made impressive strides and is now staking its claim in New York City with the announcement of their newest assignment, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods' 100,000 square-toot headquarters at Two World Trade Center. With a focus on client service, an expertise in creative problem-solving, a sophisticated comprehension of market demands and financial constraints, and a hands-on approach by the firm's principals, Cetra/Ruddy has quickly become a top contender for some of the Tri-State area's most desired commercial, residential and development projects.

"Nancy and I have over 40 years of collective experience and a staff comprised of talented architects, interior designers and interior decorators," said Cetra. "We pride ourselves on our ability to provide our clients with single source accountability offering big-firm expertise and the personalized hands-on service of a small firm."

While Ruddy and Cetra's roots can be traced back to some of NYC's most prestigious architectural firms, they always envisioned starting a firm of their own. At the last firm they worked for, Eli Attia Architects, which specialized in large-scale development and corporate projects, Ruddy served as managing partner and director of all interior design projects, and Cetra served as senior designer. They knew then that their complementary skills in design and management would be just the combination necessary for a successful entrepreneurial endeavor. Ruddy also wanted to resume her hands-on role in regard to specific projects.

In 1987, after only three months in business, Cetra/Ruddy was presented with an extraordinary opportunity. Hartz Associates, a former client, was developing a 962-unit residential project in Long Island City, and were not satisfied with their architect's solution. Hartz had worked with Ruddy on a commercial development and selected Cetra/Ruddy to design the project based on the team's prior experience in large-scale housing. Cetra/Ruddy not only designed the project, but developed the urban design plan for the six-acre site, spearheaded the rezoning of the property, developed a new mapped street and 480-foot waterfront esplanade. Although the project is not yet built, it is expected that within the next year it will move forward following the guidelines spelled out in Cetra/Ruddy's original design.

When the recession hit in the late 1980s, and over half of all New York City architectural firms closed their doors, Cetra/Ruddy flourished. While the development market dried up, Cetra/Ruddy built upon its already diverse practice, which included the nonprofit segment (dormitories and special needs housing), and Wall Street clientele. In addition, Cetra/Ruddy took advantage of a new economic market and used their analytic expertise to assist companies with downsizing and better use of their real estate, while in the process expanding their own geographic focus.

Nearly 12 years later, with a staff of 20, more projects pouring in and the firm's distinguished reputation solidified, Cetra/Ruddy has etched a name for itself among the Tri-State area's most prestigious corporations and prominent developers.

One of the more unique and challenging projects Cetra/Ruddy undertook at the height of the recession was the transformation of one of the City's largest S.R.O. buildings - Euclid Hall - into permanent housing for the homeless. Located on Broadway between 85th and 86th streets, Euclid Hall had gradually fallen into despair. Purchased by the West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing, Cetra/Ruddy was brought on-board to create a 352-unit, full-service (residency, counseling, support and job training) facility for the homeless. Providing both architectural and interior design services, Cetra/Ruddy's work also included the revitalization of the original brick and iron work and other special design elements that won them plaudits from New York's toughest critics like Christopher Gray of The New York Times. Within the constraints of a tight budget, Cetra/Ruddy was able to introduce high-quality design elements rarely seen in supported housing.

"We've always believed that high quality design and a hefty budget are not synonymous," said Ruddy. "The key in working with a non-profit organization, or any client, is establishing project goals and a properly thought-out critical path to assure a well-managed process. We insist on a schematic design cost estimate of all projects to assure that a client's budget and goals are in sync at all phases of a project."