David Helpern founded Helpern Architects in 1971 to create leading-edge designs and plans for educational institutions at all levels, from elementary schools to universities, to adult and continuing education. Over the years, his practice grew to include a long list of prominent cultural and faith-based organizations, as well as corporate and hospitality-industry clients.
David Helpern enjoys a reputation as a “professional’s professional”- someone with exceptional standards for his own work and that of his experienced staff.
In addition, he was one of the first architects to emphasize and offer special services in building technology. Helpern Architects continues to combine design, planning, and technology – a critical combination for working on today’s new buildings and especially for restorations or additions to valued older structures.
David Helpern’s degrees are a B.A. from Brown University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. In 1993, he was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
He has worked additionally to improve education and conditions in disadvantaged schools through organizations that aid young people. He is especially interested in sharing knowledge through participation in associations that improve understanding of how educational institutions function. His work for the Society for College and University Planning, for instance, brought the first survey of college and university facilities in the late 1980s – thus making campus revitalization both a national issue and imperative. David has frequently presented papers on such topics as new uses for historic houses, the restoration of iconic buildings, the pressures of the green movement on colleges and universities, and, especially, planning for smaller institutions.
David Helpern [center] with his panel on community colleges at a SCUP’s national conference: L to R: Dr. George Boggs, American Association of Community Colleges; Dr. Gerardo de los Santos, League for Innovation in the Community College; Dr. Janis Hadley, Housatonic Community College; and
Dr. Gail Mellow, LaGuardia Community College. |
