Architecture Research Office

Architecture Research Office (ARO) is a New York City-based firm founded in 1993 by Stephen Cassell, Kim Yao, and Adam Yarinsky. Our mission is to create buildings that inspire people, further institutional missions, and advance equity and resilience. We believe that curiosity and inquiry can be the basis of a new type of architecture practice, where research gives our work purpose and intention. Our architecture unites beauty and form with strategy and intelligence, making us a diverse collective united by a collaborative process, commitment to accountable action, and social and environmental responsibility.

Our services range from cultural and educational institutions to commercial and residential projects, often revealing the hidden potential within complex architectural and urban constraints. We have earned over one hundred design awards, including the 2020 Firm Award by the American Institute of Architects, the AIA New York State Firm of the Year Award, and the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Architecture. Our vision, artistry, and dedication to craft have made us a leading architecture firm.

At ARO, we are committed to sustainability and social responsibility. We have been recognized as an ILFI Just organization and strive to make a positive impact on the communities we serve. Our work spans across various sectors, including educational institutions like the University of Washington Tacoma and the University of Cincinnati, cultural projects such as the Rothko Chapel, and residential projects that prioritize both aesthetics and functionality. Our goal is to create spaces that inspire and uplift, while also addressing the complex challenges of today's world.