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Synagogue Architects

We have extensive expertise in synagogue architecture, synagogue design, synagogue renovations and new synagogue building construction. We have worked with Jewish communities including Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Chabad congregations in Israel and the U.S. to create beautiful, affordable and accessible worship and prayer spaces that celebrate community and spirituality.

Studio ST Architects is a boutique architectural firm that specializes in synagogue design and synagogue renovations. We recently completed two award-winning synagogue renovations in New York and Illinois. We have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of synagogue architecture and of renovations of places of worship.

We would love to share our knowledge and experience with your community.

Designing a synagogue building or renovating an existing synagogue are unique projects. We work with the synagogue team, building and design committees, finance, and fundraising committees to create a realistic and responsible budget and schedule.

The best synagogue architecture requires balancing of the community’s needs, a tight budget, security requirements, and scheduling constraints that depend on the high-holidays and other communal commitments. The renovation often takes place while the building is in use.

At Studio ST Architects, we understand these needs and have decades of experience working with Orthodox, Chabad, Conservative, Reform, and Renewal communities. We know that each congregation has its own prayer practice and denominational affiliation and we the nuanced differences in styles and services. We have worked closely with Rabbis, the board of trustees, and the lay lead volunteer committees on synagogue designs to create sanctuaries that fit each Kehilah, including unique designs for the ark (aron), reading table (bemah), lectern (amud), eternal light (ner tamid) and mechitza partition.

We have extensive experience in designing various security systems such as lockdown systems, forced entry resistant doors and man-trap vestibules to ensure synagogues are safe and secure from attacks while keeping these places of worship open and inviting.

We believe that a beautiful synagogue sanctuary will enhance the sense of community and spirituality. It is important to balance an experience of personal, intimate spirituality with a sense

Synagogue Design Expertise

  • Unique, beautiful and functional synagogue design, transforming your space and communal experience of spiritual worship.
  • Creating realistic budgets for your new building or renovation.
  • Creating and updating the schedule for the design phase, approval process and construction or renovaitons of synagogues.
  • Photo-realistic 3D renderings to communicate the design and support the fundraising efforts fpr the project.
  • Marketing, fundraising and design presentations of the design to committees, the board and the congregation at large.
  • We have a deep understanding of the security concerns and the avaliable systems such as cameras, bullet-proof doors and lock down systams.

Synagogue Design Awards

Esther Sperber’s Writing on Synagogue Renovations

Studio ST Architects’ Synagogue Work in the Press

Podcasts and Lectures on Synagogue Architecture