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
- SARA National Design Awards: Skokie Valley Synagogue received Honor in Renovation, Restoration, and Adaptive Re-Use category, October 2023
- Studio ST Architects wins 3 awards from the 2023 Architecture & Design Collection Awards
- Archello Awards: Skokie Valley Synagogue longlisted for best religious building of the year, October 2023
- Architizer A+ Awards: Skokie Valley Synagogue selected as Special Mention honoree in +Renovation category, May 2023
- AN Best of Design Awards: SynaCondo selected as Editor’s Pick, The Architect’s Newspaper, 2019
Esther Sperber’s Writing on Synagogue Renovations
- How to Renovate a Synagogue? Esther Sperber in Jewish Link
- What is SynaCondo – Canopy Forum
- Synagogue Security and the Holiday of Purim
- The Pain of the Pandemic and the Beauty of Praying Outside
- Synagogue Renovations – Ethics and Aesthetics
- Architectural Ethics: Is Your Building Immoral?
- Architecture, Flexibility, and Resilience
- Jews, Women, Architects. At The Same Time
Studio ST Architects’ Synagogue Work in the Press
- This is what an $8 million synagogue renovation looks like
- Premier Construction features Ansche Chesed Synagogue
- Architect Magazine features Ansche Chesed Synagogue renovation
- Studio ST Architects Reimagine Skokie Valley Synagogue
- Archinect features Skokie Valley Synagogue Renovation
- Skokie Synagogue Renovation Reflects Congregation’s Recent Renaissance
- Studio ST Architects To Renovate Ansche Chesed Synagogue
- Historic New York Shul Considers, Then Rejects, ‘SynaCondo’ Plan
Podcasts and Lectures on Synagogue Architecture
- Podcast: U.S. Modernist Radio Podcast: Esther Sperber the “go-to firm for synagogue renovation
- Podcast: Constructed Futures – Designing Community Spaces
- Video: Skokie Valley Synagogue Dedication Event
- Faith In Design Conference Harvard GSD Lecture
- Synagogue Design Lecutre at Yeshiva University
- Synagogue Design: Gender, Collaboration And The Practice Of Architecture Lecture at the Jewish Theological Seminary