Bio:
The great architect, Nicole Hollant-Denis, owner of Aaris Design Studios, PLLC, formerly, Aarris Atepa Architects, LLC is an award winning designer practicing 30 + years. Mrs. Hollant-Denis has received recognition for museum design. Aarris has also been named Associate Architect for the Columbia Business School (CBS) in collaboration with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, (DSRNY), Design Architects and FXCollaboative, Executive Architect, 450,000 , $500M.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
As a young person I was always interested in art and showed talent in drawing and the use of colors . I saw architecture as a way to express myself artistically and contribute to improve to struggling communities.

What do you do?
I am proud to run a design practice in New York with design opportunities throughout the region and abroad. I create architectural works that are about honoring our best qualities as human beings.

What excites you in the work you do?
I am most excited and satisfied when my design work serves to education and inspire young people by instilling a sense of pride and creating forms that help them to think more profoundly.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I am inspired by a graduate of my undergraduate program at Cornell University, Albert Magones. A well know artist and architect in Haiti who created the sculpture, Le Negre Maroon. Also, Zahad Hadid, her shear talent and dedication to her craft.

Featured Project Name: 
Columbia University Business School
 
Featured Project Location: 
New York, NY
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2022

Featured Project Description:
After a highly competitive process, Aaris was selected as the Associate Architects on the Columbia Business School project, as part of the Manhattanville expansion. The project consists of 450,000 sf. of new construction of two new buildings for CBS. The Design Architect is Diller Scofidio and Renfro DS+R, and Executive Architect is FXCollaborative. As Associate Architects on the team, Aaris was responsible for the design, and development of three of the significant gathering spaces in both buildings. The dedicated dining, located on the north-west corner of building No. 7, is to be the signature space for emerging media, and dignitaries.  The private dining room, on the opposite corner, was also part of the scope. Finally, the multi-purpose room, the largest space in building No. 6, offers a versatile space, designed to support a number of different functions.

Role in Featured Project: 
Associate Architect

Photography Credit:
Image Credits: FXCollaborative