About The Firm
One perspective.
Every side of the project.
Cohen Design/Build Architect was founded on the idea that architecture benefits from understanding what happens beyond the drawing board.
Founded in 2002 by William J. Cohen, AIA, the firm brings architectural design together with extensive construction management and development experience. Projects are considered not only for how they look and function, but for feasibility, approvals, constructability, budget and the practical realities of bringing a design to life.
That perspective was shaped by Bill’s career before founding the firm, when he worked with leading New York City construction management firms and advanced from intern to Vice President of Construction.
Today, Cohen Design/Build Architect works across residential, commercial, industrial and development projects, offering clients standalone architectural services as well as integrated Design/Build capabilities.
Cohen Design/Build Architect
- B.Arch + M.Arch — Tulane University
- NCARB Certified
- 7 State Architectural Licenses — NY · NJ · PA · CT · VT · FL · GA
- Past President — AIA West Jersey Chapter
- Licensed General Contractor — Mid-Atlantic Region
- Licensed Real Estate Professional
MEET THE FOUNDER
William J. "Billy" Cohen, AIA
Principal · Architect · Developer
William J. “Billy” Cohen has spent more than three decades working at the intersection of architecture, construction and development.
He entered the design and construction industry in 1994 and built the early part of his career with leading New York City construction management firms, advancing from intern to Vice President of Construction. That experience gave him a practical understanding of what happens after a design leaves the drawing board: how projects are coordinated, budgeted, scheduled and built.
In 2002, Billy founded Cohen Design/Build Architect, bringing his architectural background and construction management experience together within one practice.
Since entering the industry, he has managed projects representing more than $1.5 billion in construction and development across commercial, industrial and residential sectors, with work throughout the United States and the Caribbean.
Billy holds Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Tulane University and is NCARB certified. He is licensed to practice architecture in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Vermont, Florida and Georgia. He also holds general contractor licenses in the Mid-Atlantic region and is a licensed real estate professional.
He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and previously served as President of the AIA West Jersey Chapter.
His approach is hands-on, collaborative and grounded in a belief that the quality of a project comes down to how carefully the details are considered.
What Our Clients Say
From first conversation to finished vision.
Every successful project starts with understanding the people behind it. Our process is collaborative, transparent and informed by decades of architectural and construction experience.
01
Listen
Every project begins with listening. We take the time to understand your goals, how you live or work, your priorities, budget and what the project needs to accomplish.
02
Explore
We study existing conditions, zoning, feasibility, opportunities and constraints to establish a clear direction before the design advances.
03
Design
The vision takes shape through schematic design and design development. Layouts, functionality, materials, aesthetics and details are explored and refined collaboratively.
04
Coordinate
As the design develops, we coordinate the consultants and technical disciplines the project requires: structural, civil, mechanical, electrical and other specialists as appropriate.
05
DOCUMENT + NAVIGATE
The approved design is developed into detailed construction documents. We address applicable codes and zoning requirements and help guide the project through the municipal review and approval process.
Architecture & Design
Take the completed architectural work to the contractor of your choice.
Integrated Design/Build
The same team carries the project forward into construction, maintaining continuity from the original design through execution.
06
STAY INVOLVED
Whether we are building your project or working alongside your contractor, our architectural involvement can continue during construction as appropriate to the agreed scope of services.
Let's Build Something Extraordinary
Let’s create a space that’s thoughtfully designed, expertly built, and made to stand the test of time.