PROFILE

Siris Coombs Architecture works beyond traditional realms of architecture and is distinguished by a sensitivity to clients and collaborators, at scales small and large, for individuals and communities alike. 

 

Established by Jane Siris and Peter Coombs in 1977, SCA has been known for careful and contextual integration of modern construction technologies and sustainability with the restoration and renovation of existing buildings. In 2014, Annie Coombs joined the studio as a Partner. She has brought to the firm her expertise in Cultural and Educational work, along with community engaged building design.

 

SCA performs many services including architectural and urban design, interior design, historic preservation, site selection, site planning, zoning analysis, feasibility studies, rooftop expansion assessment, space planning and community engagement.

OFFICES

PARTNERS

Annie Coombs, AIA

Principal

Annie Coombs is a registered architect in New York State who brings over 15 years of experience to Siris Coombs. Her previous work on cultural, educational, and residential projects with Diller Scofidio + Renfro includes designs for the expansion of the Lincoln Center for Performing Arts, The Shed at Hudson Yards, Eskenazi Health Hospital’s CommonGround Pavilion and the Blue Dream residence in the Hamptons. As a principal of SCA, she’s led a number of residential projects in and around New York City, including interior, penthouse, and townhouse renovations and private home construction. In addition, she's brought in social impact clients from across the country from South Dakota to South Brooklyn. Beyond work with SCA, Annie is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Pratt School of Architecture in New York. She has a Master of Architecture from Columbia University and has served as a guest critic at Columbia University, the Pratt Institute, Wesleyan University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Parson School of Design.

Annie is passionate about women’s empowerment and Native American affairs. She is Co-Founder of Post-Reservation, an ongoing project that researches and visualizes housing, infrastructure, and economy on the Lakota reservations in South Dakota. In addition, Annie is the chairperson elect of the YMCA of the Seven Council Fires Board of Trustees, on the Cheyenne River Reservation. In 2014, her work on gender dynamics in the architecture field was presented at the 1st Congress of Architecture & Gender Research in Spain.

Peter Coombs, AIA, LEED AP

Principal (emeritus)

Peter Coombs is a registered architect with over 35 years of experience. As a principal of Siris Coombs Architecture since 1977, Peter brings an unparalleled attentiveness to the details of construction emphasizing the expression of methods and materials of design. Peter brings his wealth of knowledge to the design of every project from its inception. Peter has extensive experience and specialization in the restoration and modern integration of historical buildings. He has worked hand in hand with the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission and other NYC government agencies on numerous projects including the Clarendon Penthouse, 64th Street Townhouse, and the Draghi Penthouse. Peter is also the principal in charge of institutional and commercial projects such as the SUNY Aerospace Building, The Greene Street Cafe, and Coach Leatherware. Currently, Peter focuses on the design of sustainable systems such as geothermal heat, solar power, and grey water recovery. Peter has taught architecture as an Adjunct Professor at the New York Institute of Technology of Westbury.

Jane Siris, AIA, LEEP AP

Principal (emeritus)

Jane Siris is a registered architect with over 40 years of experience in designing a wide variety of projects including institutional, residential, academic, and commercial works. As a Principal of Siris Coombs Architecture since 1977, she directs all phases of the process from conceptual and schematic design to construction documents and administration. She brings her particular expertise to each project by translating complex design concepts into detailed construction documents to fulfill her clients’ aspirations within the budgetary framework.

Jane’s completed and current projects are as diverse as her talents, ranging from new house construction, urban apartment renovations, and historical restoration. Listed among her works are displays and showrooms, including the Manhattan Glass gallery and the glass gallery at the New Castle Estate. Her large scale projects include the Barnard College Counseling Center and the Inwood House. Currently, Jane is designing numerous apartments throughout NYC as well as two houses in Connecticut – both focusing on the contextual relationship of building to site and green building practices.

Jane has taught architecture as an Adjunct Professor at City College of New York School of Architecture and the New York Institute of Technology of Westbury.

PRESS AND AWARDS

AIA KnowledgeNet - Housing & Community Development

Building on the Reservation: Housing as a Form of Sovereignty (Online Lecture) | 2023

1st Dibs

Tour Interior Designer Bennett Leifer’s Forever Apartment on Gramercy Park | 2023

AIA Small Project Grant

YMCA of the Seven Council Fires - Tiny Home Community | 2022

American Roundtable

The Lakota Nation and the Legacy of American Colonization | 2021

Architectural Digest

William Randolph Hearst’s New York Penthouse Gets a Modern Makeover | Oct 2018

University of Seville

1st Symposium on Architecture and Gender: Re-Structuring the Studio | March 2014

The Hartford Courant

Architect’s Rebuild Essex Home | Jul 2008

New York House

From the Ground Up | April, 2009

Architectural Digest

Touched By Blue | 2009

Penthouse Living

Jonathan Bell, John Wiley & Sons Ltd | 2005

Architectural Record

Aeries, follies, copulas | April 2000

Global Japan

January 1999

Architectural Digest

Castle in the Sky | November 1998

NY Construction News

Best Residential Project |1998

Oculus

Reaching fot the Stars, Rooftop Penthouses | October 1997

New York Newsday

Fantasy for the Record, January | 1996

NYT Real Estate Section

Hearst’s Opulent Quintuplex | May 31, 1994

NYT Real Estate Section

Aerospace Training for Fledglings | May 9, 1993

New York Newsday

Rooms as the Top | July 1, 1993

How

Reconditioning a Brownstone on Manhattan’s | March, 1992

Rooftop Architecture

Akiko Busch, Henry Holt And Co. | 1991

Architectural Record

Show Houses for Busy Lifestyles | March, 1990

NY Times Home Section

Keeping up with the Jones | Jan. 25, 1990

CNN

New York Report, Asahi TV | August 1990

Family Circle

Busy Woman’s Dream House, Part I | June 5, 1990

Family Circle

Busy Woman’s Dream House, Part II | June 26, 1990

Home Channel

Report on the Family Circle Dream House | 1990

New York Newsday

Living on Top of the World | Jan. 28, 1988

Manhattan Living

Room at the Top | winter 1988

Fine Home Building

Manhattan Penthouse | Feb/Mar 1986

House And Garden

Where Opposites Attract | December 1986

House Beautiful

Rich in Tradition | August 1986

The International Book of Lofts

Suzanne Slesin, Clarkson Potter, Inc. | 1986

New York Times Magazine

Urban Barn | November 30, 1986

Metropolitan Home

Renovation Style, Joanna Krotz, Villard Books | 1986

Before & After Interiors

Maureen Walker | Ebury Press 1985

The Home

Writing Home | February, 1985

CBS

Special Report on Housing | June 22, 1985

Self Magazine

New Places People Call Home | October 1985

CNN

New York Report, Asahi TV | August 1985

NY Times Home Section

Living on a Rooftop | February 9, 1984

Restaurant and Hotel Design

Soho Showcase | March 1983

Interior Design

Greene Street Cafe | 1983

Metropolitan Home

Penthouse in the Sky, November | 1983

The Home

Suzanne Slesin, Times Books | 1982

Metropolitan Home

Urban Planning | January 1982

NY Times Home Section

Bachelor’s Design Demands | March 5, 1981

The Making of an Architect 1881-1981

Rizzoli International | 1981

New York City AIA

Design Citation | 1981

Commercial Remodeling

Something from Nothing | June 1981

Interiors

The Warehouse as Office | November 1980

Architecture + Urbanism

New York Notes | August 1977

House Beautiful

Renewal: Total Break | November 1977