About TRA studio
25 years
preservation
architecture & interiors
About TRA studio
25 years
preservation
architecture & interiors
TRA is the total design STUDIO
As summarized in the name “TRA”, latin for “in between, the edge and the link”, we believe that all aspects of architecture are interconnected. Fom concept to completion, we love all aspects of design and manage everything “in between”.
Our practice, which was founded in 2000, expands the role of the architect:we want to see great projects built and take on different roles depending on what is needed. We do not just deliver documents, we collaborate as a strategist to the production of architecture.
We are boutique studio, but our extensive expertise allow us to quickly address the complexity, multiple areas of proficiency and unexpected issues, allowing us to function like a large firm. We are polymaths who are also specialists, we embrace technology but are very much hands on, we believe that the execution is part of the design. We prioritize all projects regardless of size and context, finding the equilibrium between broad vision and details, uncovering opportunities for joyful interventions and the integration of technological advances.. Our pragmatic-yet-visionary approach and extraordinarily simple solutions, which integrate architecture and interiors, are unforgettably “TRA”.
The repeated success of our projects demonstrate how working with manufacturers early in the process together with construction management and quality control skills, make possible full scope architectural delivery, on budget and on time. The gut renovation of the just completed 35 Worth Street for the Sergeants Benevolent Association is an example of how we work: not only TRA was responsible for the exterior, interiors and FFE, we also acted as the owner’s representative and construction managers.
Many of our projects are located in Historic Districts, presenting complex preservation and new intervention issues, we enjoy the interaction and collaborating with the Community, Landmarks and City Planning.
TRA’s is a WBE certified firm and is registered with PANYNJ . TRA's projects have been featured in several publications including the AIA Guide to New York City. In 2024 TRA was the recipient of a CA SARA Excellence Award, in 2025 received a Merit Award from AIA Tri-State. TRA received Regina Kellerman Award from the GVSHP and was selected as a top finalist in the Grand Army Plaza Competition. and won three times the AIA NY Interiors Committee yearly competition. The Studio was ranked in the Interior Design Power Grid Top Firms in NYC.
TRA studio IS A REGISTERED MWBE
SUSTAINABILTY PRACTICES
Construction simulation through 3D modeling allows us to maintain full control of the detailing and methods, insuring that sustainability practices and tools can be followed throughout the construction process.
A beautiful, highly performing building is a catalyst for positive change, it is also one that nobody will want to replace and ultimately the best way to reduce carbon emissions.
Team
Leadership
Team
Leadership
Since 1998 TRA STUDIO combines the strengths, and differences, of Robert Traboscia, an Environmental Designer and Artist, and Caterina Roiatti, an Architect educated in France, Italy and the United States. They met met while working at Vignelli Associates, a graphic and tridimensional studio led by Caterina’s Aunt and Uncle. Massimo Vignelli’s belief that work should be also fun and that “design is one”, still informs TRA’s studio’s philosophy and interdisciplinary work, which spans the fields of architecture, preservation, interiors and branded environments.
Bob and Caterina believe that the integration of work and family is possible: they are also a family, which includes their 19 years old son , Massimo.
The founders remain the creators of the work and serve as the primary contact for every client. Caterina and Robert are ready to share information about their work and their over 50 years cumulative experience, to schedule a meeting, contact us at info@trastudio.com.
CATERINA ROIATTI, AIA, SARA, NCARB
TRA studio architecture: Co-Founding Principal
After being trained as a fine arts painter at the Academy of Venice, Caterina started her diversified portfolio career as a Fine arts Painter and as Assistant to the Italian Architect and Set Designer Renzo Mongiardino. Following her interest in the wider framework of design she attended the Istituto Universitario di Architettura di Venezia, where she received a Doctor in Architecture Degree and the Harvard GSD, which she attended with a Fulbright Scholarship, receiving a Master in Architecture.
She is the 3rd generation of the renowed Valle family, counting several generations of architects, which gave her the opportunity to train, while in school, on restorations in Venice. Later she worked in the modernist offices of Peter Forbes, Pei Cobb Freed and Partners, Kohn Pedersen Fox and Vignelli Associates. She co-founded, in 1998, TRA studio with Robert Traboscia.
Caterina’s diversified professional experience brings a global perspective, which together with the Italian tradition of expansive creative thinking, allows her to look beyond specialized aspects of design, Her knowledge of history assist her when working on projects that present complex preservation issues, she loves finding opportunities within the zoning regulations and has a passion for the front end of architecture and for defining the supporting vision of projects.
Caterina routinely lectures on TRA’s design approach and serves as guest critic at NYIT. She served, from 2012 thru 2021, as Co-Chair of the AIA NY Historic Building Committee, Committee that received a Citation for outstanding work. She also worked with the AIA NY Exhibition Committee and is currently active with the AIANY Advocacy Committee, she contributed to successful campaigns led by The Coalition for Fairness in SoHo and NoHo.
NY and NJ Licenses, NCARB and EUC accreditations
cr@trastudio.com, Linkedin, Facebook , instagram,
more about Caterina’s in zerobeyond’s interview with Johnny D. and with ArkDesign Blog: Dity Ayalon interviews Caterina Roiatti
ROBERT TRABOSCIA, Co-Founder
TRA studio architecture pllc: Managing and Creative Director, Director of Arts Services
TRA studio inc. interiors: President
Robert graduated from the Parsons School of Design, where he later also taught, with a degree in Environmental Design, a multidisciplinary program whose approach still informs his work and the studio’s philosophy. He has over 30 years experience, he began his career portfolio working at Rambush on the renovation and design of religious buildings, he then worked at Descon and Griswold Heckel Kelly Associates. He was a partner at Intell Design for four years, prior to starting a seven years association with Vignelli Design, where he was project designer and construction manager for numerous corporate identity and exhibit-like showrooms and the firm’s Headquarters. Bob was an Associate for five years at Highland Associates, an A&E firm, where he greatly contributed in the fast firm growth, from 2 to 50 employees in the span of two years.
Robert’s non-traditional, multi-faceted education allows him to find different solutions, he is a modern “Master Builder” whose interest for the “active” side of architecture, for determining how things go together and his knowledge of craft, informs both his work at the studio and his work as an Artist. His understanding of the different needs of the many parties involved in a project, negotiating skills and ability to motivate people, greatly assists the studio in collaborating with clients and contractors and, ultimately, in getting complex projects realized and creating value. Our architecture and interiors often draw inspiration from Bob’s artistic experimentations, his lifetime passion for the arts supports the studio’s work by uncovering unexpected, but effective, design points of view. Bob also oversees the Art Selection and Placement programs in all our interiors. Bob’s art work can also be seen at Robert Traboscia Instagram
In addition to his work within the architectural studio and the ARTstudio, Robert leads studioTRA, the development, owner’s representative and project management consulting branch of the firm.
Robert has always been a contributor to the Downtown Community, he coordinated the effort to prepare the Soho Master Plan effort led by Columbia University, served on the Soho Community Board 2 and contributed to successful campaigns, led by The Coalition for Fairness in SoHo and NoHo.
more about Robert’s in zerobeyond’s interview with Johnny D.
https://zerobeyond.com/zerobeyonds-top-10-interviews-2023/
rt@trastudio.com
WINSTON WOLF, RA
Senior Associate
Winston has been with TRA for the past nine years, working on projects with diversified typologies, at all scales and phases of design. He shares the TRA’s interdisciplinary approach and interest and that that all phase of design are meaningful, his responsibilities have included Design Development and Construction Documents, Coordination with MEP Consultants, and Construction Supervision, he has also been involved in contractor bidding negotiation and permit filing.
Winston oversees the architectural staff of TRA studio and the integration of BIM and AI tools in our work,ensuring that all documents are prepared at the highest standard.
Past projects Winston worked on include the NYAA, 128 East 28th Street and Nostrand Avenue. He is currently working on the complete renovation of 35 Worth Street in Manhattan and the 251-253 Fifth Avenue project, which includes the restoration of a significant landmarked building and the construction of a new 20 stories tower.
Winston received a Master in Architecture from Kansas State University.
ww@trastudio.com
Press and Media
our record
Press and Media
our record
TRA’s projects have been featured in several publications including the, New York Times, Architectural Record, the AIA Guide to New York City, 101 Cool Buildings: the best of New York City Architecture, Masterpieces: Roof Architecture + Design, the Real Deal, the New York Post, New American Luxury and Design Bureau Magazine, Yimby and City Realty.
TRA's projects have been featured in the AIA Guide to New York City, TRA was the recipient of a CA SARA Excellence Award, a Merit Award from AIA Tri-State and the Regina Kellerman Award from the GVSHP. The studio was selected as a top finalist in the Grand Army Plaza Competition, three times in the AIA NY Interiors Committee yearly competition, was nominated as one of the top NYC Design-Build Firms and ranked in the Interior Design Power Grid Top Firms in NYC. The Historic Buildings Committee, which Caterina Co-chaired from 2012 thru 2021, received a special citation from AIANY.
Clients include Property Markets Group, RAL, the New York Academy of Arts, The College of Mount Saint Vincent, the Seargeants' Benevolent Association, Highgate, Shushana, Gatsby Enterprises and Clicquot Champagne.
For updates follow us on Instagram
Power Grid | Top Firms ( LINK )
the Cobble Hill Townhouse wins a 2024 CA SARA Award
44 & 72 Mercer St
171 MacDougal
171 MacDougal
44 Mercer St
Robert Traboscia
New York Academy of Art
HIGHwalk Grand Army Plaza
22 Mercer
NYAA
6 Cortlandt Alley
171 Macdougal
LOFT 25
TriBeCa Loft
372 Broadway
our CAREERS: Working at TRA studio
Please send letters of interest, all positions, CV, and portfolio by e-mail only.
10 MB pdf files max please
info@trastudio.com
“Very passionate owners, Bob and Caterina and they really know their stuff. You can learn a lot about getting buildings built in NYC all the way to the theoretical underpinnings of modernist design. They are also very empowering to their employees if you want to seize on opportunities to grow. If you don't want to seize those opportunities, that's on you.”
“You will get a lot of experience of how to be a professional architect in the future. Great communication in the workplace and small size company makes you understand everything in general. Teamwork is really crucial for them, so you will be supportive and creative at the same time. Bob and Caterina are really passionate about their works, so it is a really good place to work. I have never done overtime work because their time management skill is exceptional. “
“Creative environment, team-oriented, great learning opportunities. Caterina is one of the best architect I've worked with. She is creative and easy going. She is very inclusive when it comes to design, encourage people to have a conversation about ideas. I really enjoyed my work here.This was my first position in New York and I gained a lot of good experience here to kickstart my career.”
“Professional Development: TRA Design Studio Architecture LLC provides opportunities for professional growth and development. As an architecture firm, they are likely to offer a stimulating and challenging work environment that can enhance your skills and expertise. Diverse Projects: Working at TRA Design Studio Architecture LLC may expose you to a wide range of projects, allowing you to work on diverse building types, scales, and architectural styles. This variety can provide valuable experience and broaden your portfolio. Collaborative Environment: Architecture often requires teamwork, and TRA Design Studio Architecture LLC fosters a collaborative environment. You may have the opportunity to work closely with experienced architects, designers, and other professionals, allowing you to learn from their expertise and contribute to meaningful projects collectively. Creative Freedom: Depending on the firm's culture and project requirements, you may have the opportunity to express your creativity and contribute innovative design ideas. This can be fulfilling for individuals who enjoy pushing the boundaries of architectural design. I wish I could have done my internship in person to learn more!”
Glassdoor
Since Superstorm Sandy the city of New York’s agencies working with architects and allied professionals has produced documents for future planning and retrofitting to make the city more prepared for future risks. One area of focus that needs a great deal of attention is our historic landmarks and districts within zones of risk. This panel will review new regulations and policies in effect and discuss a way forward for these historic buildings. This event will facilitate a conversation among various agencies and design professionals about what remains to be done to protect our city's heritage. Schedule: Welcome and introduction - Caterina Roiatti, AIA, and John Arbuckle, Assoc. AIA, Co-chairs, AIANY Historic Buildings Committee Opening remarks - Illya Azaroff, AIA, Co-chair, AIANY Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee (moderator) Panelists: Megan Jadrosich, PMP, CFM Regional Environmental Officer, FEMA Region 2 Cecilia Kushner, AICP, Deputy for Climate Resilience Strategic Planning, NYC Department of City Planning Cory Scott Herrala, Senior Technical Advisor, NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission Organized by: AIANY Historic Buildings Committee AIANY Design for Risk and Reconstruction Committee (DfRR)
Bringing together architects, artists, activists, planners, and designers whose work explores the impact of context on the built environment, the AIANY Architecture Dialogue Committee, in partnership with the AIANY Global Dialogues Committee and the Boston Society of Architects/AIA’s Placemaking Network, will host a pecha-kucha style presentation of design voices addressing domains beyond our normal reach. We will video simulcast to and from our colleagues in Boston so we can present the collection of ideas to both audiences. The pucha-kucha will kick-start a dialogue between practitioners in and beyond New York City and present an inventive way of thinking about, perceiving, and designing global and local built environments. Come and join the discussion about how historical, cultural, and civic contexts become frames of reference for our presenters. Speakers: New York: James Russell, FAIA, Adjunct Professor, Spitzer School of Architecture (Moderator) Stephen Cassell, AIA, LEED AP, Principal, Architecture Research Office Jeremy Edmiston, Principal, SYSTEMarchitects Emma Fuller, Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture, Pratt Institute Elie Gamburg, AIA, LEED AP, Director, Kohn Pederson Fox Audrey Matlock, FAIA, Principal, Audrey Matlock Architect Jeffrey Murphy, AIA, LEED AP, Partner, Murphy Burnham & Buttrick Architects Thaddeus Pawlowski, Associate Urban Designer, New York City Department of City Planning Nina Rappaport, Director of Publications, Yale School of Architecture Caterina Roiatti, AIA, Principal, TRA STUDIO architecture PLLC Joel Sanders, AIA, Principal, Joel Sanders Architect Ken Smith, FASLA, Principal, Workshop: Ken Smith Landscape Architect Sylvia Smith, FAIA, Senior Partner, FXFOWLE Adam Yarinsky, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal, Architecture Research Office Boston: David Fixler, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal, EYP Architecture and Engineering, Inc. (Moderator) Marie Law Adams, Founding Principal, Landing Studio Franziska Amacher, FAIA, Principal, Amacher and Associates Architects Ann Beha, FAIA, Principal, Ann Beha Architects Jeffry Buchard, AIA, Principal, Machado Silvetti Hector Tarrido-Picart, Student, Harvard Graduate School of Design Maryann Thompson, FAIA, Principal, Maryann Thompson Architects Frano Violich, FAIA, Principal, Kennedy & Violich Architecture/KVA matx Organized by: AIANY Architecture Dialogue Committee, AIANY Global Dialogues Committee and the Boston Society of Architects Placemaking Network