Our development of the master plan for The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1970 launched four decades of work (over 300 projects!) at the venerable institution and became the foundation of our renown for creative engineering design. A portfolio of over 4600 projects to date is further testament to our leadership in the design and seamless integration of building systems.
“The nature of our projects requires a specialized way of thinking – one that keeps us striving for original and inventive ways to meet challenging design issues. These can range from supporting a minimalist architectural vision to pursuing new techniques that will achieve an aggressive energy footprint. Altieri’s approach, versatility, and mastery are why our clients keep coming back to us.”
Kari A. Nystrom, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Principal
More highlights of our story
Mid-1960s
John Altieri meets Paul Rudolph, then chairman of the School of Architecture at Yale University. This opportune meeting begins a six-decade (and ongoing) relationship with the University. Over 40 projects to date include renovation of Rudolph’s Art & Architecture Building at the University.
1978
Joe Renzulli and Gary Scofield join the Altieri team. Joe and Gary are currently our longest-tenured employees… almost 46 years each!
1986-1997
The Getty Center involves construction of a new 940,000 SF museum complex as a single project. Altieri designs all MEPF systems and is on the job through to completion. An unprecedented undertaking, the project meets and advances state-of-the-art in museum technology in almost every area, including California’s rigorous Title 24 energy legislation. The Getty Center is the first existing building in the United States to achieve LEED certification – awarded 8 years after opening and based on Altieri’s designs from a period preceding the introduction and implementation of the LEED process.
1990
We begin working with the American Museum of Natural History. Our relationship with the iconic museum continues to this day with over 80 projects including the Rose Center for Earth and Space completed in 2000 and Northwest Coast Hall completed in 2022.
2000s
Our portfolio of projects with renowned architects grows to include Taniguchi (Museum of Modern Art), Frank Gehry (Philadelphia Museum of Art), Tadao Ando (The Clark Art Institute), and Rafael Moneo (Rhode Island School of Design).
Back at the office, Kari Nystrom becomes the first woman principal in Altieri’s history.
2010
Work begins on The Obama Presidential Center, designed by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners.
“For the past 15 years, Altieri has consistently been our go-to firm for MEP / FP engineering. Their work across all project types, large and small, is executed with the same far-reaching, conceptually rigorous, thoughtful yet flexible approach. We trust, respect and like them so much we joked that we should just have desks in our studio for their team. They deliver brilliantly each and every time.”
Tod Williams & Billie Tsien, Founding Partners, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners
2020s
Altieri wins coveted Most Innovative Project awards from the Architectural Engineering Institute for Corning Museum of Glass Contemporary Art + Design Wing and Amphitheater Hot Shop (2020) and Glenstone Museum (2022).
We expand! 171 Milk Street in Boston becomes Altieri’s second office, strengthening relationships with valued clients and developing new associations in a region where we’ve worked since the mid-1980s.
“Altieri can start with a project at any stage – interview through design and construction. They have the ability, in the same way we do, to speak to many different audiences whether leadership, facilities, contractors. They are able to move back and forth between design and construction with a versatility that is very helpful to us. Altieri is with you every step of the way.”
Philip B. Chen, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal and President, Annum Architects
