James Lothrop Sr. had an enduring passion for design that shaped his career. After several years working in firms in Chicago and New York, he founded his own practice in 1967 on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, NY. The firm of James D. Lothrop Architect was built on the principle that clients should feel confident in the personal involvement of the firm’s Principal(s) from project conception to completion.
The firm’s first employee was Frank Raimondi, who later became a partner, followed by Fred Huffshmidt and Art Clements. In October 1976, Clements, Kyun Kim, and David Heuer joined the partnership, leading to the rebranding as Lothrop Associates. Notably, the founder’s 18-year-old son, James D. Lothrop, Jr. worked part-time during the summer before pursuing architecture at the University of Illinois, eventually joining the firm and serving as Partner for decades.
Initially focused on education projects in metropolitan New York, Lothrop Associates Architects diversified its projects by the 1970s. A landmark moment came with the design of a 500-bed teaching hospital for Westchester Medical Center, formerly Grasslands Hospital, which established the firm’s presence in the healthcare sector. This was followed by additional projects for the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, American Health Foundation, New York Hospital, Hudson Valley Hospital Center, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, to name a few.
In 2013, Lothrop Associates Architects expanded into the pool design business and cultivated a new aquatics division, Aquatectonic. Managed by William Simmons, it now dominates the New York City pool market, holding an estimated 80% of the market, according to local contractors and health departments.
In 2017, Lothrop Associates Architects celebrated its 50th anniversary. Former Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino recognized the firm’s contributions to regional growth with a proclamation honoring its half-century of excellence in architecture.
“Our long-term success is rooted in the diversity of our projects, the strong relationships we cultivate, and our steadfast commitment to quality. We take pride in our achievements and are excited about what the next generation will bring.”
— Arthur J. Seckler, III, Principal
Our firm has built a remarkable legacy over the past five decades, partnering with major corporations like Verizon, Morgan Stanley, IBM, and PepsiCo. We have also collaborated on several notable recent projects such as Rye Playland, New Milford Public Library, Orangetown Town Hall, Cropsey Barn, and Westchester Community College, to name a few. We take great pride in our award-winning designs, including the Flanzer Pavilion at White Plains Hospital, the modernization of Westchester County Airport, the Mount Pleasant Town Pool and Recreation, and the Westchester County Courthouse. Each project reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in architecture.
As of 2024, the firm has five Principals, including William Simmons, Arthur J. Seckler, III, John Cutsumpas, Robert Gabalski, and Jennifer Fernandez. As we continue to grow, Lothrop Associates Architects remains committed to fostering a diverse team and collaborates with both private and public clients across nine sectors. With over 30 design awards to its name, the firm is dedicated to quality service, sustainability, and innovative design. Looking ahead to the next 50 years, we are confident that Lothrop Associates Architects will remain a vital contributor to the region’s economic development.