Andrew Ballard is a classically trained architect and highly experienced interior designer based in New York City. Mr. Ballard’s professional work experience includes architectural, land planning, interior design across the United States and the Caribbean.
He has worked on a variety of different projects including apartment renovations to country estates, beach houses and equestrian farms to new coastal communities and several private resorts. Scordio Construction has also worked with Andrew on a few projects in New York. Learn more about him and his projects in our interview below.
1. How did you begin your career as an architect?
First, by physically building & then designing beach houses in the historic, coastal community of Seaside, Florida.
2. How did you start specializing in high end residential projects?
My focus, well before any formal education was in developing private homes for families based on my childhood experiences with my own family. I find each assignment as distinctive as the owner themselves which allows for a wonderful exploration into their lives and how they would like to live.
3. What types of projects are your favorite to work on?
Any project assignment with a client committed to good design work and quality construction for generations.
4. Do you have a signature design style?
Our firm is consistently recognized for providing comprehensive design services by delivering comfortable furnishings into well proportioned and detailed architecture for our clients.
5. What is the most important thing for keeping a good relationship between contractor architect designer and client?
Establishing at the onset realistic project goals within a team environment. It’s simple and the best product will be consistently delivered to the client.
6. What are some tips you have for aspiring architects? What sorts of networking opportunities should they take advantage of?
Experience is the best foundation to a gratifying career. Always participate in every opportunity to meet others and learn about their professional experiences.
7. Do you have any mentors or anyone you look up to in the architecture community?
The late Jacqelin T. Robertson was both a professional mentor, partner and a good friend for more than twenty years.
8. Have you designed your own space differently since the beginning of COVID/ quarantine?
As with many of our clients we have helped recently, we too have modified our firm’s studio and our family’s two homes to redefine our ever-changing needs which I believe will remain in place as we refine how we live and work together.
9. How do you think that architecture in New York will change now post-COVID?
It will continue to evolve both within the overall infrastructure of our city based on needs and more specifically within our own neighborhoods. A significant conversion of both commercial and retail spaces have the opportunity to transition into large scale, vertical Live-Work models of integrated retail, residences with professional amenity spaces for homeowners and tenants alike.
Below are projects Scordio Construction and Andrew Ballard have worked together on:
Midtown Duplex Penthouse 
Midtown Duplex Penthouse 
Midtown Duplex Penthouse 
Midtown Duplex Penthouse
Rapid Fire Questions:
- What is your favorite season?
Spring.
- If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Our beloved city & our family beach house.
- In your opinion, what is the finest piece of architecture in the world?
Any place that makes you smile when you walk in. Think about it…
- What is your favorite piece of furniture in your home?
A Pair of 17th Century Ming dynasty horseshoe back chairs made of northern elm purchased in Charleston, SC from the display window of a women’s apparel shop on King’s Street.
- Do you gravitate towards a specific color while designing?
Always. Color, texture and light are a critical ensemble to compliment good design or disguise a poor decision.
- What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be patient with your career and ‘Not too many notes’ when designing. There will be time for all of one’s ideas.
- What is a book you’ve read most recently?
I’m rereading The Power Broker which is about Robert Moses and also Leadership by Goodwin about Lincoln, the Roosevelts and LBJ.
- Where is your favorite place in the city and why?
Our family’s home which was collectively designed by those in our firm and built by Scordio Construction.
Upper Eastside Apartment 
Upper Eastside Apartment
Upper Eastside Apartment
Check out Mr. Ballards website to learn more about him and view his projects! You can also check out our portfolio here!
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