Spitzer Stars
John Cetra
Bachelor of Architecture (1976)
Biography :
Since the 1980s, John Cetra has led a design practice dedicated to transforming urban multifamily housing and residential architecture. Since he co-founded CetraRuddy with Nancy J. Ruddy in 1987, Cetra has worked on a rigorous, ongoing study of urban contextual fabrics and habitation patterns resulting in buildings that reinforce community and neighborhood. He sponsored the CetraRuddy Design Studio in Housing at Spitzer, a five-semester initiative that explored urban residential challenges.
Cetra was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2015 and was named a fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2017. He received the Spitzer Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. He serves on the Spitzer Dean’s Advisory Council.
“At Spitzer I became interested in the ability of architecture to influence people’s lives on many levels — most importantly through the creation of a sense of home.”
Career Highlights :
- One Madison—Architect’s Newspaper Best of Awards, Multifamily Housing
- Walker Tower—ULI Award of Excellence Finalist
- ARO, 242 West 53rd Street—CTBUH Best Tall Building Award of Excellence
- Lincoln Square Synagogue—Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Award Honoree
- Maven Mott Haven—SARA National Design Award of Merit