About OLiver Cope Architect

Oliver Cope Architect is an award-wining architectural design firm located in New York City specializing in classically American homes in a variety of historical styles.

Founded in 1988, the firm is one of the premier residential firms in the country and has earned a reputation for creating one-of-kind residences of the highest quality, crafted to meet the specific needs and desires of our individual clients and their families.

We pride ourselves in our understanding of both the art of architecture as well as the art of construction. We approach every project with a singular focus on fulfilling our client's vision rather than on a particular design ideology. The firm's unique combination of technical and artistic expertise results in projects that appear timeless, effortless and appropriate to their sites and surroundings. With a staff of more than fifteen professionals, the firm retains a size which allows for close collaboration between architect and client. 

The work of Oliver Cope Architect has been featured in Architectural Digest, House & Garden, House Beautiful, The Wall Street Journal, among others.

Oliver Cope, AIA – Principal

Oliver Cope received an A.B. from Harvard College in 1980, a Master of Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design in 1985 and was a Visiting Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati. His early career experience was at the firms of Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners in New York City and David P. Handlin Associates in Cambridge Massachusetts before establishing the firm of Oliver Cope Architect in New York City in 1988.

Oliver Cope is licensed in the states of New York, Connecticut, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and is a member of several professional and architectural organizations including The Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America and the American Institute of Architects.

Olivia Rowan, AIA – Director of Design

Olivia Rowan's love for good design started early with time spent traveling throughout Europe. She received her degree in Architecture from University College Dublin, Ireland, in 1985.  After working in London, she moved to New York City and gained experience in high-end residential work while in the employment of Robert A.M. Stern.

In 1990 she joined Oliver Cope Architect and has since designed and run many of the firm’s major projects. Her experience encompasses all variety of projects from New York City apartments to estates on Long Island and Connecticut.

 Ms. Rowan’s work with Oliver Cope Architect has appeared in many publications including Architectural Digest, Ocean Homes, Private Air Magazine and The Wall Street Journal.  She has won multiple awards for her work from the American Institute of Architects, and from Brick in Architecture.  Ms. Rowan is a registered Architect in the state of New York and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Rita Marks, AIA – Senior DESIGNER

Rita Marks began with Oliver Cope Architect in 1994. As Senior Designer and project manager on many of the firm’s townhouse and apartment renovations, Ms. Marks has a wealth of experience with New York City residential projects and understands the challenges and opportunities city residential projects offer. Recent projects include a townhouse renovation in the Landmark District of Carnegie Hill, renovations to Upper East Side townhouses on 69th and 70th street and a Gracie Square duplex renovation. In addition, she has managed teams as designer for residences in East Hampton, New York and Old Westbury, New York.

Before her tenure at Oliver Cope Architect, she contributed to high-end residential projects for Sandra Nunnerly, Eric Smith, Richard Sammons and Juan Pablo Molyneux.

Ms. Marks received her Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute in 1979, starting at Rhode Island School of Design. She is a registered Architect in the State of New York and a member of the American Institute of Architects.