Jay Haverson was educated at Syracuse University School of Architecture, matriculating at the age of 16. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture as the most Outstanding Student in his class. From there, he went on to attend  Columbia University’s  School of Architecture and Urban Planning to pursue his Master of Architecture. While there, he studied with architectural luminaries James Stewart Polshek, Keneth Frampton and Robert Stern.

After Columbia, Haverson went on to collaborate with some of his colleagues and their firms. Working with Polshek’s office, Jay helped develop 500 Park Tower, an early mixed use building in Manhattan. He then went on to form a partnership with David Rockwell. Later Stern engaged Haverson/Rockwell to be the retail consultant for the 42nd Street Now project and the proposal to renovate Grand Central Terminal.

Haverson/Rockwell Architects

Jay went on to lead several architectural firms over the course of his career, beginning with his partnership with David Rockwell, Haverson/Rockwell Architects and, subsequently, Rockwell /Haverson Development. David and Jay founded the firm with work for Benihana, Studio 54 , Hi-Life and the Power Breakfast Room at the Regency Hotel. Eventually, the firm grew in size to thirty architects, designers and administrative staff.

Over the ensuing ten years, Haverson/Rockwell developed a range of prestigious projects including Planet Hollywood in London, Chicago and Washington DC, hotel interiors for the Loew’s Organization, Canyon Ranch, Jean George (Vong), Morgenthal Frederics  and Disney Development. Their work was noted in scores of articles in the National Design and New York Metro press.

The firm’s residential projects included a home for Larry and Maj Hagman, a home for Bruce Willis in Westchester and numerous new residences and renovations in Westhampton,  Southampton, Sag  Harbor and Roslyn, LI.

The firm’s development arm developed prime residential properties in Bedford, North Salem, Katonah and Greenwich, CT. Additionally, the firm pursued partnerships in restaurants and other hospitality-related projects.

Haverson Architecture 

Jay then went on to found Haverson Architecture, operating as a full -service architecture and design firm including planning, construction management and project representative services. The firm pursued larger size residential projects, both new construction and renovation, completing five to seven projects each year.

In the restaurant/hospitality arena, the firm pursued local restaurant projects including Gabriele’s and Mediterraneo  in Greenwich. They also helped Smith & Wollensky expand its national reach, developing projects for the esteemed steakhouse in Boston, Chicago, and DC.

Recently, Haverson Architecture has focused on projects in Fairfield County, Connecticut and nearby Westchester County, New York.  It was the force behind the substantial renovation of a former hotel, retail building  and office building circa 1900 on a prime corner along PT Barnum’s Main Street in Bridgeport, CT.

In Westport, CT, Haverson Architecture is in the process of developing a new restaurant that will replace the famous Paul Newman’s Backstage adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse. Other recent restaurant projects include The Lion and Delancey in Greenwich as well as some restaurant/hospitality projects in the planning phases. As New Yorkers began to pursue residences in the nearby suburbs during the COVID pandemic, Haverson Architecture is occupied with several renovation projects in Fairfield and Westchester counties.

Haverson Architecture combines a superb sense of style with designs that complement and enhance the splendor and grandeur of their settings.