Reese Owens

A Connecticut native, Reese Owens was born in Hartford and raised in Litchfield County.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Virginia in 1977 and a Master of Architecture degree from Yale University in 1980.

Prior to the firm’s founding in 1987, Reese established Reese Owens Architect in NYC after designer positions with Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, Voorsanger & Mills Architects and Cesar Pelli & Associates.  Reese is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.  He has been a visiting critic at Columbia and Ohio State Universities, and Williams College.

Reese has designed an eclectic body of work.  Trained in an era of modernist education, he has embraced the challenge of developing fluency in classical styles, the natural consequence of living and practicing in a region of proud architectural heritage.

Noteworthy among Reese’s commercial projects are: The Mayflower Spa, touted by both Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure Magazine as the best destination spa in America; executive offices for Transammonia in New York and London; and the US corporate headquarters for Orrefors Crystal.  Historic Landmark projects include North Salem’s “Delancy Hall” on the National Register of Historic Places; the restoration and adaptive re-use of Sprain Brook Sawmill, a working historic sawmill on the Connecticut Register; and the restoration of Ehrick Rossiter’s “Rock Gate”, honored with a Connecticut Preservation Award.

His residential portfolio includes: Hedgerow House, featured by Architectural Record; Mountain Road Residence, a modern barn and New England AIA Design Award winner; and Pond Hollow Lodge, IDA Award winner and one of a series of rustic houses.  Each of these projects, along with several others, is the recipient of an AIA Connecticut Design Award.

Reese has served as commissioner on Washington’s Zoning Board of Appeals and Building & Property Commission.  He is currently a trustee of Steep Rock Association, Washington’s land trust founded by Ehrick Rossiter.  He is married and resides in Litchfield County with his Southern wife and their two sons.