John Fülöp
John Fülöp, is a registered architect in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and is also certified by the National Council of Registration Boards.
Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1941, Fülöp studied at the Yale School of Architecture, and has won several awards for his architectural designs, including the prestigious Brunner Award presented by the Architectural League of New York. Over the years he has also found time to pursue his interests as a graphic artist, photographer, multimedia artist and film maker. He has exhibited his work in Soho galleries as well as several Avant Garde Arts Festivals in New York City. In 1974 he opened his architectural office in New York City.
As head of an architectural firm with built projects throughout the East Coast as well as abroad, for the past 45 years Mr. Fülöp has designed facilities that range from residential to commercial and institutional. Schools, Community Centers, Health Clubs, Single Family Homes to Multi-unit Residential Complexes, and Experimental Theaters are among some of the projects designed by his firm.
In all the work done by his firm, Fülöp remains committed to constant research and experimentation in new and appropriate forms of architectural expression for energy conserving buildings, that use non toxic materials, while at the same time keeping an eye toward meeting budgetary restrictions. New buildings have been the bulk of the work outside the NY metropolitan area, while many of the projects in urban locations involve alterations to existing structures.
Thirty five years ago, he opened an office in Western Massachusetts where he has spent many years of "family" time. This second office, where he concentrates mainly on residential work has provided better access to building projects in the area. For Fülöp, the Berkshires have been a place to experiment and develop project ideas. In 1981 he was commissioned to design an affordable private residence in Monterey which he later developed as a prototype "starter" house. Published in the printed media over thirty years ago, it's remained popular with many people all over the world because of its economy and efficiency. Many versions of this low cost house have since been built throughout the United States and abroad.
Working as a volunteer, in 1990 he spearheaded the planning of a Community Center for South Berkshire County and in connection with that project, founded the South County Music School in 1995 which he operated successfully in Great Barrington, MA for five years, serving over 650 students. Currently, he is President of the Community Land Trust of the Southern Berkshires, where he is focusing on creating an expanded organic agricultural community, a new community supported industry initiative and developing badly needed affordable workforce housing.
Having designed several Health Club and Community Center facilities, Fülöp's interest in sports facilities is enhanced by his still active participation in competitive swimming. He has won several National Masters Swimming Championships and has coached swimming locally at the Simon's Rock College Masters program.
Mr. Fülöp, and his wife now live and work, for the most part, in West Stockbridge and Truro, MA (their two children now live in Richmond and Cambridge, MA).