Architecture NewsPodcasts

DESIGN:ED Podcast: Alexei Tajzler & Christie Johnson

Flatiron Restoration — Photos © Christie Johnson
The Flatiron Building restoration.

Alexei Tajzler and Christie Johnson of HLZAE join Architectural Record's DESIGN:ED podcast to discuss the renovation of Manhattan's iconic Flatiron Building, the impact of historic preservation on modern architecture, and lessons learned through the firm's work on thousands of restoration projects across New York City.

“The renovation of the Flatiron Building has been time-consuming and very challenging. I think we've replaced about 3,300 [terra-cotta] stones on the facade—in my estimation, that’s probably less than 10 percent. Sixty to 75 percent of the building still has the original terra-cotta from 1902. We can't be there forever, and we can't replace every stone—the scaffolding would never come down. And so, we have to make judgment calls and decide what can we replace now.”

- Alexei Tajzler

Hosted by Austin, Texas–based architect Aaron Prinz, Architectural Record’s DESIGN:ED podcast has featured the most renowned architects of our time—such as Art Gensler, Kengo Kuma, and Glenn Murcutt, as well as rising professionals in the next generation, such as Pascale Sablan, Michael Murphy, and Jenny Wu, all available in our library.

KEYWORDS: historic preservation New York City

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU

Explore modern façade and glazing systems that enhance daylighting, fire safety, and thermal performance while expanding architectural design possibilities.

Credits: 1 AIA LU/HSW; 1 AIBD P-CE; 0.1 ICC CEU; 1 PDH

Explore façade retrofit strategies and award-winning design concepts that can transform aging office buildings into healthier, higher-performing workplaces for today’s hybrid workforce.