Cicognani Betesh’s portfolio includes private residences—houses, apartments, and townhouses—as well as commercial and institutional projects across the United States and internationally.
Fluent in both traditional and modern design vocabularies, the studio is guided by design principles that are responsive to site, history, and the unique ambitions of each client. Every project begins with deep research, and takes shape through sketching, model-making, and full-scale prototyping. Designs are realized in close collaboration with exceptional artisans and craftsmen, often leading to the revival of lost techniques or the invention of new ones. The process is inclusive and highly collaborative. Clients are engaged as active partners, ensuring each project is tailored, meaningful, and enduring—physically, stylistically, and emotionally.
Founded in 1985 as Cicognani Kalla Architects, the firm evolved into Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio in 2025, reflecting a continuity of values and the enduring collaboration of its longtime principals. As Cicognani Betesh, the studio continues a legacy of architectural excellence—renewed in spirit, refined in vision, and grounded in decades of experience.
Born in Bologna, Italy, Pietro was interested in the built form from a very early age, particularly Etruscan Urbanism and its relationship with the environment. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of Visual Arts and Master of Architecture from Columbia University. After graduation, Pietro worked for Mitchell/Giurgola Architects in New York on several large scale projects, including the new Parliament House in Australia, eventually relocating to Canberra, Australia. Since returning to New York in 1985 to found Cicognani Kalla Architects, Pietro has built an immensely successful career creating timeless spaces for an illustrious clientele, mentoring a generation of young architects and having fun all the while, with more still to come.
Albert’s architectural journey began after earning a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University. Curious about architecture, he secured an internship with the renowned architect Frederic Schwartz who was working on a plan to rebuild the World Trade Center at the time. It was there that Albert found his calling. In 2005, Albert joined Cicognani Kalla Architects where he spent three formative years before enrolling at the New Jersey Institute of Technology to complete his Masters in Architecture. After graduating and gaining experience at other offices, Albert rejoined Pietro, who soon invited him back as a partner. Now, as a principal of Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio, Albert looks forward to carrying the firm’s legacy into the future and to greater heights.
Pietro Cicognani
Albert J. Betesh
Libe Camarena
Gregory Grove
Yoko Higuchi
Michael Kelly
Oneda Nikolli
Abigail Sandler
Eddie Sorscher
Cicognani Betesh is an architecture and design studio led by Pietro Cicognani and Albert Betesh, whose creative partnership of over two decades forms the foundation of the firm today. The studio is rooted in a commitment to thoughtful, enduring design, bringing clarity, craftsmanship, and timeless character to every project.
Cicognani Betesh’s portfolio includes private residences—houses, apartments, and townhouses—as well as commercial and institutional projects across the United States and internationally.
Fluent in both traditional and modern design vocabularies, the studio is guided by design principles that are responsive to site, history, and the unique ambitions of each client. Every project begins with deep research, and takes shape through sketching, model-making, and full-scale prototyping. Designs are realized in close collaboration with exceptional artisans and craftsmen, often leading to the revival of lost techniques or the invention of new ones. The process is inclusive and highly collaborative. Clients are engaged as active partners, ensuring each project is tailored, meaningful, and enduring—physically, stylistically, and emotionally.
Founded in 1985 as Cicognani Kalla Architects, the firm evolved into Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio in 2025, reflecting a continuity of values and the enduring collaboration of its longtime principals. As Cicognani Betesh, the studio continues a legacy of architectural excellence—renewed in spirit, refined in vision, and grounded in decades of experience.
Albert’s architectural journey began after earning a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University. Curious about architecture, he secured an internship with the renowned architect Frederic Schwartz who was working on a plan to rebuild the World Trade Center at the time. It was there that Albert found his calling. In 2005, Albert joined Cicognani Kalla Architects where he spent three formative years before enrolling at the New Jersey Institute of Technology to complete his Masters in Architecture. After graduating and gaining experience at other offices, Albert rejoined Pietro, who soon invited him back as a partner. Now, as a principal of Cicognani Betesh Architecture Studio, Albert looks forward to carrying the firm’s legacy into the future and to greater heights.
Pietro Cicognani
Libe Camarena
Yoko Higuchi
Oneda Nikolli
Eddie Sorscher
Albert J. Betesh
Gregory Grove
Michael Kelly
Abigail Sandler
