Partners revamp architectural firm.

What do Chemical Bank, Independence Savings Bank, Apple Bank for Savings, and Home Federal Savings have in common? Besides being successful financial institutions, each has had numerous branches designed and renovated by a Long Island-based architectural firm started by John Landy in 1977.

Shortly before his death in 1995 at age 61, Landy offered two of his employees, architects Deborah Verderame and Tobias Arianna, a partnership and then re-named the firm Landy Verderame Arianna Architects. The partners have not only succeeded in continuing Landy's legacy, but have revamped the firm by building on their combined strengths.

In only year, Deborah and Tobias, who are in their mid-30's, have doubled the business, increasing the number of projects from 27 in 1994 to 56 last year. Because the firm already had a strong reputation in architecture and interior design for banks, these two young partners are maintaining their existing banking business while boldly expanding to new project, types such as high-end residential, retail showrooms and office alterations.

On the boards now is a high-end apartment in the Carlyle Hotel and an exclusive country home in Rhinebeck, NY.

As a small firm, Landy Verderame Arianna Architects is taking on larger projects and running the operation as a mid-size, one-stop shop. To achieve their goals, the partners have attracted a talented, experienced staff. This way, they can delegate much of the production work and still provide hands-on personal attention to each client.

They offer a full range of services, from feasibility studies, architecture, programming, and interior design to selecting furniture, accessories and artwork. In addition, Deborah and Tobias believe in going the extra mile by offering facilities management consultation. For example, they will assist a client with selection of computer software, coordinating maintenance contracts, equipment inspection and more.

Although a major investment, the partners have purchased several computer-aided design (CAD) systems. The software helps them boost production of working drawings and develop 3-D presentations for proposals, thereby placing this small firm on equal footing with larger architectural practices.

An Unlikely Team That Works

What's also remarkable about the partners' success is they are an unlikely team; who say they have little in common. Yet it works.

In addition to being an architect and interior designer, Deborah is also people-oriented, bold and optimistic. While design is her first love, Deborah is an avid marketer and spends about 70 percent of her time selling the firm's services. Tobias is technically-oriented and methodical. He would rather turn an architectural scheme into a reality than be a marketer.

Aesthetically, they are worlds apart. Tobias is adventurous, even avant garde, and tries to develop new ideas that haven't been done before. Deborah often opts for the conservative approach. By blending both their ideas, they create a design solution that works for each client.

Adding to their challenges is the one thing they have in common: They are both strong-willed and emotional. Yet the partnership works much better today than it did a year ago. In fact, it's thriving.

What's the secret to the success of this unlikely team? Compromise and constant communication. "Taking the time to think about our conflicts without blowing up right away keeps our potentially explosive feelings in check until we can speak calmly and logically," explains Tobias.

The partnership also works because Deborah and Tobias are dedicated to continuing the legacy of the firm's founder and their former boss, John Landy.

This unlikely team, with proven success in only one year on their own, plan on taking the Landy name to new horizons. Landy left his company and his mark to two talented architects who have made their relationship work not only for themselves, but for their friend, Mr. Landy, and their clients.

"I will always keep a photo of Mr. Landy on my desk for good luck," smiles Deborah.