NK Architects Awarded for Design of NYU Wagner’s 17th Street Building

For their work in revamping NYU Wagner’s new home at 105 E 17th Street, NK Architects received an Outstanding Project Award in Learning By Design Magazine’s Fall 2025 Architecture and Interior Design Awards of Excellence. 

The firm was recognized for incorporating unique learning space design and planning methodologies at Wagner, which were deemed worthy of replication by other education institutions.

Learning By Design Magazine recognizes outstanding PK-12 and post-secondary education campuses throughout the country. Submitted in the College/University—Adaptive Reuse—Entire Building category, the award-winning Wagner building project was featured in the October 2025 issue of their magazine, which reaches over 45,000 education design professionals. 

Five education, architecture, and facility design experts judged the submissions, which were graded on six criteria: Design Challenges and Innovation; Sustainability and Social Impact; Interior Architecture/Design; Next Generation Learning; Functional Design/Effective Space Planning; and Community Needs. 

“The compact layout maximizes space without feeling crowded, with social areas fostering networking crucial for Public Service students. Mid-century colors brighten the spaces, while natural light offsets low ceilings. NYU’s Wagner Graduate School gains a dedicated home that preserves its mid-century modern character while meeting contemporary academic needs,” the jury said of the design.