2026 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars: Timothy Sudweeks, FXCollaborative

 

“Tim has distinguished himself through his leadership on some of FXCollaborative’s most prominent projects, delivering exceptional results for clients while navigating significant technical and regulatory challenges. He understands how projects get built and how to make each project as high performing as possible within its constraints. His work demonstrates a balance of design excellence, strategic thinking, sustainability, and dedication to client service.” 

What accomplishment or project so far in your career are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my work on large-scale renovations and adaptive reuse projects. I have been involved in the repositioning of 3 Times Sq. since 2019, where our team has delivered over 20 projects for Rudin Management guided by a cohesive design vision. I am also working on 95 Madison, the conversion of a landmarked office building into a luxury residential condominium, which has presented unique design and regulatory challenges. Having previously worked with the client, Sunlight Development, on ground-up projects, it has been exciting to reimagine a historic building for a new purpose.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your industry, and what path brought you to your current role?

I was always certain that I wanted to be an architect, and after graduating from Columbia University I partnered with a young architect to help establish a design-build practice from the ground up. That experience exposed me to every aspect of project delivery, from proposals and design to permitting and construction oversight. Eventually, I was ready to take on larger and more complex work, which led me to FXCollaborative. Moving into large-scale, ground-up projects expanded my skills and perspective, and I found myself drawn to the unknowns and possibilities inherent in renovation projects.

Who has been a mentor or influential figure in your career, and what is the most valuable advice they have shared with you?

One of the most influential figures in my career has been Dan Kaplan, Senior Partner at FXCollaborative. I admire the breadth of his practice and how he moves seamlessly between projects of every scale and type, from townhouses to towers to urban design initiatives. Dan has often spoken about “connecting the disconnect”—identifying gaps between ideas, people, or information and finding ways to bridge them. That mindset has become central to how I approach problem-solving, collaboration, and client service in my own work.

What trends or opportunities do you see shaping the future of your industry?

Artificial intelligence is undoubtedly the biggest topic shaping the future of architecture today. While it still feels like we’re in the early stages, its impact is already becoming apparent. Interestingly, even AI tools often arrive at the conclusion that complex design challenges still require architects. I don’t believe that AI will replace our profession, but it will transform how we work.