thirds studio is a design partnership specializing in architectural and lighting design services. 

thirds creates spaces and objects that manifest the spirit of place through the careful selection of textures, colors, and forms. We seek to make no place alike, combating the blandscape with considered, sensitive design.

Our interior habitats should reflect our natural surroundings by enhancing our sense of being-in-time through the interaction of light and material.Too often, we are subjected to an architecture wherein light is applied as a reaction to spatial and programmatic constraints, rather than being considered - rightly - as the foremost medium through which we experience the world. We seek to restore the dynamic and symbiotic relationship between light, time, and space within the built environment.

thirds believes that design is an act of stewardship. Good design should enhance our lives, promote physical and mental well-being, and support environmental justice. thirds considers these principles fundamental to all of our projects.

We are a relationship-driven studio composed of three partners with over 25 years of combined experience in lighting and architectural design. Mingyu Dong, Brandon Pietras, and Ben Schuetz all graduated from Parsons The New School for Design’s dual-degree M.Arch and MFA Lighting Design program.

thirds studio

Org chart

Teams

Offices