Richard Levy’s Bio
Richard J. Levy, AIA, APA, is a renowned and award winning Architectural Photographer, as well as an in-demand and highly respected professional Architect. This unique combination allows Richard to offer an unparalleled contribution in the area of coordinating marketing efforts involving Architects, Design Experts, Developers, Contractors and a variety of representatives of other collaborating organizations.
Possessing the eye of a practicing architect, with the experience of the visual image maker, Richard’s breathtaking Architectural Photography has consistently produced stunning, yet practical Images that are used to enhance his client’s reputation and achieve project goals.
NCARB Certified, Richard has continued to practice in the offices of noted Architects. An active member of the American Institute of Architects, the Advertising Photographers of America, and The Los Angeles Conservancy, Richard's groundbreaking work has been exhibited and published throughout the United States, including the Library of Congress, and in Europe.
He began studying Art Photography under prominent Landscape and Architectural Photographers Bernard Freemesser, Morley Baer, and Julius Shulman. During that time he obtained his Bachelor of Architecture, to become a specialist in Commercial, Historical, and Corporate Fine Art Architectural Photography.
A Successful Architectural Photographer
The mark of a truly successful Architectural Photographer is one who owns a comprehensive understanding of architectural design. Richard embodies this distinction as his award winning work has become synonymous with expressing important design elements of a building and its environment, while capturing it in a way that fully communicates its significance in terms of form or function.
His Images are distinguished consistently for their exuberant, dramatic, precise, and guiding portrayal that meet the criteria, commissioned by Richard's diverse clientele; typically Architects, Owner/Developers, Contractors, Interior Designers, Lighting Designers, and building systems Manufacturers. His images are utilized for a wide variety of purposes, including illustration of Corporate Web Sites, Brochures, Magazines or Books, Competitions, Power Point presentations, Office Displays or Portfolios, as well as Archival Fine Art Prints for Corporate Art rental or purchase for wall installation.
While there are a number Architectural Photographers available for projects, very few possess the breadth and depth of experience that Richard’s 30 years of work brings to an assignment. His dual background as an Architectural Photographer and practicing Architect, immediately distinguishes him from other photographers whose lack of experience or breadth of knowledge, do not allow them to fully comprehend how a subject matter needs to be photographed in order to produce images that best serve the Client. When “lower cost” photographers deliver lower quality work, it ends up costing their Client much more than it would have by initially commissioning a quality product by a well qualified professional.
Collaborative Approach Works Best
Whether a Client is fully involved in all aspects of a project or there is minimal oversight, Richard’s keen eye, focus and collaborative approach have earned him a reputation for consistently meeting and exceeding the goals of each Client project.
This collaborative approach enables each Client to be given multiple solutions to select from for a given project, meaning that fees are customized to suit specific complexities, available budget and schedule. Where it is applicable Richard is able to contract for multiple projects with differing completion of construction times, for reduced fees than within multiple single commissions. These win-win scenarios provide an even greater value for Clients, than what has historically been the case with other less qualified Architectural Photographers.
Award Winning Published Photographer
Richard’s rich history of Architectural Photography has been published and honored by a number of publications and esteemed organizations. He received Honorable Mention, Professional Category by the Advertising Photographers of America (APA) for his work on 2201-2207 E. 1st Street in Boyle Heights, the second Jewish Bathhouse in Los Angeles c.1923. Richard is one of a small, select group of professionals listed by the National Park Service and the Getty Conservation Institute as capable of performing true Archival Photography.
Richard is also a noted lecturer on the subject of Architecture and Architectural Photography, having spoken for a number of esteemed organizations such as the SAH/SCC. He was brought in to document the restoration of a number of well known historic and cultural monuments, including the Downtown Los Angeles City Hall Seismic Rehabilitation, the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice, the Entenza Residence Case Study House, and the Glendale Railroad Station.
Richard is active in the architectural community, playing a vital role in raising awareness for architecture and architectural photography, both in North America and abroad. He serves as a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Architect Board Member of the Angeleno Heights HPOZ, Board Member of the Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles, MOCA Architectural Design Council, and remains active in the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and complete portfolio presentation to determine how your next project can be enhanced through, stunning architectural photography by Richard J. Levy.