Our work, at its core, is about being receptive. We pursue authentic, open relationships with our clients in a way that prioritizes the client experience. After all, our most meaningful work stems from a deep understanding of each client coupled with a keen sensitivity to the unique qualities of a site's environment, local context, and traditions.

Our buildings are not a “product” that is readily reproduced, but rather the result of a collaborative and iterative design process that ultimately yields thoughtful, well-crafted architecture. We believe that good design represents a long-term investment in the quality of a place—one that provides lasting value not only to our clients, but also to the communities in which we work.

Much of our work is rooted in the coastal environments of New Jersey, where architecture exists at the intersection of landscape, climate, regulation, and community. From waterfront homes and family compounds to marinas, hospitality projects, and mixed-use developments, we are experienced in navigating the complex realities of building in these environments. Floodplain regulations, environmental permitting, waterfront development standards, and public approval processes are often integral to our work. Rather than viewing these constraints as limitations, we embrace them as part of the design process itself, allowing each project to emerge from a deeper understanding of its place and circumstances.

Our practice spans both residential, hospitality, recreational, and commercial architecture. While the scale and complexity of these commissions may differ, our approach remains consistent: a careful balance of design ambition, technical rigor, and practical problem solving. We believe successful projects are born from equal parts creativity, discipline, and stewardship.

Our process is both fun and simultaneously serious. Each project is approached anew as we seek to create buildings that feel familiar, yet unexpected. We are also pragmatists who love to build and, frankly, get things done. Many of our clients come to us not only for design expertise, but for guidance through the often complex process of transforming ambitious ideas into built reality. In that pursuit, we work closely with the craftsmen, consultants, contractors, municipalities, and agencies that play a role in bringing projects to fruition. Nurturing these relationships is as important to our work as fostering trust with our clients.

We keep our studio small and intentionally focused, taking on only those projects we are genuinely excited about. This affords us the ability to give each project and client an intimate level of attention—one that is commensurate with the quality of work we are constantly striving to achieve.

Brian Parnagian, AIA | Principal

Brian brings a diverse range of both local and international experience to his practice. He is well-versed in the world of high-end residential and has also led teams on a variety of high-profile, large scale commercial and institutional developments in New York City, Boston, and abroad. Prior to working in Manhattan with Morris Adjmi, Brian lived in New Zealand while working with Tennent Brown Architects. There he worked on a number of significant institutional projects, some of which garnered the nation’s highest architectural honors.

Much of his early career was spent between New Jersey and Philadelphia. During that time he oversaw the design and construction of a variety of bespoke private residential projects located predominantly in Long Beach Island, New Jersey -- a place where he spent many summers throughout his youth. It was during those summers that he began to develop a familiarity and passion for the tradition of modern architecture that had been established on the island. 

Brian is a graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology and has been the recipient of numerous design awards, both regionally and internationally. His work has also been published in some of the industry's leading architecture and design publications. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects and a registered architect in the state of New Jersey. He is also actively engaged in his local community where he serves as a member of the Red Bank Borough Planning Board, as well as a Red Bank Middle School club liaison for [Diversify Architecture], a non-profit organization helping underrepresented groups become architects. When he’s not spending time with his wife Karla and two children there’s a good chance he’s out surfing! 

Justin joined Parnagian Architects in 2025 as an intern while concurrently pursuing a Bachelor of Architecture at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. When not in the office with us, he can usually be found on campus in studio, or with the Flylanders — a student organization that designs and manufactures planes for the international SAE Aero Design competition. Over the years he has grown within the team from member, to design lead, to project manager. He enjoys working collaboratively to bring ideas to life and is drawn to architecture as a natural blend of engineering and art.
 
Outside the studio, Justin enjoys snowboarding and spending time outdoors.