Get Started

About

My Story

Hello, I'm Ethan Pomerance

Founder of EPA+. My architectural journey has been shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences that inform how I approach design and client relationships.

My passion for architecture stems from my belief in its power to shape how we live, work, connect, and express our deepest values. Having lived in different countries, spoken different languages, and experienced various spiritual traditions, I’ve developed a unique ability to understand and connect with clients from all walks of life.

This breadth of experience has taught me the importance of deep listening—of truly putting myself in others’ shoes to understand their needs, values, and dreams. I’ve found that the most successful projects emerge from this kind of empathetic understanding combined with creative problem-solving.

Based in New York and serving clients throughout the Hudson Valley, East Coast, Connecticut and New Jersey, I’ve built my practice on transforming complex challenges into elegant, meaningful architectural solutions. I particularly enjoy working with clients who are emotionally invested in their projects—whether they’re creating a family home, a community space, or a business environment that reflects their mission.

What drives me is the opportunity to help you bring something new and vibrant into the world—something that will improve life for you, your family, your community, or your business. I believe in architecture’s power to manifest your highest goals and create spaces where people gather, connect, and thrive.

My Architectural Philosophy

I believe architecture should transcend mere functionality to become a poetic expression of purpose, identity, and connection. My approach is guided by several core principles:

I design with intention and awareness, considering not just how spaces function, but how they make you feel, how they connect to their surroundings, and how they express your deeper values and intentions. For me, architecture is about the true meaning of Louis Sullivan’s famous phrase “form follows function”— creating spaces with a soul, connected to the Infinite Creative Spirit, the “Function of all functions”.

“Every function is a subdivision or phase of that energy which we have called the Infinite Creative Spirit and which we may now call the Function of all functions.”   – Louis Sullivan

I believe great architecture strengthens communities. I design spaces that bring people together, foster interaction, and enrich the public realm. Architecture should connect you not just to your immediate surroundings, but to the broader community and local economy.
I’m committed to creating designs that respect and steward the natural environment, aspiring to positive ecological impact while maximizing connection to landscape, light, and natural elements. Sustainable design isn’t just a technical challenge—it can and should be beautiful and spiritually nourishing.
I see design as an alchemical process that transforms ideas into form through collaboration. When we work together, something magical happens—something neither of us could have created alone. This creative partnership often leads to solutions that exceed what either of us initially imagined.
I balance pragmatic concerns with poetic expression, creating spaces that function flawlessly while inspiring daily delight through thoughtful details, materials, and spatial relationships. I believe in the poetry of everyday life and how architecture can enhance those small, meaningful moments.

About Me

I am a Registered Architect in New York State. I hold a BA in History from Vassar College and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech School of Architecture. With over a decade of experience in the field, I’ve worked on diverse projects ranging from residential and multi-use to commercial buildings, involving both adaptive reuse and new construction.

Before founding EPA+ Design, I served as a project designer at MADE Architecture, where I led projects of varying scale and scope, including the renovation of an 18,000 sf historic landmarked building for corporate use and the ground-up build of a private residence.

My architectural practice is complemented by my involvement in community engagement, financial advocacy, and agricultural conservation through the Riverbed Investment Club, a democratically managed investment fund where I serve as secretary and treasurer. I’ve also been a guest lecturer at Hunter College’s Urban Studies Program and a guest critic at Pratt Institute School of Architecture.

Beyond my professional credentials, I’m passionate about listening deeply to understand not just your functional requirements, but your deeper motivations and values. My strength lies in translating these abstract ideas into architectural form, bringing your vision to life in ways you might not have been able to articulate yourself.

Throughout the inevitable challenges of the design and building process, I remain calm and focused, fostering collaborative relationships with you, contractors, and consultants. I take responsibility, don’t play the blame game, and remain as passionate about your project as you are.

Why Work With Me

  • I Listen Deeply I begin by truly understanding your needs, values, and vision, creating designs that resonate on a personal level. My ability to empathize and put myself in your shoes ensures that I capture the essence of what you’re trying to achieve.
  • I Balance Vision With Practicality I bring both creative thinking and pragmatic problem-solving to your project, delivering designs that are both inspired and buildable. I embrace the unexpected opportunities that emerge through our design process.
  • I Bring Diverse Experience From residential to commercial to community projects, my experience spans a wide range of building types and contexts. This breadth allows me to bring fresh perspectives to your design challenge.
  • I Value Collaboration I see architecture as a partnership. Your input and involvement are essential throughout the process, ensuring that the final result truly reflects your vision and meets your needs. Together, we’ll create something neither of us could have imagined alone.
  • I Design Sustainably Environmental responsibility and regenerative design is integral to my approach. I incorporate sustainable strategies that produce positive environmental impact while creating healthier, more comfortable spaces for you to enjoy.
  • I Bring a Strong Network Over the years, I’ve cultivated relationships with exceptional contractors, structural and mechanical engineers, lighting designers, furniture specialists, landscape architects, and other professionals who share my commitment to quality and client satisfaction.
  • I Stay Calm Through Challenges Building projects inevitably face obstacles. My calm, steadfast approach to problem-solving keeps your project moving forward even when unexpected challenges arise. I’ve been described as bringing a steadying presence to the design and construction process.