A native of Northern California, Elizabeth Roberts completed her graduate studies in Historic Preservation at Columbia University and began her solo practice in 1998. She established her New York City-based firm, Elizabeth Roberts Architects, in 2016 and currently oversees a practice which includes new building, restoration, and renovation projects, as well as furniture and product design. We asked the critically acclaimed architect where she dines between art fairs and what she loves most about living in New York City.
WHITEWALL: What do you look forward to in New York during the fairs?
ELIZABETH ROBERTS: One of the best things about living in New York City for me is the proximity to great art. Any day of the week is an art fair in a sense.
“Any day of the week is an art fair in a sense.”
Elizabeth Roberts
WW: What do you have your eye on at the fairs each year?
ER: For me, it’s inspiring to experience the art and the architecture of the fairs. The Armory Show takes place at the Javits Center, a Pei Cobb Freed & Partners building that has been restored and added to over recent decades and is looking better than ever. Independent 20th Century is held at the beautiful Beaux-Arts Battery Maritime Building, one of the city’s most amazing historical structures. The Arts Show, organized by ADAA, is at the Park Avenue Armory, which is another soaring and historic space that is astonishingly adaptable.
Elizabeth Roberts. Photo by William Jess Laird.
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list?
ER: There is a new design fair this year called Collectible. It opened during art week at Water Street Associates, which is a recent reincarnation of a large 1980s office building. I’m interested in the “Architects” show that will be there. It’s a unique platform for professional architects and interior designers to showcase their collections. This curated section brings together talents that have created their own furniture lines as an extension of their interior and architecture projects. I was also excited to go to the first Art Basel in Paris this fall. It was in the Grand Palais, which was recently renovated.
WW: Where are you go-to places to grab a bite or drink after the fairs?
ER: I’m looking forward to lots of eating and drinking at Andrew Tarlow’s new spot in Manhattan, Borgo. It opened this fall on 27th Street near Lexington. Typically, I like to grab dinner closer to home in Brooklyn at one of my regulars on DeKalb in Fort Greene, including Roman’s, also by Andrew Tarlow, or Saraghina Cafe or Theodora on Greene Avenue.
“I’m looking forward to lots of eating and drinking at Andrew Tarlow’s new spot in Manhattan, Borgo.”
Elizabeth Roberts
New York Insider Elizabeth Roberts’ List of Favorites:
1. The Armory Show
Installation view of The Armory Show 2023, courtesy of The Armory Show.
Kicking off New York’s fall art season, The Armory Show continues its legacy as a gateway to New York’s art scene, linking visitors to exhibitors at the fair as well as New York City galleries, museums, arts organizations, artists, and collectors. The fair’s location near the Chelsea gallery district, the scenic High Line, and the lively Tribeca neighborhood makes a visit to The Armory Show a dynamic launch into the fall art season. – The Armory Show
2. Water Street Associates
Courtesy of WSA.
Water Street Associates (WSA) is a space for art, production, working, food, play, and culture. – WSA
3. Independent 20th Century
Independent 20th Century, 2023, New York, Photography by Alexa Hoyer, Courtesy Independent.
Independent 20th Century premiered in 2022 to champion artists and international avant garde movements that took place between 1900-2000, in a historical setting (the Battery Maritime Building was built in 1908). – Independent 20th Century
4. Borgo
Borgo. Photo by Kate Previte.
Borgo is a neighborhood trattoria serving seasonal, wood-fired cooking centered around a hearth. – Borgo
5. Theodora
Courtesy of Theodora.
Theodora is the latest restaurant from chef/owner Tomer Blechman, also of the popular Mediterranean restaurant Miss Ada in Fort Greene. A progression of Miss Ada, Theodora evolves the Mediterranean flavors chef Tomer is known for to focus more deeply on seasonal produce and dry-aged fish in an open fire kitchen, alongside a thoughtful natural wine program. – Theodora
