Born in Israel and raised in multiple African countries, he first gained architectural expertise in developing and manufacturing curtain walls. Mr. Elbaz moved to NYC in 1986 and graduated in 1995 from Cooper Union School of Architecture. Afterwards, he continued honing his skills with such masters as Peter Eisenman, Raymond Abrahams, and Joseph Paul Kleihues in Berlin.

Elbaz has served as adjunct professor at Pratt Institute and Jerusalem University, as well as a visiting critic at various universities. His work has been covered in the US and internationally in places like The New York Times, The Washington Post, Architects Newspaper, Metropolis Magazine, and more. Rafi Elbaz brings over 20 years worth of experience and mastery in architecture, manufacturing, and development with an emphasis on community and sustainable design.

He is a Current participant in the AMDP program at Harvard University for Global leadership in Advanced Real Estate Development.

Awards + Exhibitions

Winner – First Step Housing Competition
Jury Selection – Highline Competition
Finalist – National Sustainable Leadership Award

Elbaz has exhibited his work at MoMA PS1’s The Urban Center, The Center for Architecture NYC, Paris’ Centre Pompidou, and other renowned venues.

SINSSA is an industry leading light steel frame sustainable design and build company dedicated to providing cost effective high quality houses utilizing the latest steel framing technologies

FilterPure is a non-profit organization that manufactures and distributes ceramic water filtration devices in developing countries. They are committed to providing safe drinking water to at risk populations in the developing world. They use proven low-tech water purification technology that is completely sustainable and effective. We are proud to partner with them in our Build to Give Campaign.

Lifeform is an award-winning design/build firm specializing in community development and sustainability.

Since 2000, they’ve created contemporary buildings, private dwellings, humanitarian shelters, and some beautiful interiors. They’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our products are seamlessly integrated into urban and rural communities. Their multidisciplinary approach allows them to fulfill projects that are practical while maintaining balance between cultural, economic, and environmental needs.

Tulip Group is a world-class property developer and owner of condominiums, hotels, and resorts in Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand. They are rapidly growing to be the preferred choice for discerning clients who are looking for the very best in design, location, facilities, and a truly exquisite five-star lifestyle.

AAGT Aluminum + Glass Technologies (AAGT) is a leader in aluminum and glass façades for commercial and residential construction in Thailand and export markets. They design, develop, and manufacture aluminum systems while providing extensive support to the clients and their representatives from the project’s inception to its completion. ISO 9001 certified.