Dennis C. Spina, AIA, RRC, NCARB

Dennis Spina opened his professional architectural practice with Gary Bell in 1987, and together they focused their new firm on design excellence and technical expertise for Upstate New York clients. Dennis’ first link to Gary Bell occurred in 1977 when he joined Cappuccilli-Bell Architects, becoming an Associate there in 1981. Dennis emulated his mentor, Bell, in service to the profession of architecture. He served on various committees, as treasurer and president of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (CNYAIA); and on the board of the New York State Association of Architects (AIA New York).

As a lifelong resident of Syracuse graduating from Syracuse University’s School of Architecture and Nottingham High School, his roots are deep in Central New York. He has also made an investment in the Greater Syracuse community through his non-profit board work, primarily associated with child-related organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Child Care Solutions.

An early project in Dennis’ career set him on the path to becoming a highly recognized building envelope specialist. The project, a four and a half acre roof for an Upstate New York school district, was under litigation for a roofing system failure – because it was incorrectly designed to tear itself apart – and it did. As a young architect and project manager charged to fix the problem, Dennis found very little information available at that time on how to design roofs that would not fail. As roofing problems at that time were responsible for most litigations and claims against architects, Dennis developed a passion for finding appropriate solutions. In 1981 Dennis served on a CNYAIA Task Force to develop minimum national standards for roofing design – unfortunately something still lacking in the profession today. As a result of this early involvement, roofing system design became his lifelong study and a primary focus.

Gary Bell, AIA, NCARB

From the beginning of his career in the 1960’s until his retirement in 2005, Gary served on many commissions and community committees, investing both in his community and his profession. He served on the board of the Central New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and as President from 1979-1980. He took that involvement to the next level, serving on the board of the New York State Association of Architects (AIA New York), and was instrumental in refocusing that organization in service to the profession.

In 1966 he joined J. Anthony Cappuccilli, Architect and in 1977 formed Cappuccilli-Bell Architects, where he first came into contact with Dennis Spina. In 1987 Gary and Dennis formed Bell & Spina, P.C. Architects-Planners.

Gary has been an advocate and educator regarding architecture’s impact on the environment, and architecture as an art form. He has also been concerned with the general public’s perception of architects. This concern led him to initiate involvement with the New York State Fair to provide a venue to showcase architecture and architects. He subsequently was hired by the New York State Fair to develop a master plan and memorial exhibits for the fairgrounds, including a 9-11 memorial.

He received an art degree from the Rochester Institute of Technology and his Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Institute of Technology. Gary is a talented artist, creating pen and ink sketches of noteworthy architecture and points of interest, which have become the firm’s annual holiday cards.