News | Information and Updates on our Staff, Clients, and Projects

Rabobank Times Square by SIGMA7: Where Dutch heritage meets sustainable modern design

07/01/2025

Rabobank's New NYC Headquarters designed by SIGMA7, reflects the bank's mission statement, commitment to collaboration, engagement, and transparency, while also incorporating sustainable and environmentally conscious features.

Rabobank, an international cooperative bank with Dutch origins dating back more than 125 years, teamed with SIGMA7 for the design and delivery of their New York City Headquarters. The modern workspace, located within the nations first 'green skyscraper' echoing the bank’s policies for sustainability and environmental consciousness.

Rabobank's new Times Square office blends sustainability, history, and modern design and technology to create an efficient workplace. The entry gallery features natural wood planking and custom designed rugs featuring the colors of the Dutch flag and Rabobank's corporate colors, bilingual subway signs are presented in Dutch and English, reflect the strong historical link between the Dutch New Amsterdam and NYC. The reception area incorporates a historical timeline and a green biophilic wall. The open-plan workspace utilizes new, recycled, and reused furnishing and sit/stand desk under smart energy efficient LED lighting, supplementing the abundant natural light. Collaborative zones and spaces include informal seating, acoustic pods, and tech-enabled team and conference rooms. Each featuring a super graphics reflective of Rabobank's core sectors. A 22-seat boardroom supports global meetings, while the rotunda, a flexible space for events, is supported by a well appointed pantry reinforces sustainability and environmental consciousness with reusable flat and glassware - no disposables permitted.

The design of Rabobank’s new headquarters executed by SIGMA7 successfully in realizes a workplace embodying Rabobank's commitment to it's history, sustainability, collaboration, and transparency. This modern workspace designed for teamwork and innovation was achieved without incurring additional costs while ensuring a comfortable and efficient environment conducive to employee productivity and satisfaction. View the completed office here.

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Founded in 2003, SIGMA7 develops, designs, and delivers highly reliable and hardened mission critical solutions and modern workspaces for collaboration and innovation. We provide our clients with unparalleled service in the delivery of integrated architectural and engineering design services, while meeting or exceeding the objectives of quality, availability, and reliability, cost control, and effective project and schedule management.

Our clients are industry leaders and Fortune listed organizations in the Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Logistics, and Technology sectors as well as Local, State and Federal Government entities.

See why SIGMA7's approach sets new standards and how we can assist in meeting your goals.

Learn more at www.sigma7.com

Miroslaw (Michael) Steckiewicz passes PE exam and is promoted to Associate by SIGMA7

04/01/2024

SIGMA7 promotes Miroslaw (Michael) Steckiewicz, P.E., to Associate upon passing PE Exam

New York, New York (April 19, 2024) - SIGMA7’s management team is proud to announce that Michael Steckiewicz, P.E., Senior Electrical Engineer, has passed The Principles and Practice of Engineering (P.E.) Exam and has been Promoted to Associate.

Obtaining one’s P.E. license is a significant career milestone. P.E. Certification and Licensure is an acknowledgment of professional dedication, ethics, experience, knowledge, and an assurance of quality. Please join us in congratulating Michael on this achievement!

“Michael, a Senior Electrical Engineer and SIGMA7 team member since 2006, is a significant contributor to the success of our mission critical projects,” notes Alex Kaploun, P.E., SIGMA7 Principal | Director of Engineering. “Mike’s approach and dedication to the development, design, and delivery of our projects is unmatched. He enjoys advancing our project designs, preparing and coordinating the documentation and 3D models of our project’s critical infrastructure. His work is an essential part of our project and QA/QC process, confirming that our solutions are well coordinated, constructable, and that work in the field will proceed smoothly as planned.”

Mike is equally comfortable on a construction site, rolling up his sleeves while reviewing the progress and working with the trades, as well as assisting in the start-up and commissioning of the complex redundant and highly reliable systems with the commissioning team, equipment manufacturers, and vendors.

Congrats Mike, we are proud to have you as part of the SIGMA7 team and look forward to your continued contributions to the firm, the electrical engineering industry, as well as many more personal and professional successes!

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Founded in 2003, SIGMA7 develops, designs, and delivers highly reliable and hardened mission critical solutions. We provide our clients with unparalleled service in the delivery of integrated architectural and engineering design services, while meeting or exceeding the objectives of quality, availability, and reliability, cost control, and effective project and schedule management. Our clients are industry leaders and Fortune listed organizations in the Banking, Financial Services, Insurance, Logistics, and Technology sectors as well as Local, State and Federal Government entities.

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 Celebrates with FedEx at Memphis Hub Generator and Substation Topping off Ceremony

01/08/2024

The topping out ceremony, which has a rich, long, and mysterious history is always a cause for celebration.

SIGMA7 was proud to participate in the FedEx Memphis Hub Generator and Substation Project topping out along with Federal Express and members of core project team, Christman Co., Flintco, and Allen + Hoshall.

Image 1 - SIGMA7 rendering of the FedEx Memphis Hub Generator and Substation

Image 2 - Robert Rouleau, RA, ATD (in blue jacket) was honored with signing the beam on behalf of our Architectural and Engineering team

The topping out ceremony is an important rite of the construction team’s efforts as well as recognition of the installation of the last and typically tallest beam being placed atop a structure during construction. The rich history, cultural significance and related rituals can be traced back to the Viking Age and possibly beyond –

Image 3 + 4 Topping off beam following signing ceremony and in flight to it's final resting place

Image 5 + 6 Iron workers and steel erection crew at the ready carefully moving the beam into place. Lastly, the iron workers securing the beam to the structure

The following a bit of history, tradition, and lore:

In Scandinavia during the Viking Age, a tree was placed at the highest point of the structure to appease the spirits displaced during the construction process to bring good luck and prosperity to the building and it’s occupants.
Others believe the tradition started in Egypt with the completion of the first pyramid. The tree placed at the pinnacle was to honor those that died during the construction, as the tree was seen as a symbol of everlasting life.
The United States traces the tradition to the Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree. Affixing a tree to the top of the structure was seen as a work-around, as well as a means to appease the forest spirits.
In modern times, the final steel beam, frequently painted white, is signed by the owner, design and construction team, along with other honories and dignitaries. The beam is adorned with an Evergreen tree, and American flag, and other banners. The beam is finally hoisted with great ceremony, A celebratory meal typically follows, shared by all to commemorate the event and accomplishment.
The tradition is also shared for masonry construction; however, it is typically celebrated when the last block or brick is bedded.

No matter what your belief, the topping off symbolizes the positive and good things to come, it bestows good luck for the future inhabitants, symbolically acknowledges the role of the nature, and the importance of the natural environment and the impact of man-made structures. No one will dispute that it is recognition for the hard work to date and a job well done for all contributors no matter how small or significant.

The ceremony also serves as a formal announcement and introduction the building to the public, while recognizing Ownership along with the Construction and Project Team’s collective pride in their progress and accomplishments to date.

ABOUT US

SIGMA7 would like to celebrate along with you and your organization.

We are a full service integrated architectural and engineering firm that provides professional services to clients in the public and private sectors. Our clients include Fortune 500 ranked organizations in the technology, insurance, banking, and financial markets.

Still curious or want to learn more about SIGMA7, our integrated A/E approach, or see how we can assist you and your team?

Please visit SIGMA7.com, email us at contact@sigma7.com, or call our office at 212 779.7100 we are here to listen, answer your questions, and would like to learn more about you and your organization as well.

SIGMA7 Principal, Alex Kaploun reappointed Chair - NYC Electrical Code Committee

08/01/2022

SIGMA7 recognizes founding Principal, Alex Kaploun, P.E., LEED AP, ATD, for his leadership as Chair of NYC Electrical Code revision committee for fire pumps and special conditions. Alex has chosen to continue his role as Chair, leading this select group of Engineers charged with the awesome responsibility of revising and updating the New York City Electric Code.

This Committee was originally assembled to bringing NYC Electrical Code into alignment with 2014 National Electrical Code. The Committee accomplished their goals and objectives by adopting the 2014 National Electrical Code with New York City amendments. The process commenced in 2018, successfully completed in 2021.

NYC DOB's current objective is to build upon the work of the technical and managing committees, now updating the NYC Electrical Code to reflect the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code with New York City amendments. It is anticipated that this process will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Alex, a Principal at SIGMA7, is responsible for the management of our Engineering Operations. He brings his enthusiasm, knowledge and experience spanning over 25 years in design, project management, client communications, to our client's and their projects. He oversees SIGMA7's mission critical projects where his extensive knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering contributes to differentiate our office from others. The expertise, experience, and value that Alex brings to our team is second to none and apparent in each of our successfully completed projects.

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

PRESS RELEASE - Marc Figelman promoted to Principal

01/04/2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Robert Rouleau, AIA, ATD, Managing Principal

SIGMA7 design group

Phone: 212.779.7100

Email: rrouleau@sigma7.com

Website: www.sigma7.com

SIGMA7 design group Promotes Marc Figelman to Principal

New York, New York SIGMA7 design group’s management team is proud to announce the promotion of Marc Figelman to Principal. Marc will continue to lead the Project Management process of our fully integrated architectural and engineering practice which is focused on the development, design, and delivery of complex redundant mission critical solutions for our clients.

“Marc has been instrumental in growing our practice, especially within Central Connecticut. He is key member of our most complex mission critical project team,” said Robert Rouleau, AIA, ATD, Managing Principal of SIGMA7. “He is quick to step up and rise to any challenge. Recently Marc developed and deployed comprehensive COVID-19 processes, protocols, and solutions for our clients as well as our office to ensure ongoing and uninterrupted operation, safety, heath, and welfare during the pandemic. We are fortunate to have him as a strategic member of our team.”

Mr. Figelman joined SIGMA7 in 2007 as Director-Project Management and has successfully completed well over 100 projects while leading our A/E teams and a primary contact with our clients. Marc is a Registered Architect (RA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certificate Holder (NCARB), and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Building Design + Construction Credentialed (LEED AP BD+C). Marc has been a featured presenter at 7X24 Exchange International Conference.

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 Principal announced as the Chairman for NYC Electrical Code Committee

10/16/2019

We are very proud of our Founding Principal, Alex Kaploun, for his leadership as the Chairman of NYC Electrical Code revision committee for fire pumps and special conditions. Here at SIGMA7, Alex is our Principal-in-Charge of the Electrical Design Department. With experience spanning over 25 years in design, project management, client communications, and much more, we are excited that one of our own is a leading member of the select group that helps revise the New York City electric code.

Alex oversees SIGMA7's mission critical projects where his specific knowledge of electrical and mechanical engineering differentiates ourselves from other firms. The expertise and experience Alex brings to the table is second to none and is illuminated through the work he does.

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 design group’s Crystal Anniversary

02/01/2018

SIGMA7 was founded in 2003 with the goal and mission of providing integrated architectural and engineering services while delivering performance excellence for the mission critical community.

We are very proud of our talented staff and impressive list of clients that have assisted us in achieving our 15^th anniversary. Our architectural and engineering staff is comprised of subject matter experts in their respective fields, many with more than 30 years of experience providing technical solutions for complex projects.

Our clients, are a who’s who of Fortune 500 industry leaders in the mission critical sector including: technology, financial institutions, insurance, and broadcast in the private and public sector. To date SIGMA7 has designed more than $2.5 billion of projects for our clients.

We look forward to many more years of collaboration and success!

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 Relocates to Midtown Manhattan

01/01/2018

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 Completes Office Design and Commences Construction

11/01/2017

The office, designed by the SIGMA7 architectural and engineering team, is an open loft concept featuring the great bones of the historic Mercantile Building structure. The open layout facilitates ongoing teaming and collaboration between our architects and engineers in keeping with our core values.

Future entry lobby with view to East 40 Street

Future studio looking northeast

The relocation enabled us to implement numerous improvements including a highly efficient mechanical system that utilizes free cooling. The office is exclusively illuminated by LED fixtures all of which are controlled by a web-enabled lighting system that utilizes wireless switching and dimming in addition to daylight and occupancy sensing. These energy efficient improvements aid in reducing our carbon footprint.

Design studio taking shape

Ready for move in

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .

SIGMA7 completes new office search

10/01/2017

Our extensive office search process culminated with the selection of in the ‘Mercantile Building’ at 10 East 40^th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues.

This historic early skyscraper, constructed in 1929 was designed by Ludlow & Peabody and was the fourth-tallest tower in the world and was the last structure to be removed from the original Thomas Edison direct current (DC) electrical grid.

The new office space will be located on the 17^th floor with views to Bryant Park and the New York City Public Library.

“The central location of the office is perfect for our team,” notes Bob Rouleau, Principal. “The location conveniently located between Grand Central and Penn Station and near Bryant Park provides easy access for our clients and staff.”

For more information on this historic structure, click here.

10 East 40 Lobby restored to its original grandeur in 2002

ABOUT US

SIGMA7

Learn more at www.sigma7.com .