Discover New York Through Architecture
Architect-led tours, private experiences, and immersive programs exploring the buildings, neighborhoods, and ideas that shape New York City.Experience New York Through the Eyes of an Architect
Our architect-led tours reveal the buildings, public spaces, and stories that shaped one of the world’s most influential cities. From iconic landmarks and hidden architectural gems to the forces that continue to transform New York today, each experience offers a deeper understanding of the city and its evolution.
Join a public tour, arrange a private experience, or let us design a customized program for you, your group, company, or institution.
Choose Your Experience in New York
Public Tours
Small-group walking tours exploring New York’s most remarkable buildings and neighborhoods.
- weekly scheduled tours
- small groups
- architecture-focused
Private Tours
Private architecture experiences tailored to your interests, schedule, and level of expertise.
- neighborhood tours
- custom itineraries
- signature experiences
Group Programs
Curated architecture and urban programs for universities, companies, and delegations.
- academic programs
- corporate experiences
- delegation visits
Why Choose Build Tours
By Architects for Everyone
Our guides are architects, urban planners, professors and city experts who share deep knowledge in an engaging and accessible way.
Meaningful & Memorable
Our tours are immersive, interactive and engaging experiences that transform the way you see New York and deepen your connection to the city.
Fully Customizable
We work with you to offer you the experience you desire. Our tours can be fully customized to suit your interests, preferences and audience.
Featured Architecture Tours in NYC
Our small-group tours explore the architecture, art, design, and history that define New York’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Led by expert architect guides, each tour offers a deeper understanding of the city’s character and creativity. Join one of our weekly public tours or for an engaging and memorable experience of New York.
Private Architecture Tours in NYC
Experience New York on your own terms with a private tour designed around your interests and schedule. Choose from one of our curated itineraries or collaborate with us to create a fully customized experience for your family, group, company, or school. Book a private tour directly or reach out to craft a personalized experience just for you and your guests.
All Private Tours
Enjoy a personalized architecture experience in New York with a private guide and flexible scheduling.
Custom Private Tours
Let us design your unique tour and customize it based on your interests, knowledge and goals.
Signature Experiences
Bespoke, access-driven architectural and urban journeys for discerning travelers and private groups.
Immersion Programs
Designed for groups seeking a curated multi-day private experience led by a local architect.
Programs for Groups and Institutions
Build Tours organizes curated architecture and urban development programs for universities, corporate teams, conferences, and international delegations visiting New York.
Academic & Student
Architecture study visits for universities, design schools, and study-abroad programs.
Corporate & Professional
Urban and architectural experiences for corporate groups and leadership teams.
Custom Group Programs
Let us design your program and customize it based on your interests and goals.
All Group Programs
Discover our full range of architecture tours and urban programs designed for academic groups, professional delegations, and corporate visits to New York.
Trusted By
Trusted by leading universities, professionals, companies and institutions visiting and based in New York.
Testimonials
I think I can speak on behalf of the team and say that we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was really amazing to hear a different point of view and perspective about the architecture in the neighborhood. My lunchtime walks will surely have new meaning, and I will continue to learn about the landscape of New York! Absolutely fascinating. Great event, thank you again.
Meet Your Architect Guides
Build Tours was founded by architect, urban designer and professor Ivan Shumkov PhD to offer a deeper way of understanding cities through architecture, urbanism, and lived experience.
Ivan Shumkov
Ivan is the a New York based architect, urban planner, entrepreneur, professor at Columbia University, and the founder of Build Tours.
William Singer
William is an architect and urban planner, currently working as a discerning Code and Zoning Specialist for the NYC Department of Buildings.
Joseph Lengling
Joe is an architect, developing and leading tours that capitalize on the many streets and sites he has traversed during his life in New York City.
Memberships and Partners
Gift Cards
Give the gift of New York. Our gift cards never expire and can be redeemed for any of our public or private tours. Offer an unforgettable architectural experience to someone you love.
FAQ
Are the tours suitable for visitors without an architecture background?
Yes. Our tours are designed for anyone curious about the architecture and history of New York. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a professional in the field, or simply interested in the city, our guides make the experience engaging and accessible.
What is the difference between public and private tours?
Public tours follow scheduled departures and are open to small groups of participants. Private tours are reserved exclusively for your group and can be customized in terms of schedule, route, and focus.
How large are the tour groups?
Public tours are typically limited to small groups of up to 10 guests to ensure an engaging and interactive experience. Private tours can be tailored for families, friends, or professional groups of up to 60 guests.
Do you offer tours for universities, companies, or delegations?
Yes. We design architecture and urban programs for universities, corporate groups, and institutional delegations visiting New York. These experiences can be customized around specific themes, buildings, or urban topics.
Experience New York Through Architecture
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, returning with a deeper curiosity, or organizing a program for your institution, Build Tours offers architecture experiences that transform the way you see the city.
Discover iconic landmarks, hidden stories, and the forces that continue to shape New York today. Book a public tour, arrange a private experience, or contact us to design a customized program.