Experience New York Through Architecture
Discover New York through architect-led tours, private experiences, and immersive programs that reveal the architecture, neighborhoods, and ideas behind one of the world's greatest cities.New York is one of the world's most extraordinary cities: a place where architecture, culture, innovation, and urban life have shaped an ever-evolving landscape for more than four centuries. Every neighborhood, street, park, and building tells a different story. Through our immersive, architect-led experiences, you'll discover the people, ideas, and transformations behind those places, gaining a deeper understanding of the city and a richer, more enjoyable experience of New York.
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
We believe the best way to understand a city is to explore it on foot with the architects, urban planners, and experts who help shape the built environment. Our experiences inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and create a lasting connection with New York.
By Architects for Everyone
Our guides are architects, urban planners, professors and city experts who share their expertise in an engaging, accessible, and inspiring way.
Meaningful & Memorable
Go beyond sightseeing to discover the ideas, people, and places that have shaped New York, and continue to shape its future.
Fully Customizable
From private tours to multi-day programs, every experience can be tailored to your interests, schedule, and goals to exceed your expectations.
Featured Architecture Tours in NYC
Explore New York's most distinctive neighborhoods through small-group tours led by architects and city experts. Discover the architecture, history, and ideas that define each place while gaining a deeper understanding of the city from a new perspective.
Private Architecture Tours in NYC
Explore New York through a private architecture tour tailored to your interests, schedule, and pace. Choose one of our curated itineraries or collaborate with us to create a customized experience.
All Private Tours
Explore our full collection of private architecture tours across New York City.
Custom Private Tours
Customized architecture and urban experiences designed around your interests, objectives, and schedule.
Signature Experiences
Bespoke, access-driven architecture and urban experiences for discerning travelers and private groups.
Immersion Programs
Multi-day architecture and urban programs tailored to your interests and areas of focus.
Programs for Groups and Institutions
Discover New York through architect-led programs designed for groups and institutions. Choose from our specialized program formats or collaborate with us to create a customized experience tailored to your objectives.
Academic & Student
Architecture study visits and tours for universities, design schools, and study-abroad programs.
Corporate & Professional
Architecture and urban experiences for corporate teams, leadership groups, and professional organizations.
Delegations & Institutional Visits
Curated programs for public agencies, institutions, international delegations, and professional organizations.
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, companies, institutions, and professionals from New York and around the world.
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 experiencing and understanding cities through architecture, urbanism, and lived experience.
Ivan Shumkov
Ivan is a New York-based architect, urban planner, entrepreneur, professor at Columbia University, and founder of Build Tours and other organizations.
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 who develops and leads tours inspired by a lifetime of exploring New York's streets, neighborhoods, and architecture.
Memberships and Partners
Proud member of and partner with leading organizations in architecture, tourism, and luxury travel.
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, so they can experience, understand, and enjoy New York through architecture.
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.
Discover New York Through Architecture
Whether you're visiting New York for the first time, returning with a deeper curiosity, or planning an experience for your family, friends, or organization, Build Tours will help you discover the city from a new perspective. Experience New York through architecture and leave with a deeper appreciation of one of the world's greatest cities.