Andrew J. Kranis is a LEED-accredited architect from New York City. He has worked on designs for retail, hospitality, cultural institutions and residences, as well as building and masonry conservation, at several New York firms and as a sole practitioner. He worked recently as in-house designer for Whole Foods Market in the Northeast United States. Prior to his career in architecture, he was a theatre director and design coordinator/Japanese-English interpreter, touring throughout North America and Europe with productions of his own theatre company and with dance troupes from Japan. A lifelong city dweller, he is committed to sustainable urban design and green architecture. In addition to the "Green Piazza," his Rome Prize project, he is involved in the development of the Vertical Farm Project.