Designed by Aymar Embury II in 1931, Guild Hall is the cultural Hub of the Hamptons on Long Island’s East End. The area has long been a magnet for artistic talent (and their patrons) stretching back more than 100 years. PPA completed the full renovation and restoration of the nearly-century old theater, galleries and education center, improving accessibility throughout, as well as all public, staff, and art-handling areas. Striking a balance between innovation and preservation, the new design brings the theater’s functionality up to contemporary performance standards while maintaining key elements of its historic design.

The proscenium theater, a nostalgic concoction that captured the whimsy of a striped circus tent, suffered from significant acoustical and visual shortcomings. Working with experienced theater designer Apeiro, the PPA’s new design improved sightlines with new seating configuration with side aisles, opening the theater to the back, and added an acoustical program to the flanking walls. The renovation preserves the charm of the circus tent ceiling while completely revamping all the technical systems.

Guild Hall’s art galleries were modified piecemeal over the past 50 years. As part of the renovation, PPA simplified the interiors, which are now more accommodating to art installations and a variety of media.

Guild Hall is the recipient of a 2024 ICAA McKim, Mead & White Award for Excellence in Institutional Design.