Recently celebrating its fourth anniversary, the firm of Fifth and Dune based in East Hampton is well positioned to meet the myriad needs of the construction and home design industry — from architects to home owners. Headed up by East End natives and co-founders Michael Tagliavia and Kevin Warren, who collectively bring their architectural and construction experience to the table, the firm specializes in home construction, renovations, historic preservation and, in a related arm, full-service residential property management. The firm works from Westhampton to Montauk and all points in between.
Long time residents might recognize Tagliavia from time spent working at La Parmigiana, the Southampton Italian restaurant founded by his grandfather, Celestino Gambino, in 1974. Tagliavia started out putting together pizza boxes and over the years worked front of house, pulling part time shifts while working at a nearby architect’s office.
Tagliavia received his bachelor of architecture from Philadelphia University and studied for a year at the American University of Rome.
Today, Fifth and Dune consists of 15 people working various functions in the office and another 68 out in the field. Tagliavia took the time to give us his “take five.”
Southforker: How did your experience in Rome inform you about architecture?
Michael Tagliavia: Seeing classical styles, building materials, tools, the technology of the time and how ancient cities set the precedence for what we do today was really insightful,” he says. “Back then the architect was also the contractor—it was a one man show.
SF: What is the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?
MT: I can’t name one specific project, but some of the most interesting ones are the historical preservation projects that combine multiple material and techniques into one integrated design. I enjoy the complexity and being able to trouble shoot with world-renown designers to and preserve and uphold the integrity of a structure, while bringing it to today’s standards, or improving it to fit the current owner.
SF: What kind of trends or customer preferences are you seeing?
MT: Building in the East End close to the water and being climate concerned, we see that windows, doors and hurricane-rated panels and frames to withstand potential storms are a hot topic. Aesthetically, speaking, things come and go in phases. We do some of the traditional Hamptons style cedar shake, but we also see trends of colored window frames and stained shingles.
SF: In the area you cover, what town or village is ready for its star turn?
MT: Since Covid, there is a reach further west towards Westhampton, the Quogues. With development in these areas, such as golf and private clubs, and the desire to be closer to the city, if people are coming out here more often, it will be up and coming in terms of real estate values.
SF: What do you do to unwind in the Hamptons?
MT: Fitness is a big thing and spending time with family: I have a two and a half-year old and a 10-month old. Dolphin Beach is where we like to unwind in the summer.
