Our philosophy.

01Three pillars

Our three pillars

1. 01

   Cooperation

   We believe that by working closely with our clients, we can design spaces that are tailored to their unique needs and desires.

2. 02

   Transparency

   We offer upfront pricing and a free estimate, so that clients can make informed decisions about their investment.

3. 03

   Expert experience

   Our connections with the best contractors, millworkers, and designers in the world enable us to deliver exceptional results.

02Process

How we work.

1. 01Briefing
2. 02Design
3. 03VR preview
4. 04Filing
5. 05Construction

Upfront pricing and a free estimate · Virtual Reality previews · updates on Monday, every step of the way

03Team

The team.

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  T-01 principal architect

  Mark Bearak

  Greetings, My name is Mark Bearak and I am a principal at dtls.architecture in New York and an adjunct Assistant Professor of Architecture at Columbia University. I have completed hundreds projects and currently have over two dozen projects under construction throughout the New York City and Hudson area.

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  I am a licensed architect primarily on residential architecture. I was born in Chicago, but have spent time in North Carolina, Georgia, France, California, and finally New York. I studied architecture as an undergraduate at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, which led me to Paris where I focused my studies on the mathematics behind Le Corbusier’s Architecture. I received a Master of Architecture Degree from Columbia University in 2008.

  Professionally I have over twenty years of experience, working on projects ranging from furniture installation to community master planning. The bulk of my working experience has been in New York working on new construction in residential architecture for the firms of Skidmore, Owing and Merrill and The Office of Design and Architecture.

  I am an avid runner; while living in Los Angeles I worked as a running coach for Nike which led me to become a marathon runner. After running dozens of marathons, I have found that running not only gives me physical health, but also mental strength and a serene outlook on life. Philosophically, I believe that having integrity of work is of paramount importance.

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  T-02 senior associate

  Alicia DuQue-French

  My name is Alicia DuQue-French and I am a Project Manager at dtls.architecture, with experience in both residential and commercial construction. I was born and raised in Northern California, with roots in Louisiana. In addition to holding an M.Arch from Columbia University, I also hold a Master of China Studies from Peking University in Beijing, where I studied Architectural History.

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  I currently act as an advisor for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York’s Civic Leadership Program, and attend events for the Emerging New York Architects Committee. In 2021, I was part of the Civic Leadership Program cohort, where I researched issues like Community Land Trusts, Zoning Reform, and Basement Apartment Legalization to present to an AIA audience. I currently live in Bushwick, where I attend Community Board 4 meetings and events and utilize my architectural knowledge to assist local nonprofits.

  Outside of work, I love to cook, write science fiction, and spend time with my husband, Jenzo, and cat, Lulo.

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  T-03 project manager

  Norbert Figueroa

  My name is Norbert Figueroa, and I am a Project Manager at dtls.architecture. I’m a licensed architect in New York and Puerto Rico, with a B.A. in Environmental Design and a M.Arch from the University of Puerto Rico.

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  I have over 15 years of experience working on several local and international projects, from small-scale interventions to elaborate urban master plans with firms like Sin.thesis, Berg Vidal Architecture, and Studio V Architecture. My approach to design attempts to integrate fluidly and organically the architectural space with its environment - not only physically but also anthropologically.

  Some of my biggest passions are photography, traveling, and learning about different cultures and history from around the world. Some of my photos and articles have been published in National Geographic, The Guardian, Vice News, CNBC, and Cosmopolitan, among others. Since 2011, my goal has been to visit all 195 U.N. Recognized Nations. So far... 139 countries and counting!

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  T-04 project manager

  Akash Chougula

  My name is Akash Chougula, and I work as a project manager at dtls.architecture.

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  I was born and raised in Belagavi; a city located in the southwestern part of India. Even before I decided to pursue a career in architecture, I experienced it by my grandfather, who was also an architect and my inspiration, accompanying on his site visits and spending time in his office after school. This exposure instilled in me a sensitivity towards the places I visited and the stories of the people who lived there. These habits motivated me to pursue a bachelor’s degree in architecture and to obtain my license in India. As my passion for architecture grew, I moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in architecture at NC State University. During my time in design school, I was particularly drawn to the city of New York and its approach to restoring nature, place-making, and human-centered design.

  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, watching documentaries, and taking care of my plants and aquarium.

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  T-05 project manager

  Travis Cannon

  My name is Travis Cannon and I am a Project Manager for dtls. I grew up in Texas and received my Bachelor of Science from the University of Texas at Arlington. Shortly thereafter, I moved to New York City where I earned my Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University, focusing my studies on sustainability and digital technologies.

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  I have accrued over ten years of experience as an architect, primarily in residential design, and have worked on projects ranging in scale from small apartment renovations to massive, multi-block developments. My recent projects include a mixed-use tower in Harlem, the conversion of a historic bank into a public library in Cohoes, and an urban infrastructure and flood prevention development on Coney Island.

  I currently live in Cortlandt with my wife and cat. In my free time, I dabble in carpentry, photography, and gardening.

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  T-06 architect

  Michael Casey

  My name is Michael Casey, and I am an architect and designer at dtls.architecture, based in New York City.

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  I work across residential and mixed-use projects, with a focus on clear documentation, coordination, and design that responds to the social and physical context of the city. I am particularly interested in how architecture shapes everyday experience, and how urban spaces can support equity, dignity, and collective life.

  Alongside my architectural work, I run an independent furniture and design studio, which informs a material-driven and hands-on approach to interiors and detailing. My broader interests include social justice, civic engagement, and the role of design in shaping meaningful, inclusive urban places.

  At DTLS, I bring a collaborative, detail-oriented mindset to each project, approaching architecture as both a technical discipline and a cultural practice.

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  T-07 director of marketing

  Hennessey Chism

  My name is Hennessey and I’m the Director of Marketing & Materials at DTLS.

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  I joined the DTLS team in 2022 and I handle our social media, content creation, website, newsletters, and (unrelated) materials ordering for projects!

  In my free time I enjoy binging TV, baking, and teaching kids to read.

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  T-08 bookkeeper

  Cindy Bernabeu

  My name is Cindy Bernabeu and I’m the bookkeeper at dtls.architecture.

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  I have more than twenty years of accounting experience.

  My confident combination of practical work and solid educational experience has prepared me for making contributions throughout the firm. Having worked in the accounting field, I understand the level of professionalism and communication required for long-term success in the field.

  My background and professional approach to business will provide the office with a highly productive bookkeeping service.

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  T-09 3d artist

  Rafael Guimarães

  My name is Rafael Guimarães and I work as a 3D Artist at dtls.architecture.

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  I’ve been an architecture graduate since 2018, and it was during my degree that I discovered my passion for the art of rendering. I began my career in architectural visualization in 2016, creating renderings for academic projects and collaborating with colleagues and friends. Since then, I’ve been combining my interest in architecture and technology to develop realistic and engaging images, capable of faithfully conveying the essence of each project and delighting clients.

  In my free time, I like to study rendering in depth, maintain an active routine at the gym and enjoy my free time playing video games.