We are designers, architects and planners, but more importantly connectors, facilitators and innovators to engage people with our built environment.
Our design strives to answer questions about purpose and meaning for each project: how to improve and enrich people’s life with what we build, and with what’s built around us.
We believe our knowledge and design can engage and empower our clients and users to understand and address the pressing issues we face today: energy, resource, history, equity, diversity… Together we build a better place.
Together we build a better place.
Partner
Dean Lee is a visionary architectural design leader with over twenty years of international experience spanning architecture, planning, and construction across the United States and Asia. Dean specializes in complex mixed-use and multi-family residential developments, with a prolific track record centered in the greater New York City metropolitan area and expanding across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Having conducted over 1,000 comprehensive zoning and feasibility studies over the past twenty years, Dean has developed unparalleled in-depth knowledge in New York City zoning and building codes. Many of these studies have been realized successfully as new landmarks in partnership with major developers across the tri-state area. Dean's expertise ranges from initial massing and master planning to building layouts and navigating specialized housing initiatives such as the 485x, 467m, and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing programs.
Dean earned both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Hanyang University in Seoul, Korea. He received Master of Interior Design from Pratt Institute. He is also a LEED Accredited Professional.
Partner
Jie believes good architecture provides unique experiences that people can relate to. This requires one to dive deep into the building’s context, client’s culture, business drivers and goals. A good design is an inclusive process that connects people with the physical environment in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Jie has extensive design expertise in multi-family residential, hospitality, commercial, adaptive reuse, mixed-use and master planning projects, both in the United States and internationally. A true believer and practitioner of collaboration, he has led the design of many high-profile projects from concept to project completion.
Jie earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China and Master of Architecture degree from Ohio State University as well as Master of Design Studies with focus on urbanization and Housing from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He is a licensed architect in NY and NJ and a LEED Accredited Professional. Jie served as Co-Chair of Urban Plan at ULI New York from 2023 to 2025.
Technical Director, Senior Associate
Melissa Tucker believes that beauty is within the details. With over fifteen years of experience, She has lead complex multi-family mixed-use projects throughout New York City and New Jersey. Her comprehensive expertise spans all phases of design, with a focus on technical know-how, multidisciplinary coordination and navigating complex regulatory requirements. Known for her meticulous attention to detail, accuracy, and punctuality, Melissa consistently delivers high-caliber projects on time and within scope.
Melissa’s diverse portfolio includes large-scale rental and high-end luxury condominiums in Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn. Her knowledge of NYC Zoning and Building Codes, ensures projects advance seamlessly through the approvals process. Melissa’s leadership role in building technology and QA/QC fosters a collaborative, detail-oriented studio culture.
Melissa earned her Bachelor of Architecture at New Jersey Institute of Technology. She is a licensed architect in NY and is a LEED Accredited Professional.
Project Architect, Senior Associate
Brendan is a registered architect with over ten years of experience designing multi-family projects in NYC metro area through all phases of design and construction. His ability to combine management and communication skills with extensive knowledge of code compliance, architectural design principles and technical detailing ensures successful delivery of each and every projects of different scale and complexity.
Brendan believes his expertise in design and construction in NYC metro area will inform sound decision throughout project delivery process including contract documents, regulatory submission and approval, risk mitigation in design and project execution. Most importantly, Brendan continues to deepen and broaden his professional knowledge through research, collaboration and innovation on each project he works on.
Brendan earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree at New Jersey Institute of Technology, he is a registered architect in NYS and a Certified Construction Specifier (CSS).
Senior Associate
Nemesio Mabini is a licensed architect specializing in multifamily residential and mixed-use development. His career has encompassed both exterior design and planning, guided by the underlying pursuit of functionality, form, and delight. Over time, he has developed an expertise in navigating complex zoning, assessing feasibility, and uncovering opportunities that align with both client goals and neighborhood context.
These experiences have given him a deep appreciation for how the city functions and how thoughtful design makes an impact on the community around him— how people, buildings and neighborhoods interact and help the city thrive.
Nemesio earned his Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University. He is a licensed architect in State of New York.
Senior Project Designer, Associate
Teicha has over ten years of architectural design experience, most of it is in mixed-use, multi-family residential projects. She believes in the importance of teamwork to create a successful project. Through collaboration with project team, her knowledge in technical details and construction ensures finding elegant solutions to complex problems. Teicha’s organizational skills help facilitate the integration of ideas across all disciplines.
Teicha earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree at The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York.
From due diligence to feasibility studies, we use design thinking to understand project needs from urban scale down to individual users. We provide innovative and thoughtful solutions to each unique challenge.
Our extensive expertise across a variety of building types allows us to offer full service from concept design to construction administration with fully integrated digital practice platform.
We believe interior design should be an integral part of the architecture concept. We deliver interior design with quality and attention to details.
Collaboration
Build a culture of clear communication and efficient team work among diverse disciplines and different priorities.
Focus
Understand and prioritize critical components, balance big picture with attention to execution and detail.
Purpose
Advance design solutions to make a positive impact on our neighborhood, our community and our planet.
Curiosity
Always explore and expand our horizon to broaden and deepen our multi-disciplinary design practice
Expertise
Integrate design vision with extensive relevant experience and in-depth technology know-how.
Innovation
Explore new processes, techniques and ideas to improve current design practice and create new value.