MARK BEARAK
principal architect
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.
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 a dozen 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.
ALICIA DUQUE - FRENCH
Project Manager
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.
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.
ERIC YANG
Project manager
My name is Eric Yang, I’m a project manager at dtls.ARCHITECTURE.
I grew up in the north-eastern region of China and immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager. My architecture journey began when a close friend and I worked on home renovation projects in high school. During that period, I would research construction methods and architectural design to improve the quality of the projects. Eventually I enrolled in the Sustainable Design program in the Boston Architectural College and graduated in 2014. In 2015 I moved to New York, a city I frequently visited while living in Boston. The endless design inspirations the city has to offer continue to influence my thinking.
Besides architecture, I’m also interested in photography and graphic design. When I’m away from the office, I spend most of my free time drawing dragons and building robots with my two boys.
NORBERT FIGUEROA
Project Manager
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.
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!
Akash Chougula
Project Manager
My name is Akash Chougula, and I work as a project manager at DTLS Architecture.
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.
Hennessey Chism
Director of Marketing
My name is Hennessey and I’m the Director of Marketing & Materials at dtls. 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.