When we begin work with clients who do not have clear project parameters, we start out with a Pre-Design process that ensures there is harmony between project goals, requirements and budgets. We work closely with the client and stakeholders to intake key information such as project requirements, programming needs and history of the site, prioritizing asks and discussing concepts. We feel strongly that, ultimately, project success is forged in this early alignment of expectations.

Key Deliverables: 

• Documents capturing scope requirements and objectives
• Analyses of the building or sites and constraints with respect to zoning and local building codes
• Project Narrative
• Preliminary project schedule and budget
• Establishment of preliminary construction and building systems
• Recommendations for necessary consultants and engineers

Using parameters developed in Pre-Design or employing the client’s own project parameters, the Schematic Design phase involves the preparation of broad design ideas and plans. We synthesize information gleaned from Pre-Design discussions and research in order to shape our approach to the project, representing intention through layout and spatial organization, both two- and three-dimensionally.

Key Deliverables: 

• Client design presentations
• Schematic design drawing set including plans, sections, and elevations
• The proposed floor plan and, as appropriate for the project, schematic renderings of the space
• Further developed design approach

The Design Development phase advances the design elements established during the Schematic Design phase, focusing on details of design and construction and bringing the initial concept to life. In this phase MN is responsible for the coordination of all project teams, such as mechanical or structural engineers, lighting and kitchen designers.

Key Deliverables: 

• Design Development Drawing set, including but not limited to, floor plans, ceiling plans, lighting controls, exterior elevations and an annotated site plan
• Specifications Book for furnishings
• Visual representations of forms and spaces, illustrative of project materiality
• Materials samples and key specifications
• Continued coordination with consultants and engineers

The Approvals phase documents the project so that it can be submitted to the relevant local authorities for planning consent. Depending on the project, this work can include coordination with authorities including Landmarks and Preservation, National Parks Service, building management and environmental agencies. Given the firm’s deep experience with the intricacies of the process, we are able to create significant efficiencies for clients by parallel pathing this process with the next step of developing Construction Documents.

Key Deliverables: 

• Filing strategy to efficiently obtain permits
• Approved permit drawing set
• Coordination with expeditors and other consultants

The Construction Documents phase involves the preparation of drawings and specifications that clearly and completely detail the vision for the project for all key parties, helping to avoid costly change orders and construction delays later in the process.

Key Deliverables:

• Construction Documents 
• Final Specification Book
• Continued coordination with consultants and engineers

We then secure the best possible bid for our clients and assist in the evaluation/selection process. We use a highly standardized formal bidding process to invite an agreed upon number of contractors or construction management companies to bid on the project, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. We issue the drawing set at exactly the same time and then level bids to ensure we are comparing apples to apples. We help clients understand what the bids mean and use our knowledge of all sides of the process to help them negotiate contracts with contractors and other vendors.

Key Deliverables:

• Guidance through the bidding process
• Site walkthrough, answering any Request for Information from the bidders
• Bid Leveling Sheet to help clients better understand bids
• Review of contracts between owner and general contractor or construction management company, and any other relevant vendors, including scope, payment terms and process

The next phase focuses on overseeing the many moving pieces of the construction process to ensure that work is executed according to plan. MN observes construction to ensure design intent, staying in close contact with all key parties to ensure everyone is clear on the status of the project.

Key Deliverables: 

• Page Turn with the general contractor before construction starts to ensure they have all key information
• Responsibility matrix to outline clear communication protocols during CA
• Frequent site visits
• Review of construction against design documents and specs 
• Assist client in obtaining and reviewing contractor claims for additional costs (Change Orders) and schedule extension
• Review and certify monetary amounts due to the contractor and issue certificates (Pay Requisitions) in such amounts

As the architect of record on most projects, MN is often responsible for close out, which entails inspecting projects to verify that everything has been completed, and completed correctly. We walk through every part of the site, review plans and schematics and ensure that there are no outstanding questions from the client.

Key Deliverables: 

• Punch list to record items needed to be completed by the contractor
• Coordination with expeditor and other consultants to sign off on the project with the local authority, in order to obtain a Letter of Completion
• Final walkthrough with the Client

Anastasiya Zolotukhin is an Associate, where she helps translate client aspirations into beautiful and effective design. Previously, she worked in architectural assembly and immersive installation design, with her experience at different scales providing a unique viewpoint on detail. Anastasiya has worked with a high-end furniture manufacturer in New York and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the University of Florida School of Architecture.

Anastasiya’s Ukrainian background has greatly influenced her view of architecture, showing her how both the traditional and contemporary architectural styles of Ukraine can exude warmth. The balance between extremes informs her design approach.

Andrew Economou is an Associate III, where he brings an attentive eye to details and project coordination. He works to balance the practical needs of construction with the creative vision of the project and believes that the smallest of details can fundamentally change the feeling of a space. Previously he worked in high-end residential and hospitality architecture and has significant hands-on experience in construction.

With his unique skill set, Andrew helped to design and build a school in rural Nicaragua. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is a licensed architect in New York. Andrew’s early experience with theater set design provided a foundation for his interest in building, demonstrating how materials, sound, and light come together to create an immersive experience.

Anya Gribanova is Practice Director and a partner, where she is responsible for ensuring that project teams successfully execute the design concept and intent on time and on budget, building upon years of experience at both mid- and large-scale architecture offices. She shepherds the creation and constant evolution of a firm that cares deeply about the success of all of its employees, with a nearly zero turnover rate. Anya also has deep expertise with city planning, building code and zoning regulations from international urban planning projects and development projects throughout NYC.

Anya received her Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. Previously she worked at Kohn Pederson Fox and SRA Architecture and Engineering, both in New York. She is a licensed architect in New York and Virginia. A Russian immigrant from Washington, D.C., she is passionate about making—from crafting upcycled furniture to being hands-on in the fabrication of bespoke details for MN clients.

Blanca Alonso is an Associate II, where she is focused on a successful integration of all project parts, coordinating across teams to deeply understand a project’s technical requirements. She is passionate about details, knowing that sometimes the biggest achievements are the ones that are meant to go unnoticed.

Blanca previously worked at an architecture firm designing made-to-measure high-end office projects and has a Master of Architecture from the Escuela Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura de Madrid, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid and studied at L’École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris-Malaquais and L’Institut d’Urbanisme de Paris. Originally from Spain, she is pursuing her lifelong dream of living in New York and loves architecture’s constant search to find a suited solution to every new project.

Christian Golden is an Associate I, where he designs conceptually with a technical footing. He embraces the MN mantra of letting a brick be a brick, and how that brick, while germane, can in fact raise the bar of the design as a whole. Christian previously worked at Morris Adjmi Architects on medium- to large-scale residential projects, with a focus on massing and facade development and detailing. While there, he gained experience in ground-up construction in landmark districts.

He holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from The Ohio State University and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. Originally hailing from rural Ohio, Christian has exhibited his own furniture design at ICFF and held solo gallery shows for his paintings. His experience in other creative disciplines such as painting and furniture design provides a multidisciplinary perspective.

Devona Thorne is an Executive Assistant, where she is responsible for finance, schedule planning and overall operational coordination. She has nearly a decade of experience as an Executive Assistant, focused on business operations for startups in tech, real estate, insurance, executive coaching, and health management and has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Marshall University.

She lives just outside of Cleveland, Ohio and spends her free time outside with her family and three rescued dogs. Devona regularly volunteers for the Special Olympics to help coordinate their key events as well as on-site competitions and local chapter events. She has plans to start a nonprofit that helps adults with intellectual disabilities train for specialized jobs in their local community in order to live more independent, vibrant lives.

Emma Brown is an Associate at Modellus Novus, where she brings a passion for how architecture impacts daily life. She designs from the conviction that everyone deserves to live, work, and play in thoughtfully designed spaces. She has previously worked between Dallas and Los Angeles with Todd Howard + Associates, FAR + DANG, and Johnston Marklee and specializes in residential projects and galleries.

Emma holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Bachelors of Architecture from Rice University where she was a student mentor and captain of her college cheer team. Before arriving in New York, Emma embraced living and working globally, enjoying the beach and hiking in LA, eating fajitas in Houston, spending time with her rescue dogs in Dallas, taking French lessons in Paris, and playing board games at her family’s cottage in Canada. She is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States.

Eveline Schneider is an Associate I, where she works on all phases of design and is particularly passionate about model making to bring the team’s vision to life. She previously worked in architecture offices in Paris, Zurich and New York and has served as a research assistant in São Paulo, focusing on several works by Oscar Niemeyer. She has a Master of Science in Architecture, Bachelor of Science in Architecture from ETH Zurich, studied at L’École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris La Villette, and is a licensed architect in Switzerland.

Prior to studying architecture she was a flight attendant for SWISS Airlines. In addition to a passion for analogue photography, Eveline co-authored and edited the book “Lochergut – Ein Portrait,” an oral history of Lochergut, an urban housing development in Zurich. The work received the DAM Architectural Book Award 2019, named one of the ten best architectural books of that year.

Isabel Gares Sala is an Associate III, where she seamlessly moves between project management roles and design and development. Regardless of the task, she is focused on making the pieces on hand fit together in the best possible way, whether those are people in a team, consultants in a project, or finish materials in a space. She previously worked on cultural, educational and historical renovation projects in Vienna for various studios.

She has a Bachelor of Architectural Science and Master of Architecture from Valencia Polytechnic University and a Master in Management for Architecture and Design from IE University in Spain, where she is also a registered architect. Originally from Spain, she achieved (and far surpassed) her goal of visiting 30 countries by the age of 30.

Jacky Hoang is an Associate I, where he works on all phases of the firm’s projects. Jacky previously worked as an architectural designer at Darin Johnstone in Los Angeles and at LANDA in Brooklyn. He has a Bachelor of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University.

A first-generation American born to refugees of the Vietnam War, Jacky’s approach to architecture has been most prominently shaped by wandering his homes of first San Francisco, and then Los Angeles and New York. He is also an avid vinyl record and compact disc collector, which, in his view, is the purest form of music.

James Andrachuk is an Associate Director, leading complex commercial, institutional, and residential projects for the firm, managing design teams and acting as the main point of contact for owners, consultants, and builders. A New York-registered architect with more than 13 years of experience in architecture, development, and interior design, James was previously a project manager with a Brooklyn-based commercial real estate firm, where he oversaw the development of residential and mixed-use buildings in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

James has worked as a designer at architecture firms across the U.S., Canada, and the UK. He has a Master of Architecture from Yale University and Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo. At Yale, he co-edited and authored the journal Perspecta 47: Money and book Social Infrastructure: New York. Born and raised in Toronto, he has lived in New York City for more than 10 years. Outside of work, he has a keen interest in urbanism, public space, and infrastructure.

Jeffrey Szeto is an Associate in Design, operating as a project designer across a range of projects. His culinary background has greatly influenced his work at MN, which centers around the feeling of inclusivity the firm is creating, no matter the project typology. Previously an architectural designer at architecture and landscape firm gh3* in Toronto, Ontario, Jeffrey led design on a large mid-rise residential project and worked on a critical regional transit infrastructure project for the province of Ontario.

He has a Master of Architecture from the Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Architectural Science, from Toronto Metropolitan University FKA Ryerson University. Born and raised to immigrant Chinese parents in Toronto, one of the most diverse cities in the world, Jeffrey’s insight into diverse perspectives has resulted in a constant exploration of culture—from art, music and visits to museums to galleries and live music events

Jonathan Garnett is Creative Director and a founding partner, where he oversees creative direction for a range of the firm’s architecture and design projects, as well as its external and internal initiatives. He is responsible for establishing, evolving, and tailoring the firm’s design processes, priorities and principles in coordination with business development, financial, and organizational strategies. Jonathan was fundamentally shaped by summers working with a non-profit design firm in Detroit that provided design-build services to underrepresented communities and community organizations invested in improving quality of life in that city.

A native of Oakland, California of Black and Japanese descent, he received his Bachelor of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) with Concentrations in Industrial Design and Graphic Design from University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, studied at the Technical University at Delft in the Netherlands, and received his Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture in Los Angeles. Previously he worked at Detroit Collaborative Design Center in Detroit, George Yu Architects in Los Angeles, and Open Office in New York. After spending years overseeing the construction of projects he designed, while also making furnishings and objects with his hands, Jonathan learned what kind of creative leader he wanted to be. He imbues those values in his daily work with the project teams at MN.

Kareem Obey is an Associate I, where he is focused on design for a range of projects. He has worked at Workshop AD and Lair Design in Seattle, and Birmingham & Wood Architects and Planners and AIR Studio in Vancouver, gaining experience with high-end residential and compact multi-family housing projects. Kareem has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Studio Art from the College of William and Mary, a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia, and is an AIA Henry Adams Medal recipient.

The son of military-turned-Foreign Service African American and Palestinian parents, he grew up in six countries across three continents. He is an oil painter with an interest in direct observation of domestic interiors, which enriches his understanding of color theory and informs his approach to material selections for MN.

Kate van Voorhees is an Associate Director, where she works closely with owners, consultants, and builders. She works to maximize both team health and project health and support MN’s growth. From her earliest days working with contemporary artists in Philadelphia, Kate learned to say “let’s try it”; she believes that great design requires a thoughtful and creative calibration of resources. Kate previously worked for architectural firms Allied Works and Leroy Street Studio and created the first in-house construction management department for growing fashion brand KITH.

She has taught architecture at Columbia University, Pratt Institute, and the Center for Architecture. She has a Bachelor of Arts in the History and Criticism of Art and Visual Culture from Bates College, a Master of Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP, and is a New York state-licensed architect.

Louisa Nolte is an Associate, where she brings her background in architectural history to her present designs. She has previously worked for architecture and design outlet PIN-UP Magazine, a creative agency, and assisted a New York City-based art collective, where she strengthened her skills as a designer, editor, and communicator.

She has a Master of Architecture from the Yale School of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural History and Fine Arts from the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Studies. Growing up in both Germany and the U.S., she was taught to embrace different viewpoints in a way that has deeply informed her work.

Maria Lopez de Murillas Fores is an Associate III, where she is focused on design and project management. She previously worked with Eduardo De Miguel in Spain on the preservation and adaptive reuse of the historic industrial complex Bombas Gens in Valencia and has a Master of Architecture from Escuela Tecnica Superior de Arquitectura de Valencia, Universidad Politecnica de Valencia.

Maria is fascinated by the intervention of architecture heritage in a current context, which she sees as particularly relevant in New York City. She appreciates that much of MN’s work is celebrating the history of existing buildings.

Max Goldner is Communicators Coordinator at Modellus Novus, where he strives to be a megaphone for the firm, showcasing the talent and compassion the team’s projects. Max believes good storytelling can only be achieved through empathy and humility and champions lending his voice to designers. His previous work spans architecture, curation, and academia, including The Institute for Arab and Islamic Art, The Center for Spatial Research, and placemaking consultancy Agora Partners.

Max graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies, and remained under the Dean’s Scholarship to receive his Master of Architecture and a Master of Science in Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices, where he received outstanding award for his thesis, Shooting and Crying: Constructions and Translations of (Para-)Jewish Subjecthoods. He spends his time biking, gardening, woodworking, teaching religious school and cello, and being a loyal member of the Park Slope Food Coop.

Max Warman is an Associate I, where he is particularly focused on design development. He thinks holistically about design and how seemingly small details, from fixtures to decorative objects, must be considered from the beginning to guarantee that a space “just works.” He thrives under constraint and is fascinated by the hidden possibilities of existing space. He has a wide ranging art and design background, having worked in high-end residential architecture, ephemeral architecture, and production design in partnership with studios in Brooklyn, San Francisco, Buenos Aires, and Barcelona.

He has a Bachelors in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and is a first-generation immigrant with family from Argentina. In his spare time, Max is a croissant connoisseur; he has worked as a baker and has traveled specifically to discover the world’s best croissant purveyors.

Michelle Noceto is an Associate I, where she follows projects from the beginning phase of schematic design until construction administration. She focuses on the research and selection of materials, fixtures and furniture, which she considers as critical for the refinement of a project. Prior to MN, Michelle photographed a design collection for the Virginia Tech Library of Material Culture and worked on an archeological dig in Rome, which reinforced her love for documenting and archiving.

She has a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and grew up in Rome. Michelle is also an avid collector of ceramics and illustrations and spends hours perusing auction catalogs and online archives, informing her curated decisions when sourcing furniture and objects for MN projects.

Nicole Chen is an Associate at Modellus Novus, where she works to understand client visions, translating them into architectural language. She strives to design spaces through the lens of empathy so that they can be used with dignity and grace. She has previously worked across the globe in Tokyo, Copenhagen, Vancouver and for the Downtown Business Improvement District in her hometown of Regina, Canada, and earned her Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Waterloo. 

Nicole is the child of Cantonese immigrants, a chef father and a waitress mother, and learned about her culture through the sharing and making of food. Growing up as a minority in the prairies of Canada, she is obsessive about capturing fleeting experiences through photography, and recently started creating prints to share those experiences with family and friends.

Obinna Elechi is an Associate III, working between project management and design roles of the firm’s diverse portfolio. Prior to joining MN, he was a senior project architect at Soho House, responsible for leading a team of designers for both refresh and new projects. He also worked at Gensler, where he helped to design the MoMA Expansion and the renovation of the landmarked Ford Foundation. He has a Master of Architecture from Parsons School of Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Originally from Nigeria, Obinna grew up in Holland and came to the U.S. for school, and this background as a “third culture kid” taught him to appreciate different perspectives. He enjoys drawing, comic books, and more recently, has taken up painting.

Preeti Sriratana is Managing Director and a founding partner, where he provides strategic direction and manages growth. He is committed to shaping communities and creating access, from non-profit work to MN’s efforts to create spaces for the many in all of their projects. Beyond MN, he is board chair for Apex for Youth (for which he received an Official Commendation from the City of New York); co-founder and board member of national renovation marketplace Sweeten; member of the Entrepreneur Board of Venture for America, and on the Advisory Board of Asian American Policy Review at the Harvard Kennedy School.

He is also co-founder of Central Queens Academy Charter School, the highest-performing public middle school in Queens. Preeti’s career began in Paris working for Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University. Preeti is a first-generation Asian-American immigrant from central Illinois and the proud product of the public school system.

Sarah Kasper is an Associate III, where she leads and designs projects and obsesses over details and schedules. She cares deeply about design precision, quality control, and problem solving. Previously Sarah was a project manager at Peterson Rich Office in Brooklyn, where she led both ground up and adaptive reuse projects from design through construction. She has worked on a diverse set of projects from installations and residences to cultural projects, including the New York headquarters for Galerie Perrotin,

a painting studio and residence for Nina Chanel Abney, and a print gallery at Wesleyan University. She has a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (where she spent a year studying at L’Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Versailles), a Master of Architecture from Yale University, and is a licensed architect in Illinois. Her obsession with detail began early in her career when she graded industrial diamonds, sorting for clarity, color, and carat.

Steven Harper is Operating Director and a founding partner, where he oversees the operations and finances of the firm, as well as execution of strategic priorities. He has extensive experience with a range of complex residential and commercial projects and is focused on providing clear planning and procedural oversight. Steven is also responsible for refining the firm’s professional practice to establish systems and operations to make the long process feel smooth for clients.

He is LEED and NCARB certified, licensed in NY, NJ, CT, CO, PA, and FL and is also on the advisory board of Plus Pool. Steven received his Bachelor of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude) from Virginia Polytechnic and State University (Virginia Tech) and previously worked at Kohn Pederson Fox in New York and Skidmore Owings & Merrill in Chicago. Hailing from rural North Carolina, Steven is the son of professional musicians and has always appreciated that both music and architecture are rooted in math and logic yet still able to elicit powerful emotional reactions.

Tal Mor is Controller, where he is responsible for managing the firm’s financial and administrative operations, as well as supporting strategic planning. His approach seeks to supplement the firm’s focus on design excellence with reporting and analysis that informs the decision-making process.

Before joining MN, Tal worked for and consulted with several world-class AEC firms in New York and Miami and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from CUNY, Queens College. He is a lifelong New Yorker, most enriched by the city’s cultural diversity.