Experience

DNA Architects, LLC

• Architecture and Planning
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Partner

  • Jan 2010 - Present

  An architectural firm whose partners have over 30 years of combined experience, Dean G. Mercado and Alberto Penna have a prestigious varied catalogue of project design, execution and management experience. Project locations vary throughout the United States with a focus in the Northeast Region. Our main objective is to continue to service our clients well. * Currently Licensed in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and Florida * Experience with the local building departments and code officials has proven key in project execution * Skilled in effectively coordinating Engineers, Interior Designers, Kitchen Consultants and other Specialty Consultants on small or large projects * Presently DNA Architects has strategic alliances set up with other firms. Our management and strong business relations with them give us a unique advantage and position to service our clients * DNA Architects is fully insured



Cubellis

• Architecture and Planning
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Project Manager

  • Aug 2007 - Jan 2010

  I am a registered architect and project manager at Cubellis’ Englewood Cliffs, NJ office. With over 15 years of experience in restaurant, retail, residential and healthcare projects – as well as architectural restoration for landmark listed / registered buildings from both the standpoint of design and hands-on experience. Responsibilities include project leadership with an emphasis on the production and coordination of documents from design concept through construction with a focus on quality, productivity and timely delivery. Presently I am involved with national and international projects which include a well known casino for development of hospitality and retail projects as well as restaurant roll out for several clients.



GreenbergFarrow

• United States
• Architecture and Planning
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Project Captain

  • Sep 2005 - Jun 2007

  Primary role was to produce construction documents. Develop and execute project designs based on renderings by project design teams or client request and direction. Coordinated consultant’s drawings and review shop drawings for compliances. Code review and documentation on multiple projects. Attended several project meetings and assisted PM on multiple project tasks. Diversity of project types included: Multi-family senior living Architectural elements of Ikea retail store Various tasks for multiple Home Depot retail stores from design development, working drawings to shop drawings Retail shopping centers in New York State and New York City Mixed use 14 story building with exposure to LEED requirements all facets of design, leasing plans through construction documents and shop drawings Landmark building in downtown Brooklyn façade design studies and internal renovation and retail fit-outs



Perez+Radosti

• Assistant Project Manager

  • Nov 2002 - Sep 2005

  Design, Project Management and CADD of new commercial and residential construction, additions, renovations and fit-ups. Responsibilities included Owner / Architect relations to execute owner design needs. All stages of project initiating with client interface, as-built site documentation, schematics, conceptual design, space block-out diagrams, design development through execution of construction documents. Efficient in ordinance and code research on all levels of local and state agencies. Heavy interaction with consultants for interior design, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, etc. Project Coordination of construction documents of new health care facilities.



Kurt J. Ludwig, AIA

• Assistant Project Manager

  • Jul 1996 - Nov 2002

  Project Management of residential and commercial new construction, additions and renovations. Responsibilities included Owner / Architect / Contractor relations by constructing proposals and contracts, as-built site documentation (including photo and video), and developing construction documents to be sealed by the licensed architect. Interface with clients from initial ideas, proposals and design concepts through execution of final design and documents. Heavy research interaction with Zoning, Building, Fire Code officials for Townships, Boroughs and with Middlesex County Health Department in order to accommodate the clients’ need in design. Trus Joist Structural Load Member Sizing using TJ-Beam software. Management of draftspersons team to expedite projects. Intern Architect July 1996- March 2000



MJM Studios

• CAD operator

  • Sep 1994 - Jul 1996

  Involved in all facets of project execution. Responsibilities included reading construction documents, layout and drafting (both technical and AutoCad Rel.12 & Rel.13) of shop-production drawings. In assisting project managers, my responsibilities included, but were not limited to planning scope of projects, heavy client relations and interfacing with other trades in order to set up schedules. As far as the production of materials, I oversaw a six-man cast stone crew, as well as a four-man GFRC casting crew and worked closely with mold-makers in execution of major New York City landmark restoration projects. Other responsibilities included attachment design for cast stone and GFRC panels, site inspection of installed stone units and/or ornamental material, site surveying of existing structures, building and placement of ornamental material, cast stone production and mold making.



Skinder-Strauss Associates

• Map Draftsman/Consultant

  • Jun 1993 - Sep 1993

  Involved in all facets of planning, design, and layout of final presentation of company’s 1994 Massachusetts Courts and Judges Supplement. Involvement included cooperating with a field consultant and district courts. Involved in all facets of planning, design, and layout of final presentation of company’s 1994 Massachusetts Courts and Judges Supplement. Involvement included cooperating with a field consultant and district courts.



Museum of Contemporary Hispanic Art & Thomas Lesser, Architect

• Freelance Model Maker

  • Jun 1990 - Sep 1990

  Constructed models in various materials including wood, glass, metal, plastic, etc. Worked with architects to develop model design for international competitions. Constructed models in various materials including wood, glass, metal, plastic, etc. Worked with architects to develop model design for international competitions.



Cooper Union High School Saturday Program

• Architectural Design Teacher

  • Sep 1988 - Jun 1989

  Instructed freehand drawing, conceptual design, drafting and model making to high school students. Prepared lesson plans and organized educational field trips. Instructed freehand drawing, conceptual design, drafting and model making to high school students. Prepared lesson plans and organized educational field trips.