WHO WE ARE
We help our clients realize their goal of building equitably and sustainably to improve the quality of life for everyone. Established in 1982, MGDK Architects is a full-service architecture and design studio focused on thoughtful, research-based design. Based in New York City, we work regionally throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
As a signatory of the #architectsdeclare movement, MGDK Architects is committed to improving the quality of life for everyone by addressing challenges presented by climate change, loss of biodiversity, and social inequity in the built environment. As a gay-owned business, we seek to empower other underrepresented and marginalized communities through strategic partnerships and patronage. Our focus on barrier-free, accessible design allows us to consider welcoming environments for all bodies and abilities from concept through construction. Our passion for the natural world inspires us to create buildings which provide rather than consume. Our belief that housing is a human right - and that affordable housing is an asset rather than a liability for positive economic growth - drives us to seek out new opportunities for development.
MGDK Architects is an NGLCC Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) and is a vocal advocate in support of diversity and inclusion everywhere we can. We are proud to have maintained a utilization rate of over 50% for women and minority-owned vendors and consultants since 2018.
DAVID KUYKENDALL | AIA, LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
Born and raised in Ozark, Arkansas, David studied at the Fay Jones School of Architecture in nearby Fayetteville as well as abroad in Copenhagen and Rome. Prior to moving to New York in 2008, David worked at multi-national design firms in Dubai and Kuwait. Starting as a Jr. Architect in 2011, David now oversees the strategic direction and operations of the firm as Principal and Owner. Stemming from a childhood obsession of Legos, his professional interests center on pre-fab construction, adaptive re-use, and urban design. David has continued to remain active in academia as a guest design critic for the architecture and interior design programs at Pratt Institute and Parsons New School of Design.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Registered Architect (NY, NJ, CT, PA & AR)
NCARB
LEED Accredited Professional
American Institute of Architects
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture, Fay Jones School of Architecture, University of Arkansas
Minor Emphasis: History Theory and Urbanism
DAVID ANDERSON, AIA
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
David has over 10 years of experience managing complex commercial projects as well as high-end residential construction. His abilities are complimented by his knowledge of building code and landmarks regulations, along with his ability to navigate a project from concept to completion within the constraints of the local municipalities.
CERTIFICATIONS:
Registered Architect (NY)
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture, Pratt Institute
ALYSSE AUSTIN
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Alysse has over 8 years of experience working in law and finance. She concentrated in Environmental Studies, focusing on globalization and land use. Her interests include writing, cycling and rock climbing.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Arts, Brown University
STEPHEN SMOLKO II
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Stephen is a designer with a focus on experimental domestic architecture. His work while studying in New York City and abroad in Japan included human infrastructure for a mission to Mars through NASA’s XHab Project, rapidly deployable inflatable structures, and new vernacular housing and agriculture systems for the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. He is also experienced in the use of emergent technologies like AR, VR, and automated rapid prototyping to drive design development.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture, Pratt Institute
TERESA RUSSO
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Teresa completed her studies with a strong concentration in sustainability and environmental responsibility. Studying in New York City and Rome, she formed a particular interest in the development of cities throughout history. Her more experimental work has explored everything from bending-active surface geometry to landscape projects that mitigate the impacts of flooding. These projects highlight her desire to seek out alternative methods and more sustainable materials in architectural design.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture, Pratt Institute
