Allen R. Kopelson, AIA, PP Allen is the CEO and founding principal of NK Architects. He has 40 years of experience with the management and design of a wide range of projects and currently manages NK's housing and urban redevelopment market sector. Allen has served as a trustee for numerous not-for-profit institutions and is often a guest speaker at local and regional conferences. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning from New York University.
Stephen P. Aluotto, AIA, CID, LEED AP Steve is President of the firm and manages NK's Educational Design Group. As Principal-in-Charge for all educational projects, Steve monitors and maintains the team's efforts to ensure that all project milestones are met. He has served as President of the Newark/Suburban chapter of the AIA and on the Dean's Executive Council for NJIT. He is a member of NAIS, NJAIS, SCUP, ERAPPA, and EACUBO and has conducted several workshops on educational planning and design on both the state and national levels. Steve is a graduate of NJIT and has 33 years of experience.
Ben P. Lee, AIA, ACHA, PP, LEED AP Ben is the firm's CFO and is Principal in charge of NK's Healthcare Design Group. Ben is a Board-certified Healthcare Architect and is widely respected for his approach to healthcare, planning and design. His philosophy is to maximize a client's current facility assets and incorporating the best practices in patient-centered care. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Hospital Engineers, American Hospital Association, Healthcare Facilities Management Society of New Jersey, Architects League, New Jersey Society of Architects, and the American Planning Association. Ben is a graduate of Louisiana State University and has a Master's Degree in Management from NJIT.
Mark von Bradsky, PE In addition to managing Structure Studio, Mark administers NK's HR policies. He received his Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Steel Construction, and the American Concrete Institute.
Paul J. Drago, AIA, LEED AP Paul is the Managing Principal of NK's New York City office. His responsibilities range from office operations and oversight of individual projects to his role as project manager for specific assignments. Over the past ten years, Paul has developed experience in higher education with a specfic emphasis on high technology research laboratories. In addition, he has been instrumental in forwarding sustainable design initiatives at NK. He is a graduate of the City College of New York.
Walter Kneis, AIA, CID, LEED AP Walter is Co-Director of NK's Educational Design Group and is Director of NK's Project Operations Group. Walter has focused his career on designs for Independent Schools, special needs populations, and devloping Campus Master Plans. Walter is also active in a number of community organizations, serving as a Trustee on the Boards of JBWS (Jersey Battered Women’s Service) and Safety Town of Northwest New Jersey. He is a 1985 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Virginia Tech and holds an A.S. in Building Construction.
Daniel Topping, AIA,
LEED AP
Dan has developed an expertise with senior care, educational, and laboratory facilities. His projects include the new Rutgers Business School, the Rutgers Life Sciences Center, and the Middlesex County Long Term Care facility. Dan is a graduate of Virginia Tech and a USGBC LEED accredited professional.
