Nandinee Phookan

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Nandinee founded NPA in 1998. As Principal, she is actively involved in every project and oversees all aspects of the design process. Her broad interest in the application of design thinking is reflected in the firm’s portfolio of projects, which range from urban design, architecture and interior design, to furniture, products, and graphics. 

Before founding NPA, Nandinee worked with Charles Correa and Max Bond of Davis Brody Bond. She has also taught architectural design studios as an adjunct professor at Pratt Institute and the City College of the City University of New York. 

Nandinee is a Registered Architect in New York, New Jersey, Washington, DC, and Virginia, and is NCARB certified and a LEED accredited professional. Nandinee holds a Master's in Housing and Environmental Design from MIT and a Bachelor's of Architecture from the University of Delhi in India. At MIT, Nandinee worked with John Habraken in the application of his system of support and infill to multifamily housing.

Luis Rivera

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Luis is a Partner at Nandinee Phookan Architects. Before joining NPA in 2002, he worked with some of the largest architectural firms in the US, including Skidmore Owings & Merrill, Ellerbe Becket, NBBJ, and Swanke Hayden Connell, on projects ranging from healthcare and institutional to assisted living and community centers. 

Luis’ extensive experience in project management and technical coordination supports NPA’s wide range of projects and frequent collaborations with community stakeholders, government organizations, and other A/E firms. His interest in leadership and teamwork has shaped NPA to create a more efficient and empowering environment where every member plays a role. 

Luis Rivera holds a Bachelor's in Architecture from the City College of the City University of New York.

Ashwini Dhamankar

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Ashwini is an Intermediate Architectural Designer at NPA. At NPA, Ashwini has worked on a wide range of projects in the production of design and construction documents. Ashwini has also provided project management support to Principals and Senior Project Managers in the firm on public sector/transportation projects.

Ashwini is a certified LEED Green Associate with a strong interest in sustainable practices. She received her Master’s in Urban Design from Savannah College of Art and Design and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Mumbai.

Olivia Dellacava

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Olivia is an Architectural Designer at NPA. Olivia has worked on the production of design and construction documents for several cultural and resiliency projects for which she was also involved in preparing presentations for the local Community Boards and the Public Design Commission. 

Olivia holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing both her LEED Green certification and architecture licensure in New York state.

Xinan Tan

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Xinan is an Intermediate Architectural Designer at NPA. While at NPA, Xinan has worked on a wide range of projects, including civic, transportation, industrial, and hospitality. Xinan has been involved in the design and detailing of a new warehouse building in the Bronx, coordinating with the A/E consultants as well as industrial equipment suppliers and vendors. Xinan has also worked on the Design Development and Construction Documents for a boutique hotel. 

Xinan holds a Master’s of Science in Advanced Architecture Design from Columbia University GSAPP and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from South China University of Technology and Politecnico di Torino.

Yichang Zhang

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Yichang is an Architectural Designer at NPA. Yichang has worked on developing design and construction documents for a number of aviation and transportation projects for the Port Authority and the MTA. She has also been involved in the preparation of ADA and Code analyses.

Yichang holds a Master’s of Science in Advanced Architecture Design from Columbia University GSAPP and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Harbin Institute of Technology and Politecnico di Torino.

Yu Huang

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Yu is an Intermediate Architectural Designer at NPA. Before joining NPA, Yu worked at firms in Shanghai and New York City on urban design and planning projects. 

Yu holds a Master’s of Science in Urban Infrastructure Systems from New York University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Urban Planning from Tongji University. 

Kelly Shining Hong

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Kelly is an Architectural Designer at NPA. Kelly has worked on developing design and construction documents for a number of aviation and transportation projects for the Port Authority and the MTA. She has also worked on the Design Development and Presentation for a boutique hotel. 

Kelly holds a Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University GSAPP and a Bachelor’s of Arts in Architectural Design. She is certified as LEED AP BD+C.

Erin Sausto

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Erin is the Administrative Assistant. As an Administrator, Erin oversees a wide range of tasks from compliance and insurance, marketing outreach and proposals, to office supplies and maintenance. Erin’s background in real estate and business administration complements the strenghts of NPA’s design team.

Erin is a Licensed Real Estate Agent in New York and studied Business Administration at Westchester Business Institute.