Richard Kaiser, AIA, Managing Partner
As a founding Partner of CHK Architects, Rich takes on many roles at CHK. In addition to his primary focus on daily business operations, new business development, and maintaining CHK’s long-standing client relationships, he also assumes the role of Principal-in-Charge of CHK’s largest and most complex projects, including the Pratt & Whitney Engineering & Technology Center. His range of expertise includes corporate office design, tenant fit-outs, corporate fitness and wellness centers, healthcare, and auto dealerships. Rich has also led the design of several ecclesiastic projects, one of his favorite project types.
Rich keeps a steady eye on the market trends, business news, commercial real estate activity, and new building technologies that impact our work and influence CHK’s designers. His affiliations with organizations such as the Construction Institute, Corenet, CREW, and BOMA allow CHK to remain on the leading edge of our profession.
Rich earned his architectural degree at the University of Notre Dame, and he is Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). In addition to being a Connecticut Licensed Architect and Interior Designer, he holds active registrations in twenty other states.
Julia Khomut RA, Managing Principal
Julia Khomut’s professional experience in Architecture encompasses both the design aspect and the construction aspect of the practice of Architecture. As Principal with DCAK-MSA Architecture, Julia takes the role of lead designer and planner, advancing teams through the programming and design phases of all projects. Her hands on approach to programming, design development, preparation of construction documents, construction observation, and client contact, guarantees the personal attention each of her clients expects. In 2008, Julia’s creativity earned her the Society of American Registered Architects Design Award of Special Recognition for her work at The Cathedral of St. Patrick and the AIA Design Award for her work at St. Philip Neri Church, Bronx, NY.
As founder of Sacred Art Studios, a sister company to DCAK-MSA Architecture, Julia prepares bids on new construction projects and renovation projects in both public and private sector. As the successful bidder, Julia leads her own contractors through the construction and timely completion of their projects. Acting as Construction Manager on the Sacred Art Studios projects, Julia maintains strict control of budget, schedule, and quality of workmanship. This expert command of both design and construction in the field of Architecture, keeps Julia on the forefront of design, as well as materials and methods of construction. Julia’s portfolio of ecclesiastical projects include new places of worship, renovations and additions to existing facilities, lighting design, interior design and liturgical furnishings design. A portion of her projects consists of Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Staten Island, Holy Cross Church in New York City, Rosary Hall Dominican Convent, Long Island, NY, Our Lady of Shkodra Church in Hartsdale, New York, St. Martin de Porres in Poughkeepsie, New York, Temple Beth Torah in Upper Nyack, New York, St. John the Evangelist Church, St. Margaret Mary Nursery School, and Human Life Retreat, to name a few. Large scale commercial shopping center design is a building type Julia has mastered. The complex planning and design is a challenge she enjoys undertaking. Her most successful projects are Patterson Crossing in Patterson, NY and Stateline Shopping Center, Southeast, NY. Currently there are several additional centers in the planning and design phase. Educational and Library Facilities are a strong component of Julia’s work. Her projects include JCC-Y of Rockland County, Nyack UFSD Projects, St. Aedan CCD, Pearl River, NY, Sts. John and St. Paul in Larchmont, NY, St. Phillip Neri Day Care in the Bronx, NY.
Corporate and Industrial projects include a state of the art 911 Call Center for Clarkstown, NY, INTERCOS, located in West Nyack, NY as well as a complete interior and exterior renovation of a private office building located in Nyack, NY. After relocating to the United States in 1989, Ms. Khomut acquired an array of experience in both new construction and renovation of existing buildings. As an architect, she worked on the complete renovation of Toepfert Apartments, a 93- unit multi-family housing complex, funded by HUD located in Holyoke MA, Neighborhood Homes which was a series of single family homes designed for mentally challenged and physically disabled adults in Western Massachusetts and the renovation and upgrading to full compliance with ADA of the Dewey House, a Historical Landmark built in the 18th century, at Smith College in Northampton MA. Julia graduated from Ukraine University in Kiev as an Architect in 1987. She later joined the Ukraine Urban Design and Planning Group from 1987-1989 where she was responsible for the design and development of a number of educational, commercial and residential projects.
Drazen Cackovic AIA, Managing Partner
Drazen Cackovic's experience spans from professional architectural practice to academic appointments and construction management in the USA and in overseas markets. His principal responsibilities include firm management, development and expansion into other market sectors and professional services. When directly involved in Design and Project Management, he will manage larger and complex projects.
Drazen Cackovic has designed a number of new municipal, higher education, retail and multi-family facilities, as well as ecclesiastical buildings for various religious denominations, Notable among his recent projects are Tidewater residential complex in Nyack, vehicle storage building for Westchester County, and new churches in Montauk, Somers, and Staten Island. In the area of athletic and recreational facilities, he has designed JCC Rockland, a 135,000 square foot community center, and several athletic facilities for schools in the tri-state area. In the housing market, his work included design of multiple real estate development projects, either for outside clients, or for the in-house development projects. Drazen Cackovic also managed municipal projects at the federal, county level, and town level.
In construction, Drazen Cackovic has managed construction for Aptar Pharmaceutical expansion, and completion of the St. Jospeh Church in Somers, NY, as well
Drazen Cackovic was an Assistant Professor at Lehigh University and at Kansas State University in the areas of architectural design and theory. His academic appointments led to research and publications focused on the topic of precedent in contemporary architecture. Architectural precedents provide a timeless thread of continuity to the built environment. Mr. Cackovic’s practice seeks to incorporate this systematic knowledge in architectural design.
Hugh Schweitzer, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Partner
Hugh brings to CHK a diverse professional background of over 30 years; he directs project planning for the firm. He authors feasibility studies and manages multifaceted projects for a variety of respected corporate, institutional, and educational clients. An excellent communicator, Hugh assumes a leading role in CHK’s marketing efforts. His ability to pair design vision with sketch and words allows clients to better understand the architectural design process, enabling them to make well-informed decisions.
Having managed capital projects in over 2,400,000 square feet of property for the Town of West Hartford, Hugh has a distinct understanding of the challenges owners face. Cognizance of those challenges fuel his drive to deliver projects that exceed client expectations. His work on the American School for the Deaf Visual Arts Center, various Collins Aerospace projects, the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch and Electric Boat are among his numerous contributions to CHK’s list of diverse project type experience.
Hugh earned his Master of Architecture Degree from SUNY at Buffalo, and also holds a Degree in Marketing from UCONN. An NCARB Certified professional, he is a licensed Architect in Connecticut and New York. His professional affiliations include the Construction Specifications Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council. Hugh has been a member of the architectural design review board in his community for many years.
Rodolfo Garcia, AIA, Partner
Rodolfo’s professional background spans three decades and includes a wide range of project types and scales. Early in his career, Rodolfo focused on public work that included lead design roles on numerous school and public safety facilities throughout the Northeast. More recent experiences with clients such as Pratt & Whitney, The Hartford Insurance Group, and Collins Aerospace have expanded his diverse contributions to the design of the built environment.
His passion and enthusiasm for the art and craft in architecture are evident in his hand drawn sketches and renderings that bring ideas to life throughout the design process. Committed to CHK’s belief that a team effort inspires the best design solutions, Rodolfo strives to explore and share design ideas in an open and collaborative setting, where the client is at the core and fully engaged in the design process.
A graduate of the Boston Architectural Center in 1987, he is an NCARB certified professional, a licensed Architect in the State of Connecticut and recently earned his Connecticut Building Official License.
Steven Hine, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner
With more than 30 years of professional experience in architecture and the construction industry, Steve’s communication skills and depth of knowledge in all phases of project delivery have elevated him to a leading role on CHK’s largest projects. He has managed design teams delivering several million square feet of new and renovated space for some of the firm’s most complex projects, and served as lead architect for the Pratt & Whitney Engineering & Technology Center.
Steve’s early career as a craftsman and cabinetmaker provided the foundation for his keen attention to detail and accuracy, which reflects in the highest quality standard of CHK’s drawings, documentation, and technical detail. His deep knowledge of building codes, high-performance buildings, and construction science have earned him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.
In addition to holding licenses as an Architect and Building Official in the State of Connecticut, Steve is a LEED Accredited Professional, a member of the United States Green Building Council, and volunteers his expertise on the Design Review Board in his community.
Christopher Foster, Senior Associate
Chris joined CHK in 2007, bringing a solid background in sustainable building design. Chris uses his strong communication skills and over 22 years of experience in the field to deliver complex projects for some of the firm's largest clients. A gifted problem solver, Chris has managed large design teams for projects at Aetna, The Hartford, UTAS, and other corporate clients.
Ronald Miller, Senior Associate
With over 28 years of experience in the field, Ron combines his strong understanding of project management and construction detailing with an upbeat personality in his work with clients. He has completed challenging projects for companies such as Eversource Energy, UTC, Pratt & Whitney, Aetna, and other corporate clients.
Karen Pannone, AIA, Associate
Karen joined the CHK team in 2005. With over 22 years of experience in the field, Karen's work at CHK has encompassed many important projects, including corporate facility design renovations and improvements. She produces many of CHK's colored renderings, and her area of expertise is historical preservation and reconstruction. Karen brings a calm and professional demeanor in handling the most challenging of projects. She has managed large design teams for The Hartford, Disney/ESPN, and Collins Aerospace, as well as multi-site industrial projects for Johnson Controls, and urban historical renovations for NINA.
Tracy Poirot, Project Architect
Tracy has been part of the CHK family almost since the beginning. Along with overseeing the management of Construction Documents and Construction Administration for the Curaleaf, Cigna Wilde Cafe, and United Healthcare projects, she has also done important work for Eversource Energy, Pratt & Whitney, and Electric Boat. Tracy serves as a mentor to many on the CHK team.
Edward deLeon, Project Manager
Ed is new to CHK, having joined in 2023, but he is not new to the industry. Ed has 40 years of experience designing office, institutional, industrial, and commercial buildings. For the last three decades, his focus has been on commercial retail projects, not only in the Northeast but also in major cities across the country. Ed has extensive field experience including development of As-Built drawings, onsite troubleshooting, construction progress inspections, and punch-list inspections. He is a true gentleman and generally considered the best-dressed member of the firm.
John Turner, Architectural Designer
John has three years of experience in an array of corporate, institutional, and public sector projects. John's work requires close collaboration with owners, contractors, and consultants, with an emphasis on teamwork and a well-designed finished product. John joined CHK in 2022.