From left: Daniel Nowak, Juan Rodriguez and Maykel Dominguez
By Joshua Burd
MHS Architecture has named three new associate principals after elevating longtime team members Daniel Nowak, Juan Rodriguez and Maykel Dominguez.
The firm, which is based in Hoboken, said the promotions recognize the professionals’ leadership, design excellence and contributions to its growth across high‑rise residential and mixed‑use projects in the region. They’re now poised for a larger role with the practice, which noted that they will lead major design initiatives, champion emerging technologies, mentor future talent and support the continued evolution of its project delivery and business strategy nationwide.
“Each of these architects has demonstrated a rare combination of visionary leadership, technical expertise and business acumen,” MHS Managing Principal Michael Higgins said. “Their promotion to associate principal will help us continue our mission of creating context‑sensitive architecture that enriches communities across our region.”
MHS, which touted its focus on strengthening leadership from within as it pursues opportunities on a larger stage, said Nowak during his 14-year tenure has led complex mixed-use projects from initial concept and schematic design through detailed documentation and construction completion. That has loomed large in the firm’s expansion into high-rise development, requiring him to oversee some of its most high-profile and technically complex projects while emphasizing constructability, design and building performance, with a focus on the end-user experience.
Nowak has also been instrumental in advancing the firm’s BIM workflows, guiding project teams in digital coordination and efficient project delivery, according to a news release. His studio leadership includes mentoring junior staff, elevating technical and graphical standards and ensuring design intent is rigorously executed throughout every phase of the project.
Among his many notable projects are the 57- and 41-story towers at 55 and 50 Hudson St. in Jersey City, both of which are under construction, as well as several others in the city and markets such as New Brunswick and Morristown. Nowak holds a master’s in architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design, is a registered architect in New Jersey as well as a LEED Accredited Professional and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects.
Rodriguez, for his part, joined MHS six years ago and has been integral to its evolution as a design leader in the high-rise multifamily market, the news release said. With more than 15 years of architectural experience in New Jersey and New York, he builds on the firm’s 45-year heritage through what it described as a client-focused, site-responsive approach that consistently delivers creative design solutions with lasting value for the communities it serves.
MHS added that Rodriguez leads client engagements and manages project teams, acting as a trusted adviser while advancing its reputation for design excellence. In partnership with firm principals, he also supports new business pursuits by developing leads, maintaining client relationships and strengthening its presence in key markets, while representing the practice at industry events and professional organizations.
Rodriguez, who recently was named to the World Architecture Festival’s 40 Under 40 North America list, has worked on projects such as Atlas, a 25‑story mixed‑use tower in Jersey City, and 11 Spring St., a 27-story under construction in New Brunswick. He holds a bachelor’s in architecture from New Jersey Institute of Technology and is licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Architects, while he is a member of the North American Passive House Network and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
With more than 20 years of experience, Dominguez specializes in leading residential and mixed-use projects from concept to completion, the news release said, citing his role in delivering high-performance buildings while advancing the firm’s digital design capabilities. MHS said he excels at guiding multidisciplinary teams through all phases of design and construction, bringing a meticulous, process-driven approach and deep expertise in BIM workflows such as Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp and Rhino that allows him to orchestrate seamless coordination between architectural, structural and MEP systems.
The practice added that Dominguez is committed to strengthening its studio culture through active mentorship of project managers, architects and emerging designers. What’s more, his ability to integrate sophisticated digital tools with rigorous design thinking has made him a vital resource on the firm’s most challenging assignments.
Dominguez’s notable projects include the 26-story Four Twenty Five Summit in Jersey City and the 25-story 930 McCarter project in Newark, MHS said. He holds his architectural license from the University of the State of New York and is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, including the New Jersey and Central New Jersey chapters.
