Nyack, NY DCAK-MSA Architecture & Engineering, a respected architectural firm with offices in Rockland, Westchester and Suffolk counties, has commenced merging forces with CHK Architects, a leading architectural practice in Simsbury, Conn. This strategic partnership enhances DCAK-MSA and CHK’s capabilities, geographic reach, and service offerings, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the architectural industry. CHK Architects also gains access to Workshop SAS, a construction management arm of DCAK-MSA.

The combined forces of DCAK-MSA and CHK will now offer expanded capabilities in architecture, interior design, civil engineering, construction, and design-build services. 

This merger extends their coverage from New Hampshire to Long Island, with offices strategically located in four locations across this territory. The principals of the firm are nationally licensed and certified to operate in 22 states, ensuring a broad and flexible service range for clients. In addition, CHK has two licensed code officials on staff to expertly oversee document production and building commissioning. 

Specialized Industry Experience

This merger brings together a wealth of specialized industry experience and a distinguished portfolio of completed projects. CHK has a notable presence in workplace design as well as in the aerospace industry, serving prominent clients such as The Hartford, CVS/Aetna, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, and Collins Aerospace. Complementing this, DCAK-MSA has extensive experience in municipal and multifamily architecture, including airport runways and signalization, making the combined firm a leader in aerospace-related architectural services.

Additionally, CHK provides crucial services to the defense industry, while DCAK-MSA excels in serving colleges and educational institutions. The firms also cater to more traditional sectors, with CHK working with financial services clients, and DCAK-MSA designing for real estate developers.

Woman-Owned Business Leadership

A unique and compelling aspect of this merger is that DCAK-MSA is a woman-owned business and CHK may pursue this designation in the future. This shared commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens their position in the industry and underscores their dedication to fostering leadership and innovation in architecture and related fields.

New Equity Owners

Hugh Schweitzer, AIA, LEED AP, partner has acquired equity ownership in the new firm. CHK Architects welcomes Schweitzer, as one of the new owners of the firm. Schweitzer has been working with the Judicial Branch, the University of Connecticut, and the Connecticut General Assembly as well as many other clients over his 30+ years of experience. An excellent communicator, he will be the spokesperson of the new firm and work closely with Julia Khomut, the majority owner of DCAK-MSA, and Rich Kaiser, who has spearheaded the growth of CHK Architects. The ownership team also includes Drazen Cackovic, AIA in a dual role in architecture and construction management.

Commitment to Excellence and Client Service

“Joining forces with DCAK-MSA allows us to enhance our capabilities and provide even greater value to our clients,” said Schweitzer. “Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional architectural solutions that meet the evolving needs of our communities.”

“We are thrilled to see CHK merge with DCAK-MSA family,” Khomut said. “This partnership is a significant milestone in the growth strategy for both companies, allowing us to broaden our reach and better serve our clients with an expanded portfolio of services and expertise. Our combined capabilities and resources will enable us to tackle larger and more complex projects, delivering exceptional results.”

The integration efforts are already underway to ensure a seamless transition for employees, clients, and partners. Both firms remain committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and service that their clients have come to expect.

Representative Projects for DCAK-MSA

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral, NYC - DCAK has designed interior improvements to Manhattan’s landmark Cathedral of Saint Patrick which included four new and altered chapels as well as disabled access to Our Lady Chapel.

• Pavion, Nyack, NY – LEED certifiable multi-family residence and commercial space in downtown Nyack.

• Westchester Community College Student Center, Valhalla, NY - a renovation and addition to the existing student center, college bookstore, and culinary arts center.

• Westchester County Equipment Storage at the Fire Training Center, Valhalla, NY - is a 23,000 s/f new municipal building.

Representative Projects for CHK 

The Pratt & Whitney World Headquarters and Engineering Technical Center, East Hartford, CT - 440,000 s/f, five story building located on P&W’s main campus designed to reinforce the idea that the Pratt & Whitney story began with innovation. This LEED Gold building accommodates the office needs of engineers for both the design of commercial and military engines while also housing P&W Headquarters staff, the Engineering Technical University and a 300-seat cafeteria.

• Eversource Energy’s new System Operations Center (SOC), Windsor, CT - state-of-the-art “Control Room” to support the operation of Eversource’s electrical distribution systems in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. From this 30,000 s/f facility, the Eversource team can both monitor activity over their network and make changes to the system when required through the use of KVM technology.

• CHK provides a range of services to the State of Connecticut, including for the University of Connecticut, the Judicial Branch, and the Connecticut General Assembly (CGA). The CGA will soon undertake a comprehensive upgrade of vertical transportation at the State Capitol, the Legislative Office Building and the Old State House. Elevators, escalators and moving sidewalks will be modernized or replaced in each of the structures, for an anticipated project value of over $10 million.

Representative Projects for Workshop SAS

• Construction of Aptar Pharma addition of 30,000 of new space manufacturing and warehouse.

• Mount St. Vincent College restoration and update of a historic university chapel.

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