Michael K. Chen Architecture
Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA) is a New York-based architecture and interior design firm serving ultra-high-net-worth private residential clients with bespoke architecture, interiors, and product design across New York, Paris, and the South of France.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Michael K. Chen Architecture does
Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA) is a privately held, New York-based architecture and interior design practice serving primarily high-net-worth private residential clients, with secondary work in civic, community, and product design. Founded in 2011, the firm operates from a single office at 1239 Broadway in Midtown Manhattan with a team of approximately 10-15 people led by principal Michael K. Chen. MKCA's portfolio spans ground-up houses, townhouse renovations, brownstone gut rehabilitations, apartment interiors, historic preservations, and selective international commissions in Paris and the South of France. The firm is recognized for combining high-precision digital design methods with artisanal craft, custom fabrication, and material invention, including transforming micro-apartment systems, parametric spatial alignment, and innovative facade systems such as the Nanobiome vertical garden skin developed in glazed slip-formed terra cotta.
The firm's underlying technology centers on digital design workflows, parametric modeling, computer-controlled milling, and custom millwork integrated with bespoke hardware, motorized elements, and embedded audiovisual systems. MKCA has built proprietary research artifacts including the Signal Space database of 14,000+ mobile base stations in NYC, the Biodiversity City framework for parcel-level ecological simulation using NYC PLUTO data, and the Nanobiome Building Skin facade system developed with SUNY conservation botanists and Boston Valley Terra Cotta. Product design work is represented by the Sarsen Collection, a 22-piece modular upholstered furniture and rug line produced in partnership with retailer TRNK. The firm's R&D and design process generate defensible intellectual property that supports its positioning as a research-oriented practice rather than a pure services studio.
MKCA generates revenue through project-based professional design fees quoted per engagement, with project scale ranging from approximately 225 square-foot micro-apartments to 11,000 square-foot ground-up residences. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and varies with scope, complexity, and scale. The go-to-market motion is direct, founder-led enterprise field sales — every commission originates from editorial coverage in top-tier design publications (ELLE Decor, Architectural Digest, Wallpaper, Dwell, The New York Times T Magazine), word-of-mouth referrals within the luxury residential market, and Michael Chen's academic and conference presence. Customer segments comprise (1) ultra-high-net-worth private residential clients as the primary segment, (2) community and civic organizations (Concourse House, Bushwick Community Health, Wyckoff Urgent Care) as a secondary segment often on a pro-bono or grant-funded basis, and (3) design industry collaborations such as the TRNK product partnership. The firm is entirely founder-owned, with no disclosed venture capital, private equity, or acquisition activity.
Michael K. Chen Architecture firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Michael K. Chen Architecture
- Legal name
- Michael K. Chen Architecture
- Website
- https://mkca.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA) is a New York-based architecture and interior design firm serving ultra-high-net-worth private residential clients with bespoke architecture, interiors, and product design across New York, Paris, and the South of France.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Michael K. Chen Architecture industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Architectural Services
- NAICS
- Interior Design Services (541410)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services (BPAHAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Custom Modular Shelving & Cabinetry System Planning (Non-Construction) (HSAFAHAK), Community Engagement & Participatory Planning (BPAHAKAO)
Keywords
Where Michael K. Chen Architecture is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Michael K. Chen Architecture business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Architecture and Design Services: Full-service architecture and interior design firm providing custom design services for residential (new houses, townhouse renovations, apartment interiors), commercial, civic, and community projects. Revenue is generated through project-based professional fees. The firm also designs furniture and product collections (e.g., Sarsen Collection for TRNK), which may generate licensing or product revenue.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels6 records
Michael K. Chen Architecture product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MKCA is a boutique architecture and interior design practice that provides bespoke design services for residential, civic, commercial, and community projects, including new construction, townhouse and brownstone renovations, apartment interiors, and historic rehabilitations. The firm also designs custom furniture and product collections (such as the Sarsen Collection for TRNK) and engages in research-driven design initiatives such as the Nanobiome Building Skin facade system and the Signal Space urban infrastructure database.
Product overview
Michael K. Chen Architecture (MKCA) is a design practice offering architecture, interior design, and advisory services. The firm works across buildings, interiors, and objects, including historic rehabilitations, new construction, and international commissions. Their portfolio spans residential projects (townhouses, apartments, houses), civic and community buildings, commercial spaces, and product design. Notable products include the Sarsen Collection for TRNK, a modular furniture collection. The firm's approach emphasizes craft, material innovation, transformable spaces, and sustainable design practices, particularly for micro-living solutions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Architecture Services Comprehensive architectural services including new construction, historic rehabilitations, renovations, and international commissions across residential, commercial, and civic project types for high-net-worth individuals and organizations.
- Interior Design Services Interior design services encompassing spatial design, material selection, custom furniture commissioning, and decoration for residential and commercial spaces.
- Advisory and Consulting Services Advisory and consulting services providing expertise in design strategy and project planning for architecture and design engagements.
- Sarsen Collection for TRNK A sofa and carpet collection of 22 modular upholstered seating pieces and non-rectangular rugs designed as spatial building blocks and social connectors, manufactured and distributed by TRNK at its Tribeca showroom (18 Jay St.) and on trnk-nyc.com.
Quantifiable outcome
- Six consecutive years named to ELLE Decor A-List (2021-2026), indicating sustained recognition as a top residential architecture firm
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Michael K. Chen Architecture
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Michael K. Chen Architecture technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Michael K. Chen Architecture partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Brook LandscapeminorLandscape architecture collaborator on multiple residential projects including the Upper West Side Townhouse (garden design, two lots wide) and Clinton Hill Brownstone (rear garden rework with multicolored floor design extending outdoors).
- Structure VenturesminorGeneral contractor on the Upper West Side Townhouse and the Children's Library at Concourse House (pro-bono). Known for construction of complex residential and community projects in New York.
- Margie Ruddick LandscapeminorLandscape architecture collaborator on Watershed House (restorative landscape across 26 acres) and Blueberry Ridge House. Leading landscape designer specializing in ecologically driven, site-specific landscape design.
- Robert Bump ConstructionminorGeneral contractor for Aligned Loft project in Tribeca, handling construction of the complex renovation involving diagonal alignment, exposed girders, and precision millwork.
- 110% IntérieurminorCollaborating design firm on Paris Saint Georges renovation project, bringing local French design expertise for the renovation of an early 19th century apartment in Paris's 9th arrondissement.
- Local Office Landscape ArchitectureminorLandscape architects on the Upper East Side Townhouse and Nanobiome Building Skin project, collaborating on integrated planted facade systems, rooftop terrace design, and conservation botany.
- THINK ConstructionminorGeneral contractor for the gut renovation of the Clinton Hill Brownstone landmark building in Brooklyn, handling sustainable building system upgrades, structural reinforcement, and historic preservation work.
- Paddle8minorOnline auction platform hosting a benefit auction for the Children's Library at Concourse House, featuring donated works from leading contemporary designers and artists to support the pro-bono project.
- Kate and Julie YamincoreGenerous donors who funded the Children's Library at Concourse House project. Their vision and philanthropy made the pro-bono library design possible for families transitioning out of homelessness at the Bronx-based Concourse House shelter.
- Concourse HousecoreBronx-based shelter serving women with young children transitioning out of homelessness. MKCA designed and coordinated the Children's Library pro-bono, soliciting in-kind donations from the design and construction community.
- Community Design Contributors (Asher Israelow, Bec Brittain, Egg Collective, Christopher Kurtz, Pelle, Ladies and Gentlemen Studio, Maharam, and 20+ others)minorDesign and construction community members who provided in-kind donations of furniture, materials, and fabrication for the Children's Library at Concourse House, including Alex Proba, Asher Israelow, Bec Brittain, Birnam Wood Studio, Christopher Kurtz, Chronicle Books, David Weeks, Egg Collective, Ezra Tessler, Fernando Mastrangelo Studio, Haley Josephs, Kin & Company, Kinder Modern, Ladies and Gentlemen Studio, Maharam, Manzanares Furniture, Mary Wallis for Lindsey Adelman Studio, Pelle, Phaedo, Ramos Trucking, Schoolhouse Electric, Visibility, Vonnegut Kraft and Mary Ping.
- List General ContractorminorGeneral contractor for the Pied-à-mer yacht apartment project, handling the complex converting interior design work fitting out the 600 sf holiday home aboard the largest residential yacht.
- IA Construction ManagementminorGeneral contractor on Park Avenue Prewar (2,800 sf apartment renovation) and Upper East Side Townhouse. New York-based construction management firm handling high-end residential renovations.
- Häfele America Co.minorLeading manufacturer of architectural and furniture hardware, lighting, and fittings. MKCA designed the Hafele Micro Living concept to showcase Häfele's comprehensive product line in innovative ways, debuted at KBIS 2020 and installed in Häfele's New York showroom.
- Bednark StudiominorFabrication partner for the Hafele Micro Living micro-housing concept installation, providing precision fabrication for transforming elements and custom millwork.
- JH WorksminorFabrication partner for Hafele Micro Living project and other transforming furniture projects including Attic Transformer, contributing precision custom millwork and mechanical systems.
- Normal ProjectsminorAvailable by special order through Normal Projects for the K-G Home Office desk and storage system, a custom modular desk, storage, display, and lighting system in laser sintered nylon, steel, and white oak.
- Rush DesignminorAutomation and fabrication partner for the Moonraker Loft project, providing the transforming wet bar with motorized rotating bottle rack concealed within ribbed lacquer panels.
- Tobin Parnes DesignminorArchitect of Record on Bushwick Community Health clinic (collaboration with MKCA as design architect) and Flatbush Avenue mixed-use development. Full-service architectural firm serving as executive architect on these projects.
- WXYminorUrban design and architecture firm collaborating with MKCA on the Sleepy Hollow Promenade (Public Works facility) shortlisted proposal, providing urban design and landscape expertise for the Village of Sleepy Hollow project.
- SUNY College of Environmental Science and ForestryminorConservation botany consultants on the Nanobiome Building Skin project, providing expertise on native woodland plant species, federally endangered plants, and the ecological relationships guiding the vertical garden facade design.
- TRNKminorFurniture retailer and manufacturer. MKCA designed the Sarsen Collection (22 pieces of modular upholstered seating and non-rectangular rugs) available at TRNK's Tribeca showroom (18 Jay St.) and on trnk-nyc.com. TRNK manufactures and distributes the collection.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Michael K. Chen Architecture competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Workstead: NYC-based design studio combining architecture, interior design, and product design. Closely comparable to MKCA in scale, approach, and editorial positioning — frequent co-feature in ELLE Decor A-List, Dwell, and Wallpaper, and similar emphasis on craft, light, and material.
- Ashe Leandro: Boutique NYC interior design and architecture practice working on high-end residential, hospitality, and cultural projects. Comparable editorial profile, project scale, and emphasis on bespoke craft and historical context.
- Annabelle Selldorf / TenBerke: NYC architecture firm (formerly Deborah Berke Partners) working across cultural, educational, and high-end residential projects. Similar scale, editorial presence, and integrated interiors practice.
- Roman and Williams: New York architecture and design firm blending buildings, interiors, and objects with a strong craft and historical-reference sensibility. Shares MKCA's residential-and-hospitality portfolio, A-List recognition, and integrated architecture/interior/product model.
- Thomas Juul-Hansen: NYC-based architect and interior designer known for luxury residential and hospitality projects with rigorous craft and material focus. Similar A-List editorial positioning and project typology to MKCA.
- Apparatus: NYC-based interdisciplinary design practice working across architecture, interiors, and product/lighting design. Comparable integrated model where bespoke interiors extend into manufactured objects, similar to MKCA's TRNK and Häfele collaborations.
- Selldorf Architects: NYC architecture firm working across cultural, residential, and adaptive-reuse projects with a refined material sensibility. Comparable portfolio mix and editorial presence, though at greater scale and project budget.
- Champalimaud Design: NYC interior design firm specializing in luxury hospitality and high-end residential. Comparable in editorial standing, craft emphasis, and HNW client focus, though historically more hospitality-weighted.
Broad incumbents
- Peter Marino Architect: Large, established NYC architecture firm specializing in luxury retail, residential, and hospitality. Serves as the broad incumbent benchmark for high-end residential architecture and interior design, frequently co-featured alongside MKCA in design publications.
- Robert A.M. Stern Architects: Major NYC architecture firm with extensive residential portfolio and active product/licensing arm (RAMSA for furniture and lighting with Alder & Tweed). Operates as the broader incumbent against which MKCA's boutique residential model is differentiated.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Michael K. Chen Architecture social profiles
Digital presenceMichael K. Chen Architecture financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Michael K. Chen Architecture leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
Michael K. Chen Architecture funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Michael K. Chen Architecture M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Michael K. Chen Architecture
What does Michael K. Chen Architecture do?
MKCA is a boutique architecture and interior design practice that provides bespoke design services for residential, civic, commercial, and community projects, including new construction, townhouse and brownstone renovations, apartment interiors, and historic rehabilitations. The firm also designs custom furniture and product collections (such as the Sarsen Collection for TRNK) and engages in research-driven design initiatives such as the Nanobiome Building Skin facade system and the Signal Space urban infrastructure database.
Is Michael K. Chen Architecture a public or private company?
Michael K. Chen Architecture is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Michael K. Chen Architecture founded?
Michael K. Chen Architecture was founded in 2011. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Michael K. Chen Architecture based?
Michael K. Chen Architecture is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Michael K. Chen Architecture make money?
One revenue line is on record: architecture and Design Services.
Who are Michael K. Chen Architecture's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Workstead, Ashe Leandro, Annabelle Selldorf / TenBerke, Roman and Williams, Thomas Juul-Hansen, Apparatus, Selldorf Architects and Champalimaud Design. Broad incumbents are Peter Marino Architect and Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
Does Michael K. Chen Architecture have an API?
No public API is recorded for Michael K. Chen Architecture.
What industry is Michael K. Chen Architecture in?
Michael K. Chen Architecture's product category is Architectural Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAKAK, Building Information Modeling (BIM) & Digital Design Services, with a secondary code of HSAFAHAK, Custom Modular Shelving & Cabinetry System Planning (Non-Construction). Its NAICS code is 541410.