Dean Marchetto FAIA PP
Founding Principal
Dean is the Founding Principal of the firm which was originally established in 1981. Prior to opening his own practice, he served his apprenticeship with the prestigious firm of Gwathmey Siegal and Associates Architects in New York City. Dean holds a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology Magna Cum Laude where he received the Gold Medal for highest achievement in architecture upon graduation. His education also included studies at the American Academy of Rome. The American Institute of Architects inducted Dean into the College of Fellows in 2016 for his extraordinary contributions and accomplishments in the practice of architecture. Dean’s vision for the firm is focused on combining best practice urban planning principals with the design of mixed-use development projects. The firm’s architectural style has provided the new face for Hoboken’s incredible revitalization from the days of decay and decline to its success as New Jersey’s hottest comeback city. Dean is also a professional planner. He is a long-standing member, and former chairman, of the Hudson County Construction Board of Appeals and has served on the Hudson County Public Arts Commission. Dean holds architecture licenses in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania and is an active member in the Urban Land Institute, The Congress of New Urbanism, and the American Planning Association.
Mike Higgins AIA LEED AP
Managing Principal
Michael Higgins has recently transitioned into the Managing Principal role at MHS Architecture where he now oversees the entire business and its expansion. Established over 40 years ago, MHS Architecture offers developers a full range of architecture, planning, urban design, and interior design services specializing in mixed-use multi-family buildings, TOD’s, and redevelopment projects.
Throughout the design process, MHS Architecture diligently strive to maximize the development potential of each project site while ensuring cost-effective construction solutions. Every building stands as a distinct entity, enriching its community, and Michael takes immense pride in witnessing the creation of sustainable, vibrant, and healthy buildings where people can live, work, and thrive.
MHS Architecture’s clients include the Kushner Real Estate Group, the Rockefeller Group, Boraie Development, Hartz Mountain, Toll Brothers, Fields Development, China Construction of America, Skyline Development, and Albanese Development Group. Award-winning projects are being designed and built in communities across the state as well as Florida and Colorado.
Michael is a Licensed Architect in New Jersey and New York and an active member of the American Institute of Architects, Architects League of Northern New Jersey, US Green Building Council and International Code Council.
Bruce Stieve AIA
Principal
Bruce graduated with Honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, School of Building Arts in 1989 with a Master of Architecture Degree. He continued to elevate his expertise, insights and inspiration by taking courses at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. The historically preserved City of Savannah, Georgia helped foster a strong respect for the historic architecture of American cities, and has greatly influenced Bruce’s design ideals. His contemporary designs incorporate an historic flair and are respectfully blended into each unique neighborhood.
Bruce focuses on the architectural design of urban multi-family and mixed use projects ranging in size from a few units to a few hundred units. His work has recently expanded to include the design of newly planned urban neighborhoods and transit-oriented development in New Jersey’s larger suburban communities and downtowns.
Bruce has also served as a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment in his hometown of Caldwell, NJ. And he has been Chairman for the past 3 years. Bruce is well versed in Zoning Ordinance and Redevelopment Plan review and the process of preparing and presenting in front of Municipal Boards.
Bruce can usually be found behind the scenes, capturing each developer’s vision by putting pen to paper. He skillfully mentors and manages a team of design architects. Each of Bruce’s building designs are assessed for visual impact, integrity, and sustainability to its environment.
Michael Buldo AIA
Principal
Mike Buldo holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from New Jersey Institute of Technology and spearheads the construction document team for the firm. Buldo has been elevated to the role of Principal. Buldo has been instrumental over the previous 20 years, leading multiple teams and building excellent relationships with both clients and consultants. Building upon these relationships, Buldo delivers well-coordinated projects and makes sure stringent timelines are met. Buldo is an expert with building codes and all construction typologies. He ensures high standards with a focus on quality materials, expert installation, and state-of-the-art construction techniques. Buldo focuses and thrives on meticulous attention to detail elevating construction documents to a high level of completeness and coordination with consultants. The result is found in high-quality, sustainable, multifamily buildings that MHS Architects is known for.
Vince Marchetto AIA
Principal
Vincent is an NCARB certified architect, with licenses in NJ, FL, and CO. He received his master’s degree in architecture from TU Delft in the Netherlands. For his master’s thesis Vincent worked with Dutch faculty and MHS Architects to design a new 200-acre city on reclaimed land along the Jersey City Waterfront. The project contained over 20,500 new housing units, 35+M SF of new real estate. Vincent received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and has also spent time working in Germany.
At MHS Vincent specializes in entitlements. New projects usually start on Vincent’s desk where he works through zoning law, building codes, and the client’s program to maximize the value of the investment. Vincent has served as a board member of the Journal Square Community Association and was a member NJTPA’s UpNext focus group on NJ’s long-range transportation plan for the year 2050. Vincent has successfully presented projects approval at the Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken, NJ planning boards.