Dawson Chak, Assoc. AIA

While completing his Bachelor of Architecture degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned academic honors that include the Rensselaer Leadership Award, Dawson took full advantage of the school’s robust internship program. As an intern at the New York City Department of Buildings, he gained first-hand experience of zoning regulations and civil penalties, conducting research and processing applications related to violation review. Dawson then spent several months interning with an architecture/engineering firm in New York, where he learned the ins and outs of the City’s Facade Inspection Safety Program (FISP, also known as Local Law 11). From FISP repairs to structural detailing, Dawson had the opportunity to contribute to facade projects from design through construction.

At Hoffmann, Dawson applies his understanding of building code enforcement and his experience with facade compliance repairs to rehabilitation projects for a range of building enclosure systems. By taking the initiative early in his career to seek out meaningful internships, he completed architecture school with the kind of hands-on building enclosure experience that many don’t attain until years after graduation. Dawson brings that ingenuity, experience, and enthusiasm to Hoffmann project teams, where he contributes to building envelope solutions for properties throughout the greater New York City area.

Outside the office, Dawson enjoys 3D printing, video games, and bowling, and he recently took up photography, capturing architecture, streetscapes, and nature. He speaks Cantonese.

Dawson is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).