The Studio
Led by Mark de Reus, Dan Dzakowic, John Rowland and Christopher Strahle, the firm is supported by a talented staff of architects and designers. Founded in 2005, the firm has offices in Sun Valley, Maui and Hawai’i. The practice is dedicated to creating luxury homes and destinations across a broad range of climates and geographies. We distill a project to its essence, exploring client aspirations, location, and culture to inspire meaningful and respectful architecture.
“I believe that good design is respectful of tradition while being evolutionary and adaptive.”
Through trust, guidance and collaboration, we create original spaces with empathy that go beyond the expected. We journey with our clients, nurturing, managing and supporting our consultants, artisans, and builders to realize the design.”
-Mark de Reus
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Mark Edison de Reus
AIA, FOUNDING PARTNER
Mark de Reus is the founding partner of de Reus Architects, an award-winning architecture and planning firm specializing in up-scale resorts, residences, and hospitality projects. Mark opened de Reus Architects in 2005 on the Big Island of Hawai’i and now has additional studios in Sun Valley, and Maui.
Over the course of his 45-year career, he has received numerous design awards and his works have been featured in dozens of publications. In 2010 Mark was recognized in Architectural Digest’s celebrated AD100, their list of the world’s best architects and designers.
Mark’s contributions to the profession include serving on design juries and service on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Art & Architecture at the University of Idaho. His civic involvement includes a role as chair of The Hawai’i Meth Project, a drug prevention program.
He has authored two books featuring homes and resorts: his first, Tropical Experience was published in 2011, his latest, Sanctuary will be released mid-2023.
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Dan Dzakowic
AIA, LEED AP, PARTNER
Since joining de Reus Architects in 2005, Dan’s expertise and experience in planning, design, and management has become a staple of the firm’s reputation.
From handling the design of custom residences throughout the world, to managing the design efforts of large complex projects like Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, clients appreciate Dan’s collaborative nature and rely on his helpfulness and responsiveness.
As Partner and Studio Director, Dan focuses on business development and the imagining of new projects at all scales.
Licensed in the states of Hawaii and Nevada.
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John Rowland
LEED AP BD+C | SENIOR ASSOC
Mr. Rowland has over 18 years of experience managing residential and commercial projects including the schematic design phase of the Makena Hotel Conversion. John is a methodical team building leader who is particularly effective at keeping the larger design issues in focus while coordinating the internal and consultant teams. He is particularly adept at maintaining the balance of well-conceived architectural details, while working within approved budgets.
John has been involved in many of the firm’s most notable projects including the Ka’upulehu Beach Club, the Kuki’o Golf Club and significant private residences.
Prior to joining de Reus Architects in 2005, John Rowland worked for several firms in Boise, Idaho, both large and small and on his own prior to getting his Master’s Degree.
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Christopher Strahle
D. ARCH, ASSOC. AIA PROJECT MANAGER
Returning to the firm after joining de Reus as an intern while completing his degree, Christopher has worked on a variety of project types including residential, commercial, government and master planning.
He received his Doctorate in Architecture from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa where he studied tropical regionalism and environmental design. He was recognized as a sustainable adviser for fellow students while working as an assistant Professor at the School of Architecture.
Prior to returning to his hometown of Waimea and joining de Reus Architects, he completed his doctorate practicum in New York City while working as a junior designer with Kohn Pedersen Fox and volunteering with New York Urban Green. He also spent time in Texas where he assisted in the new additions to the Dallas World Aquarium and was an Associate AIA Committee member.
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Lisa Pimental
OFFICE MANAGER
With her many years of administration and management experience Lisa is an integral part of our architectural team from the design development phase through construction.
Lisa rejoined our firm as Office Manager after nine years as part of the management team in the construction industry. Her direct responsibilities included both construction and general contracting services.
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Mark Thompson
ARCHITECT
With 27 years of design and management experience over a range of projects, Mr. Thompson joined the firm as a key team member on the Makena Golf & Beach Club.
His past experience includes high-end residential projects as well as corporate, civic, health facilities and hospitality, project management.
Prior to moving to Idaho, he lived in Connecticut, New York and the US Virgin Islands working on projects in Colorado and Wyoming and large scale institutional projects throughout the Northeast.
Licensed in the US Virgin Islands.
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Lindsey Akiona
JOB CAPTAIN
NA
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Brandt Loo
PROJECT MANAGER
Since joining the firm in 2013, Brandt has proven he is a passionate and effective team player with a strong work ethic.
Following graduation, Brandt worked for Egg Ventures, LLC doing design and construction work on high-end remodels in Salt Lake City. He then transfered to Icon Home, LLC where he specialized in both spec home and custom home deisgn.
Since moving home and joining de Reus Architects, Brandt has worked on a wide array of custom residences and luxury hospitality projects throughout the country.
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Josh Melling
ASSOC. AIA DESIGNER
Growing up on the Big island of Hawaii, with a background in residential construction, Josh joined the firm in 2015 as an intern. Having moved to Idaho, now works in the Sun Valley studio.
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Dylan Snelling
DESIGNER
NA
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Kelly Lynk
BOOKKEEPER
NA
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Spencer Woodard
JOB CAPTAIN
Working remotely from Utah, Spencer joined dReus Architects with approximately 20 years of drafting/design experience under his belt.
His work experience has included commercial, hospitality and custom residential project types for various multi-disciplinary firms, throughout all stages of the design/construction processes. Spencer built his design resume upon a foundation of construction knowledge inherited while growing up around his father’s residential construction company, which focused on custom homes in Park City, Utah. His current primary focus is the Makena Golf & Beach Club project, where he has been involved since 2014, including his time with another firm on the project.
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Ray Chen
DESIGNER
Born on Oahu, Ray holds a B.Arch from USC. Prior to joining the de Reus’ Waimea studio in 2021, Ray worked for other firms in Asia.
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April Levasseur
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
April is the Executive Assistant for the de Reus team, running the daily operations for the Sun Valley Architecture Office. With over 17 years of administrative experience, a strong focus on professionalism, dedication, extensive service, and communication skills. April’s scope extends beyond assisting, coordinating, and planning, she also assists the team in marketing projects.
When you don’t find her in the office you can catch her snowboarding in the winter and on the trails hiking and learning to dirt bike in the summer.
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Steven Thornton
PROJECT MANAGER
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