Our Story

Located in New York City, Napach Design Group (NDG) was founded in 1990 on the principle that architecture is a service. Joel Napach, Founder & President, believes that architecture is much more than the sculpted construction of parts and concepts, but a reflection of the people who inhabit a space. At NDG, we strive to create spaces that not only address our clients’ needs but also stimulate the activities and experiences that will be conducted within these spaces.

Our clients always come first. NDG’s team of highly experienced architects and designers listen carefully to clients to understand project requirements, aesthetic tastes, budgets, and time frames. We recognize that the clients’ concerns about schedules and budgets are as important as their concerns about aesthetics. From schematic design through the construction phase, we routinely make extra site visits. It is vital to continuously monitor construction to verify progress, ensuring key milestones and design goals are being realized.

For close to 30 years, we have designed a variety of projects for various institutional and private clients. The project types include but are not limited to private residences, student and faculty housing, classrooms, eateries, offices, collaborative work and learning environments, laboratories, performance spaces, and multi-purpose conference centers.

Here at Napach Design Group, we understand that an architectural project never ends – when the design and construction phases are completed, the life of the project is only just beginning.

Our Team

Joel Napach

President
Joel is the Founder & President of Napach Design Group. With more than 30 years of experience, he has an extensive background in educational, commercial, and residential design. Joel’s attention to detail, quality results, and cutting edge designs make him a leader in the architecture and design realms. He can often be found working alongside his design team leaders at meetings, site visits, design sessions and is involved in all aspects of a project from start to finish, making sure the final product exceeds the clients expectations.
Susan Torenli

Senior Designer
Susan has over 20 years of experience designing projects for Napach Design Group’s clients. A highly organized and exceptional designer, she brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the design aesthetic and budgetary concerns that are a key component of most design projects. Susans ability to really understand a clients vision and translate that to their design is what makes her an integral part of the NDG team.
Yukako Hiraide

Senior Designer
Yukako has 15 years of experience in educational and commercial design. She leads overall design implementation and coordination with all design disciplines and performs construction administration from project start to punch list and closeout. Yukako spearheads RFI and shop drawing process for all disciplines.
Melissa Long

Project Architect, Associate
Melissa Long is a registered architect in Illinois and Connecticut. With over a decade of experience she now leads Napach Design Group’s educational projects. Passionate about collaborative space Melissa draws inspiration from all places people gather across New York City. She works closely with Joel and the team to ensure a comprehensive deign from kick off to close out.
Steven Armstrong

Project Architect
Steven has over 10 years of experience spanning residential, commercial, and institutional projects throughout NYC. His work reflects a strong foundation in construction and a passion for thoughtful, context-driven design. Steven has contributed to a range of projects, including university housing, cultural venues, interior renovations, and adaptive reuse. Known for his hands-on approach and coordination expertise, he is committed to delivering design solutions that are both creative and technically sound.
Carmelo Melendez

Designer
Carmelo, a Bronx native, is a valuable member of our design team. Inspired by his family’s engineering background, Carmelo enjoys tackling architecture’s complex problems with a critical eye. Proficient in the latest digital architectural softwares, such as Rhino and Revit, as well as in drawing by hand, he helps the team visualize designs.
Caroline Lopez-Ramirez

Designer
Caroline, a final year student at New York City College of Technology, began her architectural journey at 14 while at a specialized high school. Proficient in Revit and Autocad, she’s focused on adaptive reuse and residential housing projects, navigating building codes and other technical aspects.
Tess Plummer

Office Coordinator
Tess supports Napach Design Group with proposal development, project coordination, and day-to-day client communication. She helps manage schedules, organize consultant input, and prepare clear documentation for a wide range of architectural projects. Her work ensures that project goals are well defined from the outset and that teams stay aligned as work progresses.