FOUNDING PRINCIPAL

Tenzin is a registered architect and a licensed structural engineer. Tenzin is a first-generation immigrant, a first-generation college graduate, a former US political asylee, and a former undocumented immigrant. Prior to starting Studio Nyandak, he was an associate at Caples Jefferson Architects and in 2015, he was named the Robert Silman Fellow for Preservation Engineering. He cares deeply about safeguarding cultural heritage, developing architectural identity that is authentic, creativity in structural engineering, decolonization of architecture, and supporting the younger generation of architects and engineers. He is a proud dad to his beloved dog, a Tibetan Terrier named JOY.

HEAD OF OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

Claire Gillett is responsible for overseeing the firm's operations and driving its long-term growth. With a background in the humanities, Claire combines her skills in project management, communication, and design to improve internal processes and strategize for the future. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature and a master's degree in folklore studies.

URBAN PLANNER + LEGAL COUNSEL

Jordan Baker is an urban planner and attorney advising Studio Nyandak on legal, NYC zoning, planning, and business matters. Jordan holds a Juris Doctorate from New York University School of Law and a Master of City and Metropolitan Planning from the University of Utah. She is barred in New York. Prior to Studio Nyandak, Jordan was an associate at Goodwin Proctor LLP in their real estate practice. Over the course of her career, she has built a multi-disciplinary skillset that supports her love for creative and purposeful urban design.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Palden Nyima has worked on a wide range of projects from high-end residential spaces to large-scale commercial construction. He has experience with every stage of the design process, whether it be feasibility studies, accessibility, or fire life safety codes. Prior to joining Studio Nyandak, Palden worked for Steinberg Hart and Aleck Wilson Architects in California. Palden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UC Berkeley.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER

Anoushka is an architectural designer from Mumbai, India. She is interested in engaging with architecture through culturally meaningful materials and construction methods, and by designing places that are sustained through use and care. Anoushka received her Master of Architecture from Columbia GSAPP, where she is also currently teaching in an Associate Faculty position, and her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Princeton University. Her research and writing is concerned with land and property histories and expanded representation techniques in design. She loves cooking and has recently been learning to weave.

SENIOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Kevin Cheng has over 27 years of experience as a structural engineer in New York City. He is a licensed professional engineer with a broad range of experience working on private and public projects. He is very knowledgeable in structural analysis and structural design for wide varieties of building types, structural systems and construction materials. He is well versed in assessing and designing solutions for existing buildings as well as new buildings. Kevin holds a MS in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and BS in Civil Engineering from NYU.

Naqeeb Mohammed is a versatile and creative designer with extensive professional experience. Most recently, he worked as an associate designer at Handel Architects and Guerin Glass Architects in New York City. He is well versed in Building Information Modeling and has worked on large scale developments in Atlanta, Colorado, Dubai, Mexico and New York City. Naqeeb holds a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from New York Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Architecture from Manipal University, India. He enjoys watching and playing soccer.

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER + PERMIT EXPEDITING

With over 20 years of experience, Lizette Magsamen is an expert at navigating the architecture permitting process in New York City. Along with drawing production, project management, and client interfacing, Lizette is responsible for preparing and expediting permits with the NYC Department of Buildings, Landmarks Preservation Commission, and other city agencies. Lizette holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology from the New York Institute of Technology.

STUDIO MANAGER

Yumtsokyi Bhum manages the firm’s day-to-day operations and leverages opportunities for its continued growth, connections, and research. Having spent five months conducting research with Studio Nyandak in Dharamsala, Yumtsokyi is motivated by how both offices blend cultural heritage and innovative design. She holds a BA in urban studies with a minor in East Asian studies from Barnard College, and her previous work experiences at the New York City Housing Authority and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development have centered around affordable and public housing policy.

CONSULTANT

Joy the Tibetan Terrier takes her work at Studio Nyandak very seriously. She is responsible for … being cute! In her spare time, Joy enjoys playing with her friends at the local dog cafe, rolling in the grass, and eating treats. Her favorite foods are tsampa, momo, cheese, and pizza crust. There is nothing more ecstatic to her than running around and being chased by a slightly less agile dog in the open grass.

ARCHITECT

Passang Tashi was born in eastern Tibet, where he lived for six years before moving to Bylakuppe, India. Like other members of the Studio Nyandak team, he was educated at TCV boarding schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Christ College in Bangalore. Now as a professional architect, he aims to preserve the rich and diverse Tibetan culture through thoughtful design and research work. He believes in bridging the gap between modern advancements and traditional Tibetan heritage, creating spaces that serve a practical purpose and reflect the essence of his roots

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Born in central India, Dechen Tsogyal moved to Dharamshala as a child to attend the upper TCV boarding school. She completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Government Engineering College of Bilaspur, before working as a junior engineer in South India, where she managed the labor, materials, and construction flow on a 3-story monk’s quarters and residence house. At Studio Nyandak, she makes sure that the technical components and details are precise, complete, well-coordinated, and clearly presented.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

With a clear understanding of construction processes and strong interpersonal skills, Tenzin Choeyang works collaboratively to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Tenzin has worked on a range of projects, including stupa, cabins, and group housing, and has served as a site engineer for the Central Tibetan Administration. Tenzin holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Lovely Professional University. He is fond of cars and cabins and enjoys gardening and playing soccer.

ARCHITECT

Tsering Yangchen graduated from the Indo Global College of Architecture in Punjab, India. Tsering is a native of Himalayan region of Purang, which borders Tibet and north-western Nepal. She joined TCV Gopalpur school near Dharamsala when she was 7 years old. As the first member of her family to pursue higher education, Tsering takes great pride in the opportunity to work with Studio Nyandak. At Studio Nyandak, she is working on multiple pro-bono projects in and around Dharamsala.

ARCHITECT, CENTRAL TIBETAN ADMINISTRATION

Originally from Tibet, Wangyal’s fascination with art and engineering began as a child when he visited the sculpture of Buddha in Lhasa. After moving to India in 2003, he completed a Bachelor of Architecture from Lovely Professional University. He works under Studio Nyandak as the in-house architect for the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) Department of Home. In addition to supporting more than 30 ongoing projects across India, he is involved in designing affordable housing complex in Agling Tibetan Settlement, Ladakh. His goal is to create environments that promote mental and physical well-being by integrating aesthetic, functional, and sustainable practices.

BUSINESS ANALYST + STUDIO MANAGER

Born in Eastern Tibet, Gangchen Dolma moved to India in 2006 and joined TCV Chauntra for primary schooling. She subsequently completed a B.Sc. in Physical Science and a Masters of Operational Research from Delhi University. She has a keen interest in data analysis and decision-making strategies. Prior to joining Studio Nyandak, Gangchen worked at All India Radio as a News Announcer and Translator.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Stanzin Stankong is a native of Zanskar region in the remote Himalaya. He recently graduated from Government College of Engineering and Technology in Jammu, India. Prior to that, he went to TCV Selakui and TCV Lower Dharamsala for high school. He is assisting the studio by collecting useful information about the Zanskar monasteries by interviewing local monks and nuns. He is responsible for our research projects in Zanskar. As the project manager of our research and preservation work in Zanskar, he is responsible for documenting and protecting this precious cultural heritage of a region that is undergoing rapid changes.

STRUCTURAL ENGINEER

Ngawang Yeshi graduated with a B Tech. in Civil Engineering from SRM University. He has a keen interest in crafting beautiful architectural residential buildings. With Studio Nyandak, Ngawang is excited to enhance his skills to design structures that blend functionality with creativity. His goal is to become a successful engineer known for pushing boundaries of architectural design and construction. Ngawang also enjoys sports and fitness.

RESEARCHER, TEMPLES OF TIBET

Lhachok works with Studio Nyandak as a researcher on the Temples of Tibet project. He uses his background in software engineering and data science to gather and verify satellite images of monasteries across Tibet. His work contributes to a better understanding of the profound architectural changes that happened in Tibet during the Cultural Revolution. Lhachok holds a bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering and an MSc in Data Science and Business Analytics from Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.