Frank J. Quatela is the Principal Architect and founder of Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C., a New York-based architecture firm delivering comprehensive design and technical services for complex urban development projects. Since 2009, the firm has provided full architectural services for a range of building typologies, with a strong concentration in multi-story, high-rise, multi-family, and mixeduse developments throughout the New York metropolitan area and beyond. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Quatela brings a high level of technical precision and regulatory fluency to every phase of project delivery — from feasibility studies and zoning analysis to construction documentation and agency approvals. His firm is known for its ability to navigate complex urban sites and respond effectively to local building codes, zoning resolutions, and DOB processes, while maintaining design integrity and constructability.
Mr. Quatela earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the New York Institute of Technology in 1996 and began his professional career in 1995. His early work in both design - build and traditional practice environments gave him critical exposure to construction methodologies, cost control, and interdisciplinary coordination—skills that remain foundational to the firm’s approach today. He is a Registered Architect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas, and holds certification from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), enabling him to support regional and multi-state development portfolios. His professional leadership includes service as President of the AIA Queens Chapter, membership on Queens Community Board 407, and active participation in STEM education initiatives. He also sponsors internship programs for emerging professionals and international trainees, reinforcing his commitment to architectural mentorship and workforce development. Quatela Architects continues to partner with developers, consultants, and municipal stakeholders to deliver efficient, code-compliant, and scalable design solutions that meet the demands of high-density urban living and long-term community growth.
ABOUT OUR COMPANY
Principal Architect | Frank J. Quatela Architect, P.C.
QUATELA ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECTURE |DESIGN |INNOVATION
• Residential Architecture
• Mixed-Use & Commercial Development
• Interior Architecture & Space Planning
• High Detail Permit & Construction Drawings
• As-built Documentation
• Experience with Zoning Analysis and Zoning Changes
— Affordable Independent Residences for Seniors (AIRS)
— Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA)
• Consultant Coordination
• Shop Drawings / Detail Drafting
• 2D CAD / Revit Drafting
CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING
NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Board) Certified
FEMA National Incident Management System
FEMA Incident Command System
Past President & Secretary - American Institute of Architects, Queens Chapter
Licensed New York City Special Inspector
LICENSED TO PRACTICE
New
New
Connecticut
Florida
345 BALDWIN
Luxury Rentals • High-rise Construction • New Jersey Development
345 Baldwin Avenue is a 13-story mixed-use development in the rapidly transforming Journal Square neighborhood of Jersey City. Located on a prominent corner lot at Baldwin Avenue and Washburn Street, the building includes 116 apartment rentals, a corner commercial retail space, private garage parking, and a variety of amenity spaces such as a fitness center, lounges, conference and study rooms, and interior and exterior rooftop areas. The design emphasizes a modern aesthetic aligned with the neighborhood’s revitalization efforts. Its facade features durable white and blue fiber cement panels paired with expansive black-framed windows. These soft-toned materials maintain a contemporary feel without overwhelming the streetscape.
The unique site—adjacent to an undevelopable train route—preserves unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline and ensures continued access to natural light on all sides. This context informed both the window placement and the planning of a central core layout, which maximizes dwelling unit sizes and daylight access. All residential units enjoy views and natural light from multiple directions, while circulation and service areas remain centralized and discreet.
345 Baldwin Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Developer: Titanium Realty Group
Status: Completed - August 2023
13-Story | 116 Dwelling Units | ± 130,000 sf
“Designed to activate both street and skyline, this project balances scale and softness, contributing to the revitalization of Journal Square with purposeful, modern architecture.”
BALDWIN AVENUE
413 SUMMIT
Luxury Rentals • High-rise Construction • Mixed-use
413 Summit Avenue is a 19-story mixed-use residential tower located in the heart of Journal Square, Jersey City. The development includes 148 rental units, ground-floor retail, and a range of amenities such as a fitness center, co-working areas, resident lounge, and a rooftop terrace with views of Manhattan and the surrounding skyline.
The building’s design employs a clear visual hierarchy: a bold, masonryclad base grounds the structure and engages the streetscape with weight and permanence, while the setback tower above is wrapped in glass to create a lighter, more transparent presence. This contrast reduces the perceived scale of the building, helping it integrate more sensitively into the surrounding context.
The interior layout follows a central core configuration, allowing units to maximize natural light and views while keeping circulation and services efficient. The building’s form and materiality respond to both the dense urban fabric and the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization, making 413 Summit Avenue a striking and thoughtful addition to the Jersey City skyline.
413 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Developer: Titanium Realty Group
Status: Completed - August 2023
19-Story | 148 Dwelling Units | ± 125,000 sf
“With its grounded brick base and elevated glass tower, the building creates a dynamic composition that respects the street while reaching toward the skyline.”
The “Altara” development is an 8-story residential building located at 44-14 Douglaston Parkway in Queens, offering 49 thoughtfully designed rental units ranging from studios to two-bedrooms. Positioned within the historic Douglaston–Little Neck neighborhood, the project blends contemporary living with contextual sensitivity.
A distinctive ribbon element wraps the façade, introducing a sense of movement and modernity, while traditional brick grounds the building and pays homage to the neighborhood’s classic architectural character. This interplay of materials helps the building stand out while still respecting the surrounding residential scale.
Amenities include a landscaped courtyard, rooftop terrace, fitness center, lounge, and private parking with EV charging. Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open-plan kitchens, in-unit washers/ dryers, and balconies with park or skyline views. With its proximity to transit and green space, Altara offers a balanced living experience at the intersection of nature and city life.
44-14 Douglaston Parkway, Douglaston, NY 11363
Developer: Difiore & Sons
Status: Completed - 2025
8-Story | 49 Dwelling Units | ± 35,000 sf
“Altara’s
floor plans prioritize light, flow, and flexibility— delivering bright, open spaces that feel both spacious and tailored for modern living.”
FIRST FLOOR & TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
241-15 NORTHERN
Luxury Rentals • HPD PFASH / AIRS • Mixed-use
“Luxe by Russo’s” is a mixed-use, 6 story building that offers 54 rental unis located at 241-15 Northern Boulevard. This project was selected to be part of the Housing Preservation and Development for PFASH (Privately Financed Affordable Senior Housing) program as an AIRS (affordable independent resident for seniors) project, which includes 16 affordable rental units for seniors. Inspired by the American Tudor Revival homes, the project features brick and stucco exterior, large gables, a shingled roof, with tall multi-pane windows and decorative timbering and accents. The project includes two levels of community facilities and ground-floor retail, offering a variety of services designed to support and enrich the neighborhood’s social and communal life.
Among the highlights of the project is a public accessible rooftop with views of Queens and the Manhattan skyline, private terraces on lower units and 2 double-height amenity spaces with large corner windows. This project is situated at the entrance of Douglaston Manor and aims to serve as a welcoming entrance to the neighborhood. As such, it proudly showcases design features that highlight the local architecture.
241-15 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11362
Owner: Luxe by Russo’s
Status: Completed - 2023
6-Story | 54 Dwelling Units | ± 57,000 sf
“Rooted
in Douglaston’s Tudor Revival tradition, this project reinterprets classic architectural language through a modern lens—blending historic charm with contemporary living.”
157 WESTCHESTER
Luxury Rentals • High-rise • Contextual Design
The development located at 157 Westchester Avenue is a 15-story mixed-use residential development, situated in the heart of Port Chester, New York, offering 188 dwelling units. Positioned adjacent to the iconic Capitol Theatre, the building is designed to contribute a bold yet contextual presence to the evolving downtown streetscape.
The ground level features an active retail frontage framed by a series of signature arches—an architectural gesture inspired by the historic theater next door. This arcade of arches creates a dynamic pedestrian experience while paying tribute to the neighborhood’s cultural legacy. Above, the building is clad in a modern palette of grey toned panels with generous windows.
The building’s plan features a concealed circulation core, allowing all residential units to be positioned along the perimeter facades. This configuration maximizes access to natural light and expansive views, while also enhancing the quality and efficiency of each unit. The result is a modern, urban living environment that thoughtfully blends contextual sensitivity, architectural clarity, and resident well-being.
157 Westchester Avenue, Portchester, NY 10573
Developer: Titanium Realty Group
Status: In progress - Estimated Completion 2026
15-Story | 188 Dwelling Units | ± 205,000 sf
“Referencing
the iconic forms of the Capitol Theatre, the arches at street level establish a visual dialogue between the past and present, honoring Port Chester’s cultural legacy.”
155 Irving Avenue is a 12-story residential building located in the village of Port Chester, New York. The development introduces 181 luxury rental units, supporting the area’s ongoing revitalization with high-density, transit-oriented housing.
The building presents a clean, contemporary façade with a balanced mix of materials and subtle articulation that breaks down the massing and adds depth. Vertical and horizontal design elements create a rhythm along the elevation, contributing to a strong street presence.
Interiors are designed for efficiency and comfort, with a variety of unit layouts to accommodate diverse resident needs. Select amenity spaces—including communal lounges, fitness areas, and outdoor terraces—promote connectivity and enhance daily living.
Located just minutes from the Metro-North station and downtown Port Chester’s retail and dining core, 155 Irving Avenue offers walkable, well-connected living in one of Portchester’s most rapidly evolving communities.
155 Irvving Avenue, Portchester, NY 10573
Developer: Titanium Realty Group
Status: In progress - Estimated Completion 2026
12-Story | 181 Dwelling Units | ± 190,000 sf
“Combining thoughtful design with high-density housing to support the village’s continued growth, this project aims to enhance the local streetscape while delivering quality, efficient living spaces for a diverse community.”
PARTIAL TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
MDM Development
High-rise • HPD MIH Program • MTA Contextual Design
The MDM Development is located at 23-83 31st Street. It is a 13-story mixed-use building located in the heart of Astoria, Queens. Situated directly adjacent to the MTA elevated railroad, the project embraces its transit-oriented location within a bustling urban corridor.
The building includes 80 residential dwelling units above the ground-floor commercial spaces, following a classic high-rise apartment layout typical to New York City. A central linear corridor runs through each floor, with apartments positioned along the exterior façades to maximize natural light and ventilation.
The façade combines durable brick with stucco and panel elements, all finished in colors that reflect the local Astoria context. This palette and material selection ensure the building fits seamlessly into the established streetscape while offering resilience and timeless appeal.
Designed for both functionality and context within Astoria’s evolving streetscape, the MDM Development along 31st Street adds practical and contextually sensitive housing to Astoria’s diverse fabric.
23-83 31st Street, Astoria, NY 11105
Developer: Difiore & Sons
Status: In Progress - Estimated Completion 2027
13-Story | 80 Dwelling Units | ± 125,000 sf
“The project embraces its transit-oriented location, offering practical, accessible housing that fits seamlessly within character of Astoria’s vibrant urban fabric.”
TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
LIVONIA 04
Affordable Housing • HPD ELLA Program • Mixed-use High Rise
Livonia 04, located at 450 Powell Street in Brooklyn, is a 14-story, 100% affordable residential project developed under HPD’s ELLA program. Comprising 283 thoughtfully designed dwelling units, the building offers much-needed housing opportunities within a dynamic and evolving neighborhood.
Situated directly in front of an elevated railroad, the design thoughtfully addresses the unique site conditions through durable materials and careful massing to mitigate noise and enhance resident comfort. The ground floor activates Livonia Avenue with retail spaces and storefronts, fostering a vibrant street life and providing convenient amenities for residents and the surrounding community.
The building’s layout maximizes natural light and ventilation for each unit, while common areas encourage social interaction and community engagement. Livonia 04 stands as a model of affordable, high-quality urban housing that balances functionality with a strong sense of place. This project not only supports Brooklyn’s housing needs but also contributes positively to the neighborhood’s ongoing revitalization.
450 Powell Street, Brooklyn, NY 11212
Developer: Radson Development
Status: In progress - Estimated Completion 2027 14-Story | 283 Dwelling Units | ± 220,000 sf
TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN
“This 100% affordable housing development redefines what urban housing can be: responsive to context, driven by need, and designed for lasting impact.”
“Defined by context, the massing at Livonia 04 creates a thoughtful urban rhythm—anchoring the corner while opening up to the neighborhood.”
1663 EAST NEW YORK
Affordable Housing • HPD Program • Mandatory Inclusionary Housing
This 8-story, 49-unit residential building brings new affordable housing to Brooklyn’s East New York neighborhood. Developed under New York City’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) program, the project provides long-term, affordable units for low- and moderate-income households, supporting the city’s broader goals for equitable neighborhood development. By adding affordable units to a growing residential area with access to transit and neighborhood services, this project supports East New York’s ongoing development progression while reinforcing the need for equitable, stable housing options across New York City.
Designed with simplicity, efficiency, and durability in mind, the building features a clean, checkered-style façade that fits within the neighborhood scale. The material palette is modest yet resilient, emphasizing longterm performance and low maintenance. Apartment layouts are carefully planned to optimize livable space, natural light, and functional design across a mix of studios, one, two, and three-bedroom units. Each of the units are desigined to prioritze essential residential qualities, such as natural lighting, circulation, privacy, and comfort.
1663 East New York, Brooklyn, NY 11212
Developer: 1663 ENY
Status: In progress - Estimated Completion 2025 8-Story | 49 Dwelling Units | ± 40,000 sf
“This project represents a commitment to expanding affordable housing in East New York while prioritizing long-term affordability and thoughtful unit layouts.
151 GRAND STREET
Zoning Study • NYC “City of Yes” Development • Mixed-use High Rise
This zoning study evaluates the development potential of a 23-story building at 151 Grand Street, located in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan. The site lies within a mixed-use zoning district, subject to the special regulations of the SoHo/NoHo Neighborhood Plan and the underlying M1-5 zoning designation.
The analysis evaluated as-of-right development potential, including permitted uses, FAR, bulk regulations, height restrictions, setback requirements, and applicable special district controls. This zoning analysis served as a critical foundation for guiding potential redevelopment scenarios and informing feasibility studies for future use of the site.
By identifying regulatory parameters and development scenarios, the study informs design direction and feasibility for a high-density residential or mixed-use project at this prime Manhattan location.
147 & 151 Grand Street, New York, NY 10013
Status: Zoning Analysis
23-Story | Mixed-Use | ± 100,000 sf
AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAM
“Assessing
site regulations
to
maximize development potential while ensuring compliance and contextual fit.”
SITE PLAN
BEACH CHANNEL
Zoning Study • Flood-zone adaptation • Mixed-use Development
This zoning analysis study evaluates the development potential of a 7-story, mixed-use residential building with 110 units located at 14-10 Beach Channel Drive in Queens. The analysis focuses on understanding applicable zoning regulations, including permitted uses, floor area ratio (FAR), height and bulk limitations, and setback requirements specific to the site’s zoning district.
Special attention is given to waterfront zoning provisions and flood zone regulations, which influence allowable massing and design strategies. The study also considers parking, loading, and other site-specific constraints that impact project feasibility.
By thoroughly examining regulatory parameters, the analysis provides a framework to guide compliant, context-sensitive design and optimize the site’s development potential within local planning policies.
