D’Apostrophe Design Inc & MCAD’ Architects, D.P.C.
About us
The architecture and interiors of D’Apostrophe Design are characterized by a mixture of simplicity and sensuality with a preference for primary forms. Since 1996, our design has been outcome of progressive refinement, in which materials are used to curate space and movement, that are then accentuated by composing objects and art. We are simple, clear, pure, silent, polished, minimal and relaxed.
Francis D’Haene
Principal – Lead Designer
Francis D’Haene is the founder and principal of D’Apostrophe Design. After graduating from St Lukas in Brussels, Belgium, Francis moved to New York in 1992 to pursue his design career. He quickly got his foot in the door with several freelance stints and positions in prominent high-end design firms. In November of 1996 he decided to venture out on his own and founded D’Apostrophe Design. His background in art, coupled with his vision for architecture and interior design, give him a clear design sensibility, which is prevalent in his residential, retail, and public projects. His work has received numerous awards, including Interior Design Best of Year Award and has been recognized by all the top design publications from around the world.
David McAlpine
Architect of Record – AIA
Dave received his BArch from the University of Notre Dame and later received his MS in Architecture from Columbia University. He has a wide range of experience with completed works in residential, commercial, and hospitality. He is a registered architect in the State of New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Connecticut; his license has been active for over 35 years. Dave first collaborated with Francis in 1992 and they have worked together ever since. Sharing the same design vision has allowed them to collaborate and complete several projects together over the past 25 years.
Mori Button
Director & Senior Manager
Mori Button is a Jr Partner, as well as Director & Senior Manager, at D’Apostrophe Design. She joined the studio in 2014 and oversees all architectural projects and staff. Specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects, Mori has led D’Apostrophe projects across NYC, the Hamptons, Chicago, Park City, and Los Angeles. She received a BArch from Pratt Institute in New York. Before joining D’Apostrophe, Mori held a Retail Director position, working extensively on commercial and retail projects across the US and internationally and completing over 50 luxury boutiques worldwide. Her work for Christian Louboutin has been featured in (inter)national publications and won an Interior Design BOYA award.
Khelly Koomalsingh
Senior Project Manager
Khelly received her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and English from the University at Buffalo, followed by her Master’s in Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. Prior to joining D’Apostrophe Design, her professional experience focused on the design of retail, residential, and cultural spaces with offices in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong. In addition to her architectural work, she has also been involved in various scales of design, including products, graphics, and branding.
Yann Chashanovski
Project Manager
Yann received his Masters in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Louvain, Belgium in 2015, with a thesis focused on wood framing systems. Prior to D’Apostrophe, he worked at B-architecten (Antwerp, Belgium) on higher education, urban planning, and collective housing projects involving building reuse and renovation; and at studioMDA (New York, NY) on exhibition spaces, public art, and residential projects. Curious about grassroots design, Yann has contributed to experimental and community-based projects such as MycoHouse with redhouse studio (Cleveland, OH) and Habboba Van with Elmalaz (Cleveland, OH).
Katherin Rendon
Architectural Designer
Katherin graduated from Florida International University in 2021 with her Master’s Degree in Architecture and Design. Inspired by her studies abroad and at large by Japanese architecture, her design focus is a constant exploration on the activation of the human senses through the built environment and how to harmonize these through the use of the natural world. Katherin has contributed her skills to several residential design projects in South Florida as well as several building tectonics exhibitions and large-scale 3D printing collaborations. Since moving to New York she has contributed her skills to high-end Residential Design and Gallery Design.
Emmy Sprague
Interior Designer
Emmy graduated from Parsons School of Design with her degree in Interior Design in 2019. Prior to joining D’Apostrophe, she worked and interned for NYC-based design firms focusing mainly on high-end residential design. She earned her B.A. in Art History and Architectural Studies from Trinity College (2016).
Rosalba Strada
Accountant
Rosalba earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Design from Pratt Institute. Her passion for design and functional art eventually led her to the interior design industry and D’Apostrophe. Rosalba has diverse experience, ranging from business management to project management and floral design. She is always willing to take a creative approach to problem-solving and is particularly drawn to analytical roles in a creative environment.
Francisco Rocha
Manager
Francisco is a branding strategist specializing in editorial, graphic, and digital content for design businesses and creative studios, with features in Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, and 1stDibs Introspective. His work spans graphic design, website development, social media, and award submissions, supporting long-term engagement and visibility. Francisco earned his BFA in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design and a minor in Literature from Brown University.
Cooper D’Haene
Brand Ambassador
Bark!