Franklin Chuqui

Senior Project Manager

Franklin joined The Brooklyn Studio in 2011. Previously, he worked for Stephen Leventis Architect, where he gained experience preparing construction documents, and focused on a range of residential, commercial, and healthcare projects.

Franklin was born in Azogues, Ecuador, and emigrated to Queens when he was four years old. Proximity to the density and height of Manhattan piqued his interest in architecture at a very early age. He graduated from The Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2009.

The Proust Questionnaire

Taking inspiration from a popular nineteenth-century parlor game, we sat down with each member of our team and asked them a few questions about their inspirations and aspirations.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My happiness is enjoying a good hike in the woods with a nice vista or waterfall at end of the hike.

What is your greatest fear?

I really don’t have fears. Some things in life are out of our control and we need to thrive when challenges come up.

What talent would you most like to have?

I would have like to have musical talent, however this is an area I just don’t understand.

What is your favorite color?

My favorite color changes depending on my mood. I mostly like green or blue.

What is your favorite virtue?

Honestly and self-respect.

Which living architect or designer do you most admire?

I don’t have a favorite architect. I have spaces I like or buildings I appreciate. I enjoy the High Line, the Chrysler Building, and Fallingwater. I also like Tadao Ando’s work.

Which dead architect or designer do you most admire?

Oscar Niemeyer and Louis Kahn.

What is the trait that you most appreciate in a building?

How natural light is controlled in a space.

What is your favorite type of project to work on?

I like retail and office spaces.

Who is your favorite author?

The last book I enjoyed reading was Lost Ancient Technology of Peru & Bolivia written by Brien Foerster.

Who is your hero of fiction?

I enjoy the Marvel and DC characters.

Who is your favorite artist?

I enjoy Picasso’s work and street graffiti.

What is your most treasured possession?

The knowledge my father shared with me. Cooking and working with my hands.

Where would you like to live?

I would like to spend some time in South America and Puerto Rico.

What quality do you most admire in others?

I like people who are genuinely real and honest to themselves.

Stranded on a desert island, you have two books in your possession. What are they?

I am very practical so I would ask for How to Survive on a Desert Island and How to Get off of a Desert Island.