
Heather Kaan
Architectural Designer
Technical Director

Heather is an experienced architectural designer with over 20 years in the architectural industry. She has worked on a wide variety of projects, including residential, community-based, and higher education. All of this has allowed her to easily step into the role as Technical Director at DBA. Heather has a degree in Applied Science in Architectural Technology and has spent her career both designing and leading teams through every step of the design and construction process.
Heather's architectural experience started as a teenager, helping to create plans for her father, a prominent contractor. From there, she went on to get her degree and entered the workforce, already an experienced designer.
As the Hudson Valley grew in popularity and in population, Heather's career grew along with it. Working exclusively for smaller, local firms, her talent and project management quickly grew into a role of leadership. Throughout the course of her career, Heather has managed the design and construction of over 100 residential projects, along with community and institutionally-based projects.
In addition to her residential experience, Heather has worked with a number of prominent higher education institutions in the area. She worked on a programming study for the Multidisciplinary for Vassar College, a full update and remodel of Lowell Thomas Communications Building at Marist College, and various small projects at Columbia College.
Aside from architectural design and management, Heather is also an accomplished carpenter, having built her own house and briefly worked in the carpentry department of Vassar College. Her knowledge of building materials and best practices directly correlates to her ability to design quickly and efficiently with advanced knowledge of how structures will come together at every stage of the process.
Heather is committed to the Hudson Valley and the local environment and is committed to making positive contributions through material usage, renewable energy, and ecologically- minded design.
Projects
Home & Habitat
Design and Project Management of over 100 residential homes
Community, Arts & Education
Town of Philipstown Town Hall, Cold Spring NY
Eastern Dutchess County Service Center, Millbrook NY
St. George Theatre: Rigging Replacement – Staten Island NY
Special Projects
Glasshouse Complex: Private Estate, Millbrook NY
Lowell Thomas Building, Marist College Poughkeepsie NY
Qualifications
1999
Dutchess Community College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Professional Career
2021- Present
2019 - 2021
2016 - 2019
2011 - 2016
1998 - 2001
DBA, Beacon New York: Technical Director
Vassar College; Poughkeepsie New York: Carpenter
Highlands Architecture, Cold Spring New York: Project Designer & Project Manager
Hibbs Architects; Wappingers Falls New York: Project Designer & Project Manager
Edmond G. Loedy, Architect PC; Millbrook New York: Senior Project Manager