MEET OUR TEAM
Baker Architecture + Design provides full architectural services with a concentration on developing creative modern solutions utilizing contemporary materials and technologies appropriate to the climate and indigenous architecture of New Mexico.
Mark Rea Baker, AIA
Principal-in-Charge
M.Arch. UCLA, 2000
In 1992, Mark moved to Albuquerque seeing it as an open-minded city welcoming of experimental architecture and a fitting place to begin his practice. With a Masters of Architecture from UCLA, a professional B.Arch degree from the University of Oklahoma, and a semester abroad at University of Central England, Mark has been recognized as a design leader and has taught studios at USC and UNM. While teaching was an enjoyable experience, his passion undoubtedly lies in the practice of architecture. Other interests include craft coffee, playing tennis, snowboarding, Pulp Fiction, Survivor, books by Vonnegut, attending live music performances, and making yearly road trips to Marfa, Texas. His trips don't end there. Mark has traveled in Mexico and across Europe, from Scotland to Italy with notable favorite cities being Prague and Barcelona. When his mind isn't on architecture, he dreams of being a singer-songwriter.
Tomas Sanchez, RA
Project Architect
M. Arch University of NM, 2005
With over fifteen years with the firm, Tomas is known as Baker A+D's right-hand man. He gravitated to architecture through his father, who designed and built their home. Tomas would study the plans, and draw from his dad's industrial design and art history books. Declaring his major in his sophomore year of high school, Tomas obtained his Masters of Architecture at the University of New Mexico, and spent a semester abroad in Europe. He is currently intrigued by the designs of Snøhetta and has always enjoyed Renzo Piano's details. He also enjoys painting, furniture fabrication, watching movies like Eyes Wide Shut, and travel (when he's not with his kids). His travels include Canada, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, and Mexico. He has also traveled to Italy, his favorite destination for cuisine.
Dania Al Kabbani
Project Designer
B. Arch, IUST 2010
Dania was born in Damascus, Syria, and moved to the U.S in 2017. She enjoys learning new things and sharing her own culture, especially food and Arabic coffee. Dania has her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from International University for Science and Technology and holds a diploma in Urban Planning and Sustainable Reconstruction from Lund University in Sweden. She loves entering architectural competitions, and has won a handful of international awards and honorable mentions. She spends time creating monochromatic black and white art, wire sculptures, and abstract character design. In 2017, she published her first graphic novel “The Cage.” She draws much of her inspiration from M.C. Escher and likes the architectural work of Libeskind, BIG Architects, and MVRDV. When her head isn't in art and architecture, you can find her hiking, doing yoga, playing drums and listening to metal music.
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Cole Cottrell
Project Designer
B. Arch, UNM 2016
Born and raised in New Mexico, Cole grew up in the mountains outside the Albuquerque area. For college he moved into the city to study Architecture at UNM. During school he developed a deep love for his city and state that inspired many of his passions. Cole loves to snowboard and hike but when he is not on a mountain or in the studio, you can find him at various LOCAL restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. Prior to joining our team, Cole was a residential kitchen and bath designer for 8 years and has worked on over 400 homes across our state. Cole has also worked on/completed various commercial projects in hospitality and retail, including 8 hotels, the New Mexico United Retail Store - Headquarters and multiple restaurants. Architects that inspire Cole often have New Mexican ties like Gaw Meem, Predock and Prince and his favorite read is “Albuquerque: A City at the End of the World”. He loves New Mexico and is inspired every day to elevate it through design.