WHO WE ARE

David Marini, Founder & Executive Director

David Marini is a former United States Marine and U.S. Army Soldier. He is currently a Sustainability Educator for the Department of Cultural Affairs and a former NYC public School Art teacher. As a U.S. Marine, David was a non-commissioned Supply and Logistics Administration officer. He is Cornell University certified in the Engineering design of Aquaculture, Hydroponic and Aquaponic Systems as well as having a masters’ in Special Education. Currently he is working to attain a Permaculture and Landscape design certification. His passion is in the development of artificial regenerative ecosystems.

Teryl Chapel, Agricultural Advisor

Teryl Chapel has a diverse career history and enjoyed occupations as: Carpenter, Builder, Massage Therapist, Relationship Workshop Facilitator, Permaculture Designer, Urban Food Systems designer. He has a Masters degree in Eco-Social Design, designed and built several aquaponics gardens and a rooftop teaching garden at The J. P. Kennedy Center in Harlem New York. Teryl is a certified Heartmath “Resiliency Advantage” facilitator and Trainer of Positive Discipline for Couples and co-author of the book “Keeping the Joy In Relationships”. Teryl is a member of Eco-Restoration Camps International and co-founder with his wife Claudia, of “Virsoleil” Center for Regenerative Living and Restorative Retreats in Les Fouilloux, France, working with local and international organizations to restore habitat and regenerative agriculture practices to this beautiful region of France.

www.virsoleil.org

Robert Manning, Business Development

Robert Manning received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hampshire College. In 1987 he founded and ran a professional 24 Track recording studio in Manhattan. He utilized the first versions of synthesizers, sampling technology and drum machines to facilitate groundbreaking Hip Hop tunes like “Planet Rock” and “Walking on Sunshine”, which became Gold records. His clients ranged from The Ramones, to Leonard Cohen, to Ron Wood, Billy Idol and the Monks of the Dalai Lama, among others. He then began exploring the emerging world of Graphic Design, through programs such as Photoshop and Corel Painter. This led him to a collaboration with an expert textile printer who had mastered the analog rotary screen methods – and was now confronting the shift from analog to digital in this domain. Partnership with HP and Kimberly Clark facilitated the development of disruptive RGB color management systems and other design and workflow software. He is currently creating a partnership with a family farm in Nebraska to shift some of their regular outdoor corn and soybean, and their indoor herb production – to Hemp related products.

Johan Reyes, Founder and Design Director

Johan Reyes, AIA, received his Bachelor of Architecture from The City College of New York. In 2009 he co-founded METHOD Architects, PLLC, a New York City-based multidisciplinary design studio. Utilizing the latest technologies of 3D printing and Virtual Reality, the firm’s primary goal has been to create designs that can transform spaces and the people that inhabit them, bridging the creative and the technical aspects of space through Human-Centered Designs and Experiences. The firm has received (2) LEED-CI Gold certifications for their office designs in St. Louis, MO, and Stamford, CT. In 2019, Johan received his Master Composter Certificate through the NYC Compost Project, hosted by the Queens Botanical Garden. An advanced compost education and outreach program focusing on soil remediation and decomposition science. Johan maintains architecture licensure in over thirteen states, is a LEED-NC Accredited Professional and is an active member of Smiling Hogshead Ranch. A non-profit urban farm collective in Long Island City, New York, whose mission is to create a culture that empowers and connects communities through ecology, education, and collaboration.

www.method-architects.com