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MDG Design
Vice President
Key Contacts
Owners, Principals & Senior Executives
Matthew Rooney's Bio
Matthew Rooney is the Chief Executive Officer of MDG Design + Construction. Matthew joined MDG in 2015 and has since helped the company nearly double in size from its prior 25-year history through strategic planning with the goal of sustainable growth. He is involved in every aspect of MDG from construction to development both in the office and in the field.
He received his B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the Stern School of Business at New York University with a concentration in real estate finance. Matthew was driven to the affordable housing industry through the stories of displaced residents throughout New York City; he aims to preserve and create housing to maintain an economically diverse city. To date, he has overseen the closing of nearly 2,500 units working closely with lenders, government agencies, consultants, and his development team members to ensure a timely closing that meets the goals set by the development team. Additionally, Matthew has overseen construction and development costs of over $900 million dollars.
Michael Rooney Jr.'s Bio
Michael Rooney Jr. is the Chief Executive Officer of Metropolitan Real Estate Development and the Chief Operating Officer of Concord Management of NY. Both entities represent MDG’s development and property management arm respectively. Michael has overseen large scale development projects across NYC and has successfully managed buildings through extensive tenant-in-place renovations. However, Michael Jr.'s strength is transforming distressed properties with excessive violations and compliance issues into valuable assets. He accomplishes this by his firm belief that sound management procedures can overcome every property management problem.
Michael Jr. received his BA in Finance from Pace University and has been working in the real estate industry ever since. Michael specializes in working with community groups, not-for-profits, housing authorities, and faith-based organizations to create mission-based development projects that impact entire communities. Michael has partnered with non-profit and for-profit developers alike to come up with thoughtful solutions and alternatives to developing difficult projects. Since joining the company, MDG has expanded its catchment area to Upstate NY, Long Island, New Jersey, and Florida. Additionally, Michael is responsible for ensuring that each of MDG’s projects create opportunities for DBE, MBE, and WBE businesses. This is accomplished by utilizing government databases and through joint ventures or partnerships with local businesses in need of capital. Additionally, his ability to mobilize and engage residents by making them an integral part of the development team ensures that the voices of the community are heard every step of the way.
Michael T. Rooney's Bio
Michael T. Rooney is the founding principal of MDG Design + Construction. Michael is best known for working with local community groups and building owners to find innovative ways to develop, finance and rehabilitate residential real estate in emerging communities. Michael received his BA in accounting from Pace University in 1982 and worked for Kenneth Leventhal in tax planning for New York and New Jersey real estate developers. In 1988 Michael turned his full attention to buying and developing affordable housing in New York City. His expertise in working with HUD, HPD and HCR has made him a leader in the affordable housing industry.
Michael has been involved in the development and/or construction of over 17,500 units in over 750 buildings resulting in $1.7 billion in affordable housing development. All of these properties were in a state of disrepair when Michael became involved. Michael’s success in turning around these distressed properties is the result of his hands on approach to working with developers, community groups, investors, building managers and tenant organizations. With over 25 years of experience in affordable housing, Michael has become an expert in turning around distressed properties that have appeared to have no hope of being saved.
Nicola De Acetis's Bio
Nicola DeAcetis, AIA is the principal in charge of Design and Construction for MDG. In this capacity, Nicola has become highly regarded in the industry for his expertise and creativity to solve difficult construction issues saving both time and money for MDG's clients. Nicola sees New York's most disadvantaged properties as an opportunity for hope and urban renewal. It is his goal to bring upscale design and finishes to all affordable housing developments in New York City.
Nicola was trained at the New York Institute of Technology and received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1980. He also studied at the American University of Rome. He received his architectural license in NYS in 1984 and is NCARB certified. Before partnering with Michael T Rooney in 1989, Nicola worked as a Senior Project Manager at GSGSB, Inc., an architecture, engineering and planning firm. Nicola oversaw a team of engineers, architects, and interior designers working on various multifaceted projects in the NY area and throughout the east coast ranging from Lord & Taylor in Florida, Statue of Liberty/ Ellis Island Restoration, Calverton National Cemetery and Morgan Stanley’s 200,000 square foot computer center at One Pierrpont Plaza, that, when it was built in 1988 ended a 50 year drought of skyscraper construction in Brooklyn