The Team

Founder and Principal:

Bruce Engel

Bruce Engel, established BE_Design upon returning to New York after living in Rwanda for several years. His firm focuses on educational and community projects that serve rural and underprivileged areas in Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Ghana, while also designing energy-efficient homes in New York.  Bruce's work has garnered awards and recognition, including the recently completed "Komera Leadership Center" in Rwanda.

Alain Yves Twizeyimana is a registered architect in Rwandan institute of architects (RIA) and East African institute of architects (EAIA) with an extensive design and management experience.  Since meeting Bruce at the University of Rwanda as his design student, Yves has been working with Bruce on various award winning projects including; The Women’s Opportunity Center, Doctor’s Housing for Partners in Health and the Komera Leadership Center in Eastern Rwanda.

Emmanuel Havugimana, is a registered Rwandan architect that brings his expertise in sustainable design to his role at BE_Design. With his prior experience as the assistant head of the design department at Afriprecast Ltd., he completed various affordable housing projects and schools. Emmanuel’s work with Zero Carbon Designs involved innovative projects utilizing strawboards and light-weight framing systems. He has also managed projects in Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Marie Minerve Dukunde is a registered architect in Rwanda, currently living in Ontario.  In Rwanda, she worked for the urban planning department in the City of Kigali, ensuring the implementation of the Kigali Zoning Master Plan by advising stakeholders from public and private agencies and raising public awareness on planning principles and recommended land use. 

Aziz Farid Shyaka, an architect from Rwanda, draws inspiration from his hometown's evolving landscape. His journey began working with Bruce on the Women Opportunity Center, and Partners In Health Housing in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Thereafter he joined joined Mass Design Group as a Global Health Corps Design Fellow. Aziz rejoined Bruce after founding BE_Design.