The firm of DeLaCour, Ferrara and Church Architects was founded in 1987 by Willis S. DeLaCour Jr. and Richard Ferrara, as DeLaCour & Ferrara Architects. In 2013, Mr. DeLaCour and Mr. Ferrara brought in a new partner, Kenneth W. Church Jr. The newly expanded firm is continuing in the traditions of Mr. DeLaCour and Mr. Ferrara; ensuring each project will be designed with quality, providing the same client satisfaction, and continuing the years of integrity by standing behind every project. In 2019 Mr. Ferrara retired while Mr. DeLaCour remains an active partner. Kenneth W. Church Jr. joined the firm in 1993 and during the last twenty-six years he has been involved in thousands of units of housing.

DeLaCour, Ferrara and Church Architects ( DFCA ) provides a full range of planning and architectural services specializing in housing and institutional projects for non-profit organizations. Located in Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, the firm is actively engaged in projects throughout New York City, Nassau and Suffolk counties. The residential projects have included custom renovations of single dwelling units, gut and moderate rehabilitations of multiple dwellings in abandoned structures, the construction of new multi-family housing, modular homes, community residences, supportive housing facilities, and large site campus style
housing projects.

Whether the project is large or small, institutional or residential, the process of design begins by analyzing the specific needs of the client and translating them into an effective scheme. This is accomplished by clarifying the use of the space, distinguishing between the necessary functions and desirable amenities while realizing the vision of the client. We hold a strong belief in creating contextual, harmonious buildings that also maintain their individuality. Although our style may vary depending on the client, budget and use, we endeavor to install  environmentally sustainable, durable, and long-lasting materials that compliment the design and provide an environmentally conscientious building.

Many projects have been completed for community groups and non-profit organizations such as The Bridge, Services for the Underserved, Concern for Independent Living, Inc., Project Return Foundation, Good Shepherd Services, Colony South Brooklyn Houses, Help USA, the Doe Fund, and the YMCA of Greater New York. We provide these clients with professional services for housing, recreational, and institutional facilities. In each case the client has a specific
philosophy for the service that they are providing. The architecture is suited to their distinctive needs, whether it is housing for the chronic mentally ill or families with an HIV member, a day care center, administrative offices or recreational facilities.

The firms goal is to interpret our client's needs and desires into an artistic manner that exceeds their expectations. It is the client's vision for their property that is paramount. Each project is different, and every client unique. The buildings we design reflect that diversity and are inspired by those elements and the challenges that grow from them.

At DFCA it is typical for a principal acts as the team leader, while the project manager performs the duties of design coordinator and project architect using the necessary in-house technical staff to complete the project. When necessary, the team is assisted by outside consultants such as structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, building code, accessibility specialists, landscape architects, and kitchen consultants. Additional services provided by DFCA have included feasibility studies, bank requisitions, and engineers' reports for co-ops and
condominiums, various studies and evaluation of existing buildings and systems. In conjunction with these services, the firm also prepares the documents for submission to various regulatory agencies. The DFCA works closely with the local governing agencies, such as Town Planning

Boards and Architectural Review Boards, and Building Departments on projects to meet their specific requirements. We take pride in maintaining a cohesive design in our renovations, restorations and new buildings that helps obtaining approvals and permits more successful.

DFCA is evolving with a “greening” of the firms design goals. We are focusing our efforts to providing our clients with practical and worthwhile investments for energy efficient buildings. We start with simple ideas like recycled building materials, low VOC coatings, and insulation, then progress through the spectrum to a whole building design that can include sophisticated sensors, rain-harvesting, and photo-voltaics. As a member of the Urban Green Council and the Passive House Institute of the United States we are taking an active role to address climate change and to offer an affordable solution to achieving the most comfortable and cost-effective
building. By following a comprehensive set of design principles to attain a quantifiable and rigorous level of energy efficiency.

Our goal is to provide a comfortable building that saves money and resources.
At DeLaCour, Ferrara & Church Architects P.C., we celebrate the individual merit of each project and the opportunity to make a creative statement that pleases our clients and reflects positively on their agency.