Mr Kopels pursued higher education at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 1981 where he earned a Bachelor’s degree. A testament to his educational prowess, he was one of the youngest awardees of the 1982 Fulbright Fellowship for private studies in Florence, Italy.

Mr. Kopels was launched into his career as a partner with Arc Development and a project architect of Butler Rogers Baskett Architects. He also worked at Sottsass Associates in Milan Italy and with a large firm in New York. At his current post since 1987, Mr. Kopels is the owner and architect of Ron Kopels Studio and is considered an expert in residential; commercial; and institutional projects, including art foundations and synagogues. A leader in his field, he supervises and works with a team of four other professionals.  

Aside from his professional pursuits, Mr. Merle enjoys painting and supports local and community charities. He would like to dedicate this honor in Memorium of John Hedjuk and Ettore Sottsass.