THE FOUNDATION OF EVERY COLLECTION
RESEARCH
& ARCHIVE
EVERY COLLECTION BEGINS WITH HISTORY.
Behind every original artwork is hundreds of hours of research, study, and exploration. We uncover the stories, engineering, and history that shaped New York’s landmarks and bring them to life through original illustration.
WHY RESEARCH MATTERS
Every piece in the NYC Landmarks Collection begins with original research into architecture, transit, engineering, and the people who built the city. Research ensures historical accuracy and respect for every landmark.
ACCURACY
Detailed study ensures every element is rooted in historical truth.
AUTHENTICITY
We use primary sources to stay true to the original story.
PRESERVATION
We preserve the stories that define New York City.
ORIGINAL ART
Research inspires original illustrations, not photographs.
SOURCES WE STUDY
ARCHITECTURE
Historic buildings, architects, construction documents, and architectural records.
TRANSPORTATION
Subways, elevated trains, railroads, terminals, and transit systems.
MAPS
Historic street maps, zoning maps, fire insurance maps, and city plans.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Historic photographs, construction records, and archival reference images.
ENGINEERING
Structural drawings, bridge plans, infrastructure, and technical documents.
CULTURAL HISTORY
Immigration, industry, neighborhoods, commerce, and civic development.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
RESEARCH
We gather and study historical sources.
SKETCHES
Ideas take shape through hand sketches and notes.
DIGITAL ILLUSTRATION
Original illustrations are crafted with precision and depth.
MUSEUM PRINT
Printed on archival paper with museum-quality standards.
COLLECTOR EDITION
Limited editions for collectors who value history and art.
RESEARCH GALLERY
WHY IT MATTERS
Buildings may come and go, but the stories behind them shape generations. Through research and original art, we preserve New York’s history, celebrate its legacy, and keep its memory alive for the future.
DCLA STUDIOS
28 YEARS PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH ART.
1998
NYC STAMP ILLUSTRATIONS BEGIN
BABE RUTH YANKEES PAINTING FINISHED.
2001
WTC 9/11 MEMORIAL PAINTINGS
FALLEN BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN. NYFD 343.
2006
NYC LANDMARK ILLUSTRATIONS
BRIDGES, BUILDINGS, HISTORICAL SITES.
2013
NYC TRANSIT INFRASTRUCTURE
ELEVATED SUBWAYS, , TRANSPORTATION, INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK.
2017
NYC INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
BOROUGHS, NEIGHBORHOODS, CITY HISTORY
2021
EAST COAST COLLECTION
COLLECTION EXPANDS BEYOND THE CITY.
2025
NYC LANDMARKS EXPANSION
COLLECTION CONTINUES TO GROW.