Photo courtesy Henning Larsen
Vanessa Kassabian joins an international studio to contribute to its design vision and impact, bringing her experience in translating Henning Larsen’s Scandinavian design ethos to projects across the Americas.
Kassabian will work closely with Americas director, Eric Ball and design director, Daniel Baumann, strengthening the studio’s creative vision and design presence. She brings more than 20 years of experience, most recently as principal and global design leader at DLR Group, overseeing major projects including a new Vanderbilt University Lab Building and the Paley Center for the Arts renovation. Her previous experience includes leadership roles at MVRDV and Snøhetta, with internationally recognized projects such as the Calgary New Central Library, SFMOMA Expansion, and the National September 11 Memorial Museum Pavilion in New York.
“Vanessa brings a thoughtful design perspective that aligns strongly with our values and ambitions. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to build a studio culture rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and a clear commitment to design excellence and our clients,” says Ball.
Role and vision
In her new role, Kassabian will lead the design vision for Henning Larsen’s New York studio alongside Daniel Baumann, reinforcing the studio’s commitment to design excellence and meaningful impact.
She will help drive a design agenda that elevates urban life, strengthens connections to nature, and demonstrates how architecture can be a tool for societal and environmental change. She will also cultivate trusted client relationships, enhancing the studio’s engagement with the American market, and mentor emerging design talent.
“Henning Larsen’s commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design is something I’ve long admired,” says Kassabian. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the studio’s work and helping shape projects that make a meaningful impact across the Americas.”
A dedicated educator and mentor, Kassabian has been a studio instructor at Parsons The New School and as a guest critic at Cornell University, Pratt Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Architecture from Tulane University, and is a registered architect in New York, Florida, and Texas, as well as a LEED Accredited Professional.
Global projects
Across its global studios, Henning Larsen has delivered landmark projects reflecting its Nordic design heritage, including Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, World of Volvo in Gothenburg, and QUT Peter Coaldrake Education Precinct in Brisbane. Ongoing projects include Fælledby in Copenhagen and CERN’s B777 building on the French-Swiss border.
Located in Tribeca, Henning Larsen’s New York studio continues to advance its Scandinavian design ethos through a collaborative, research-driven approach. Completed projects include the Minneapolis Public Service Building, the University of Cincinnati College of Business, and San Francisco’s Mission Rock neighborhood. Ongoing projects include the Downsview framework plan, Toronto’s Quayside waterfront district, and the Enterprise Research Campus in Boston.
