Henning Larsen has announced the appointment of Vanessa Kassabian as Design Director to lead the design vision of its New York studio, working alongside Design Director Daniel Baumann. The appointment marks a significant step in reinforcing the firm’s design leadership and expanding its impact across the Americas.
Kassabian brings more than 20 years of international experience to the role. She most recently served as Principal and Global Design Leader at DLR Group and has previously held senior design positions at globally renowned practices including MVRDV and Snøhetta in New York. Her career spans a wide range of cultural, civic, and mixed-use projects, shaped by a strong commitment to context-driven and human-centered design.
In her new role, Kassabian will guide the creative direction of the New York studio, cultivate client relationships, mentor emerging design talent, and advance innovative architectural solutions aligned with Henning Larsen’s values.
Eric Ball, Director, Americas at Henning Larsen, said that Kassabian’s thoughtful design perspective strongly aligns with the firm’s ambitions. He noted that her leadership will help further build a studio culture rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and design excellence.
Kassabian holds a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Architecture from Tulane University. She is a registered architect in New York, Florida, and Texas, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Alongside her professional practice, she is an active educator and mentor, having taught at Parsons The New School and served as a guest critic at Cornell University, Pratt Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Commenting on her appointment, Kassabian said she has long admired Henning Larsen’s commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design and looks forward to contributing to projects that create meaningful impact across the Americas.
Her appointment underscores Henning Larsen’s continued investment in design leadership and its strategic growth in the North American market.
