by: AIA New York
New Hires and Promotions
KSS Architects, a national architecture, interior design, and planning firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Jason Chmura, AIA, LEED AP, to Partner. With an expanding portfolio of work in New York City—from multi-story urban industrial hubs to Pre-K-12 schools and housing projects, KSS continues to expand its connection to the city as a gateway to the world, and Chmura is leading the charge.
The Board of Directors of Open House New York (OHNY) announced that it has promoted Kristin LaBuz to the role of Executive Director. Part of the OHNY team since 2018, LaBuz brings a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to this position.
Toh Tsun Lim, AIA, has been promoted to Partner at PEI Architects. Tsun has held the position of principal since 2007, successfully leading the design and construction of several prominent large-scale buildings, including the 256-meter Sentra BDNI tower in Jakarta, the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, the Bank of China Private Banking Facility in Hong Kong, and the recently completed Balai Pameran Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Museum for the Sultan of Brunei.
Steven Holl Architects (SHA) has announced the promotion of Olaf Schmidt to partner. Schmidt joined SHA in 2002 and is currently leading the Ostrava Concert Hall, currently in bidding phase.
Leadership and Firm Transitions
Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) has announced new partners, honoring the legacy of Jeffrey Beers (1956-2024). His visionary leadership and unparalleled dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design. As part of JBI’s succession plan, newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, AIA, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney have come together to lead the firm and celebrate Jeffrey’s enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.
Awards and Recognitions
Roberto Bannura, partner and director at SHA, was honored with the Claude Françoise Brunet de Baines Medal, “the highest distinction awarded by the Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism of the University of Chile to those who stand out for their contribution to the Academy and to the country,” celebrating Bannura’s 25-year international professional journey, a recognition that seeks to empower younger generations of graduate students.