by: AIA New York
New Hires and Promotions
Spectorgroup has announced the addition of Senior Designer Gergana Tzolova to its New York City team. In her new role, Tzolova will draw on 10 years of experience across the hospitality and commercial sectors, furthering Spectorgroup’s commitment to connecting people to their environment through research-backed design solutions.
After a global search, Meier Partners has announced the appointment of Kevin Thomas as Managing Principal. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Thomas brings over 25 years of experience in the design and delivery of complex architectural projects. His design philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, prioritizing people, community, and timeless architecture.
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum has announced the appointment of Elissa Black as deputy director. Deeply experienced in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors, she brings more than 20 years of executive leadership to the role. She has worked nationally and internationally on strategy, vision and short- and long-term planning for museums and cultural organizations, overseeing the development and implementation of dynamic cultural programming, as well as managing complex financial and administrative functions.
Susannah C. Drake, FAIA, FASLA, Founding Principal of DLAND Studio, has started a new position as ULI NY Climate and Sustainability Council Member at Urban Land Institute.
Promoted to Senior Associates, Justyna Mrowiec-Chun and Jena Rimkus are designers who conceived and oversaw the construction of some of FXCollaborative’s most notable projects such as Columbia University’s Business School and 888 Boylston Street in Boston. Conner Thackara and Melanie Yaris have been promoted to the Associates group, advancing FXCollaborative’s practice through their use of design technology and expertise in marketing.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Honors and Awards
Canstruction returned to Brookfield Place on October 31! The annual design competition challenged teams of architects, engineers, and contractors to build sculptures made entirely out of unopened cans of food. The large-scale sculptures were displayed in an exhibition open to the public during the first week of November and later donated to City Harvest to help feed those in need. On November 4, a distinguished panel of judges including Gia Mainiero, Principal, Dattner Architects; Alastair C. Elliott, PE, Principal, TYLin | Silman Structural Solutions; Jennifer Krichels, Editor, Oculus Magazine; Claudia Fleming, James Beard Award-Winning Pastry Chef and Executive Culinary Director for Daily Provisions; and Priyanka Naik, Eco-Chef, Food Network Champion, Author, and TV Host, selected the winners.