The KPF President and Principal shared insights on the innovative design and engineering behind One Vanderbilt, Midtown Manhattan’s tallest office tower, as well as from KPF’s portfolio of complex projects around the world, ranging from supertall towers to adaptive reuse buildings.
Jamie’s keynote, “One Vanderbilt Structure: The Interplay Between Engineering and Architecture in Midtown’s Tallest Office Building,” explored the pioneering engineering and architectural strategies that shaped the KPF-designed One Vanderbilt. The presentation highlighted the use of computational pedestrian traffic analysis to optimize connections to Grand Central Terminal, the record-setting continuous concrete pour for the foundation, and the innovative steel-first core construction method. Jamie also discussed how cantilevers and diagonal transfers opened view corridors and animated the public realm, culminating in the crystalline tower top and the Summit observation deck—now one of New York’s top attractions. Additional case studies included Lotte World Tower in Seoul, Hudson Commons in New York, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Organized by the National Council of Structural Engineers, the 2025 Summit convenes practicing structural engineers, industry leaders, and creative thinkers from across the country. The annual event, held this year from October 14-17 at the New York Hilton Midtown, offered a robust program focused on technical and professional development, including sessions on best design practices, new codes and standards, advanced analysis techniques, and recent project case studies. Jamie’s keynote lecture took place on October 15, the second day of the summit, from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
