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Kohn Pedersen Fox Names Five New Principals

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) is pleased to announce the promotion of Bernard Chang, Rebecca Cheng, Hana Kassem, Jeffrey A. Kenoff, and Jochen Tombers to Principal in recognition of their accomplishments and contributions to the firm.

‘KPF is delighted to welcome these five outstanding architects to the Principal group,’ said firm president James von Klemperer. ‘As the firm moves ahead, striving to deepen its expertise in realizing complex programs, innovate in technology, and make our cities more livable, these individuals will play an important role. They are key contributors to the forward-looking inventiveness of our practice, and are dedicated to realizing the highest standards of architectural design.’

Bernard Chang, AIA, HKIA

Bernard has been with KPF for over 11 years, with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. His portfolio encompasses a wide range of building types including hotel, residential, commercial, institutional, and infrastructure. Leading the Hong Kong office, Bernard serves as design and project manager for many of the firm’s most significant projects in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and mainland China as well as in Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Vietnam. Of note, he led the firm’s efforts for two of the tallest buildings in the world, the 600-meter Ping An Finance Centre in Shenzhen and the 530-meter CTF Finance Centre in Guangzhou, which includes office, residential, a K-11 mall, and a Rosewood Hotel. Looking enthusiastically to the future, Bernard said, “It is my hope, together with the Principal group, to have positive and profound influence on our colleagues, our communities, and our cities – making better places for life, work, and play!”

Rebecca Cheng, HKIA, RIBA

Rebecca has been with KPF for 14 years during which her design and project management experience has encompassed many typologies including commercial, residential, and leisure developments. Overseeing the firm’s Shanghai operations, Rebecca provides client liaison and consultant coordination for projects throughout China. Her experience includes work on the award-winning Jing An Kerry Centre, the Xintiandi Langham and Andaz Hotels, and the Harbin Bank Headquarters. Rebecca’s current projects include NYU’s new Shanghai Campus, the Shanghai Dream Center, and Dongjiadu Financial, the centerpiece of the ongoing redevelopment of Shanghai’s West Bund district, which includes 11 individual buildings rising gradually in height towards a 300-meter landmark tower around a central, landscaped park. Rebecca shared, “I’m very excited to become part of KPF Principal group, formed by talented, energetic and engaging office leaders. Together we will continue to devote our efforts to creating better urban places for people around the globe.”

Hana Kassem, AIA LEED AP

During her 16-year tenure at KPF, Hana has led the design for a variety of projects ranging from mixed-use complexes to education campuses in the United States, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia. Her recent work includes the award-winning Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, the NYCHA Red Hook Houses Sandy Resiliency and Renewal Program in Brooklyn, and the retail podium for Shanghai American Center. On her recent promotion, Hana noted, “I’m honored to be part of the accomplished and engaging group of individuals that are the Principals at KPF. I look forward to helping advance design excellence, diversity, and innovation as part of our collective mission going forward.” Hana also sits on the Board of Trustees for the Van Alen Institute. In 2016, she served as editor of the book Architect d.b.a | On Re-defining the Roles of the Architect Today, published through a grant by the AIANY.

Jeffrey A. Kenoff, AIA

Jeff has been at KPF for over 15 years during which time he has focused on international mixed-use projects, urban planning, and design technologies and methodologies. Currently, Jeff is leading the design of the Sequis Center in Jakarta, to be Indonesia’s first LEED Platinum building, well as the Huamu Center, a culture-based, mixed-use development in Shanghai. In Tianjin, Jeff led the design for Riverside 66 Hang Lung Plaza, which opened with acclaim, winning several design awards, including an AIA New York City Chapter Design Award. In regards to his recent promotion, Jeff said, ‘As we further urbanize, the main challenge facing our cities will be to prioritize livability over efficiency. Cities will need to integrate future densities, technologies, and uses in a way that amplifies connectivity, sustainability, and hopefully ‘delight’ for the billions of people that inhabit them. I’m proud to join the KPF Principal group and seek to help lead this effort with intelligent solutions and collaborations that explore these issues.’

Jochen Tombers, AKH

Jochen brings 28 years of experience to the Principal group, working on innovative projects around the world, with a particular focus on large-scale transportation complexes. His extensive portfolio is driven by the belief that good design should be approached without pre-conceived ideas, and that quality and value are best added to a project by following an analytical process. From the Abu Dhabi office, Jochen is currently leading KPF’s efforts in the Middle East including the firm’s work on the Abu Dhabi Midfield Terminal Complex which will process over 50 million travelers each year and is due to be fully operational in 2019. On his recent promotion, Jochen noted, “I’m very proud and extremely excited to join this group of talented and skilled people to lead KPF.’