Hana Kassem

Hana Kassem is an Adjunct Associate Professor at The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, Cooper Union, and a Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), with nearly 30 years of global architectural experience. Her work emphasizes sustainable, human-centric design to foster equitable and enriching environments. She leads high-profile projects such as the Red Hook Houses Resiliency and Recovery (NYCHA) and the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center in NYC.

Kassem’s professional affiliations include roles as VP for Design Excellence on the AIANY Board of Trustees, founding chair of the AIANY’s Leaning Out | Women in Architecture panel, and member of the Van Alen Institute’s Executive Board. She spearheaded the Neighborhoods Now initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, mobilizing architects to support communities. She also serves on the Mayor’s Advisory Council for NYC’s post-pandemic reopening.

Her academic contributions include teaching at Yale School of Architecture and Parsons School of Constructed Environments, focusing on experiential engagement with marginalized communities. She co-edited the book *Architect d.b.a | On Re-defining the Roles of the Architect Today*, advocating for expanded architectural roles in societal challenges.

Kassem’s design philosophy integrates environmental stewardship, social equity, and resilience, reflected in her global portfolio spanning academic, cultural, and mixed-use projects in Brazil, France, the Philippines, China, and the U.S.