Architecture Students Host Principal Designer Hana Kassam

Hana Kassam stands at a podium speaking to a full auditorium of architecture students
Hana Kassam speaks to Georgia Tech students about resiliency and resonance in architecture.
January 23, 2025

Architecture students at Georgia Tech recently had the rare opportunity to engage with Hana Kassem, Principal Designer at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), one of the leading architectural firms globally. Kassem, who brought extensive experience in designing for resilience and community-driven projects, was invited by student organizations, including the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) chapter and the student chapter of Equity in Architecture (EQiA), to speak with students and tour the campus.

Resilience, Sustainability, and Community-Driven Design

Kassem’s work, particularly her involvement in the infrastructure development of the historic Red Hook neighborhood in Brooklyn, exemplifies how architecture can tackle future challenges while strengthening local communities. The AIAS chapter at Georgia Tech aimed to bring a thought leader to campus who not only shared insights on architectural design but also on the need for sustainability and resilience, particularly in the face of climate crises.

Kassem emphasized the importance of adaptive design and resilience, particularly in light of recent natural disasters like Hurricane Helane. “Architecture isn’t just about creating functional spaces,” Kassem said. “It’s about creating environments that protect communities, respect local culture, and prioritize sustainability. We need to ensure that both the structures and the communities they house are prepared for future challenges.”

Swathi Kovvur, a student in the program, highlighted what made Kassem an ideal choice for the event: "The reason Hana stands out and why we chose her is because she brings an experiential level of understanding to design and strategy. Her focus in sustainability is strengthened by her commitment to understanding and helping the community, which is a lesson I think students can learn from starting now."

A Tour of Georgia Tech's Campus

Kassem gazes at a structure on a tour of Georgia Tech’s renowned campus by Architecture students
Architecture students Swathi Kovvur and Shaina Lofton show Hana Kassem the "Rapunzel" bench during a campus tour.

Following the lecture, Kassem was given a tour of Georgia Tech’s renowned campus by students from the School of Architecture. The campus itself is a living example of how design can balance modern needs with historical context, and students were eager to showcase how their education intertwines with practical, real-world applications.

The tour also allowed students to showcase various projects they’ve been working on, tackling issues such as urban resilience, adaptive reuse, and climate-conscious design. These projects align with the global push for sustainable and adaptable architectural solutions in response to climate change.

The Importance of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Architecture students pose for a picture with Hana Kassem and the School of Architecture Chair Julie J. Kim
Left to right: Swathi Kovvur, Architecture student; Shaina Lofton, Architecture student; Hana Kassem, Design Lead KFP; Julie Kim, School of Architecture Chair; Anna Demkovitch, Architecture student; Janelle Peters, Industrial Design student.

One of the key takeaways from Kassem’s lecture was the idea that addressing today’s global challenges requires collaboration across disciplines. She stressed that architects must work alongside experts from fields like sociology, psychology, and behavioral studies to design solutions that are not only technically sound but also socially and culturally resonant.

“Architecture cannot work in isolation,” Kassem explained. “We need to bring in experts from other fields, especially as we think about issues like climate resilience and sustainable development. It’s about creating solutions that are both innovative and human-centered, solutions that will last and truly serve the people they are designed for.”

Kassem’s message resonated with Georgia Tech students, who are trained to think critically about both the technical and social aspects of design.

“It’s exciting to hear from someone like Hana, who brings such a broad, forward-thinking perspective,” said Anna Demkovitch, President of Georgia Tech’s AIAS chapter. “Her emphasis on community engagement and cross-disciplinary collaboration has definitely inspired us to think beyond just the structure itself and consider how architecture can positively impact the people and environments it serves.”