IRVINE, Calif. — (RealEstateRama) — KTGY Architecture + Planning has named Ben Kasdan, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB to the position of associate principal. In this new role leading the high-density design studio on the East Coast, Kasdan will relocate to KTGY’s Tysons, Virginia office, from the firm’s Irvine, California office, where he has held positions of increasing responsibility since 2003. Kasdan, who has worked in collaboration with the Tysons office on multiple projects during the past several years, will be splitting his time between the two coasts until his move to the Washington, D.C. area this summer.
“Ben Kasdan stands out for his multi-disciplinary abilities,” said Jill Williams, AIA, chairman of KTGY Architecture + Planning board of directors and principal.“We are excited for him to join our Tysons leadership team because of his talents with client relationships, community building, complex design, and mentoring team members.”
Kasdan has been involved in the design and planning of a wide variety of real estate projects located throughout California, the East Coast and internationally for the past 15 years. His work includes award-winning architecture for complex multifamily residential and mixed-use communities located in dense urban locations and new transit-oriented developments. In addition, Kasdan is a leader in the firm’s Student Housing practice area. He is involved with new residential communities at the University of California at Irvine, USC’s Health Science Campus and several off-site student housing developments located around the country, in California, Oregon and Wisconsin.
Some of Kasdan’s notable projects include:
m.flats in Crystal City, Virginia (Kettler) – Kettler’s m.flats Crystal City residential community is an 11-story, 203-unit concrete frame high-rise apartment community in the Crystal City section of Arlington County and strategically located two blocks from the Crystal City Metro Station. The building features a rooftop amenity with excellent views in every direction and a swimming pool and areas for tenants to relax and exercise. The apartment homes are designed for the Gen X/ Gen Y demographic; thoughtfully compact and sleek. The building’s exterior is contemporary in design and offers large expanses of glazing for residents to enjoy the views. The lobby “great room” serves as the central gathering space bridging Crystal City’s bustling 18th Street with the building’s tranquil outdoor courtyard. The Wi-Fi enabled common areas will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, media lounge and conference room.
AVA H Street in Washington, D.C. (AvalonBay Communities) – AvalonBay Communities’ inaugural apartment offering on the East Coast using its new brand geared towards younger renters in urban areas. Located within the booming H Street Corridor neighborhood of Washington, DC, the 138-unit AVA H Street targets young professionals who are interested in living close to work, entertainment, cultural, and public transportation opportunities and are less persuaded by large units in traditional apartment layouts. The apartment homes are designed to be smaller and more adaptable than typical apartments with the goal of providing unique yet moderately priced living opportunities in desirable metropolitan neighborhoods. Purposefully distinct in the use of forms and colors, the building does pay homage to its Washingtonian context with its proportions, materials, and expression of vertical bays.
Halcyon House in Costa Mesa, California (LMC) – Halcyon House Apartments brings a vibrant mixed-use community to Orange County’s Arts District. Located in the South Coast Metro neighborhood of Costa Mesa, residents are within walking distance of world-class shopping, dining, performing and visual arts venues, as well as a major center of employment for the region. The buildings are designed as Type V construction over two levels of podium along with one level of subterranean parking. The plan includes a large on-grade public courtyard between the buildings, with a dynamic pedestrian bridge connecting the two buildings at podium level and retail at the ground level. There are a wide variety of luxurious amenities for residents to enjoy including three outdoor deck areas, two pools and spas, a fitness and yoga center, dog run, dog-wash room, a bicycle “spa” repair room and several dedicated bicycle storage areas.
He is a frequent speaker and contributor of articles and blog posts on topics related to sustainable architecture, student housing, and multifamily housing to periodicals such as Professional Builder, Green Home Builder, and Builder & Developer magazines. He has also been a guest architectural design critic at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California and Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California.
As an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Kasdan is currently serving as the 2019 President of AIA California. He has held leadership positions with the AIA National (Young Architect Regional Director, Southern California 2014-2015, a concurrent role with AIA California), AIA California (2018 First Vice President, Vice President of the Academy for Emerging Professionals 2016-2017), AIA Orange County (Director of Emerging Professionals 2007-2008 and Chair of the Associates Committee 2006) and the American Institute of Architecture Students at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (AIAS Chapter President 2000-2001).
Kasdan is a licensed architect in California, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registrations Board (NCARB). He is also a LEED Accredited Professional and a graduate of KTGY’s proprietary leadership training program. Kasdan currently serves as an NCARB architect licensing advisor for KTGY. Kasdan holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree with honors from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
About KTGY Architecture + Planning
Founded in 1991, KTGY Architecture + Planning is a leading full-service design firm focused on residential and mixed-use developments and neighborhood revitalization. KTGY seamlessly delivers innovation, artistry and attention to detail across multiple design studios ensuring that clients and communities get the best the firm has to offer no matter the building type or location. KTGY’s architects and planners combine big picture opportunities, leading-edge sustainable practices and impeccable design standards to create memorable destinations of enduring value. KTGY serves clients worldwide from offices located in Chicago, Denver, Irvine, Los Angeles, Oakland, Pune and Tysons. See www.ktgy.com.
Anne Monaghan
MONAGHAN COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
830.997.0963
