The Los Angeles office of global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has appointed a new design director to lead the LA practice further into the digital age. Yan Krymsky joined the firm last week. He will oversee the creative direction of the LA studio and lead the design of its major projects.
“Yan brings not only a strong body of design work and innovation to our team, but also personal moxie and dynamism,” says Eric Aukee, the office’s managing director. “His unique methods and fresh ideas will raise the bar and strengthen our reputation for pioneering architectural design in Los Angeles.”
Krymsky assumes the role previously held by Nick Seierup, FAIA, who served as design director for the LA office for 18 years, and who played an active role in recruiting Krymsky for the position. Following a sabbatical, Seierup will return to the practice as design principal and continue to lead select strategic projects, mentor design teams, and teach and train emerging talent.
“Frankly, this kind of leadership transition is unprecedented: rarely, if ever, does a sitting design director at a firm of our size voluntarily step aside to welcome an emerging generation of talent into a leadership role,” Seierup says. “After a 38-year career marked by many accomplishments, I was looking for a way to move to the next chapter. I’m proud to now give this opportunity to someone new – someone with fresh, bold talent who can help us reach new heights. This is a strategic investment in our sustainability.”
Krymsky, an LA native and downtown resident, is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Architecture and an active participant in downtown LA’s arts community. His work has received numerous honors and recognitions, including several AIA Next LA and AIA Honors awards. He regularly writes on the impact of computation in the process of design and has presented research at several leading universities.
“Computation is reshaping the creative process and the way we as designers think about solving problems,” Krymsky says. “Perkins&Will’s sustained commitment to research, innovation, and design excellence creates a platform for architecture of the highest caliber. I believe this is a pivotal moment for the profession and I’m deeply humbled and excited for this incredible opportunity to collaborate with the talented people in the LA office and across the firm.”
