DALLAS—Global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has named Vandana Nayak as the next managing director of the firm’s largest studio. Nayak has led the firm’s education practice in the U.S. Southwest region since joining the Dallas studio in 2017. She succeeds Tom Reisenbichler, who helped establish the studio more than two decades ago and will continue to oversee business strategy and performance as Regional Director for the U.S. Southwest.
“Tom has done more than lead our studio—he’s given it a heart and soul,” says Nayak. “I’m humbled to build on such a strong foundation of design excellence and community impact. This studio truly cares about elevating the quality of life for our clients and our people through innovative design, and it’s an honor to lead the team forward into our new chapter.” Nayak and Reisenbichler have been working together closely for the last year to ensure a smooth transition.
“It’s an emotional decision for me to pass the baton, but it’s one I’m proud to make because we’ve found the right person,” says Reisenbichler, who will now focus on client relationships and key projects. “Vandana embodies the bold, community-minded spirit we’ve cultivated since day one, and she’s exceptional at creating and maintaining a clear vision. I think she’s the ideal leader to keep our energy up and eyes on the future while nurturing this incredible pool of talent and delivering the caliber of work we’re known for.”
This leadership transition comes at a time of growing momentum for Perkins&Will in Dallas, having recently taken on the largest projects in the studio’s history: a multibillion-dollar pediatric hospital for Children’s Hospital and UT Southwestern Medical Center, the redesign of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, and the largest project on campus at the University of Texas at Dallas, a new Student Success Center/Student Union.
