Global architecture and design firm HLW announced the appointment of Christopher Townsend, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, and Erin Vasold, AIA, LEED AP, NCIDQ, as co-studio directors of its New Jersey office.
“Chris and Erin have both been integral to shaping the identity of our New Jersey office — its culture, its standards, and its reputation in the marketplace,” said Ed Shim, AIA, NCARB, managing partner at HLW. “They have played a key role in fostering creativity, curiosity, and teamwork across all their projects. They will bring that same energy and commitment to guiding the next chapter of growth for the New Jersey team, and I look forward to working closely with them as we continue to strengthen HLW’s presence in this region.”
With over 25 years of experience in base-building and interior architecture, Townsend brings a highly focused management style and a client-first approach. Since joining HLW, he has established himself as a trusted project leader across the commercial, retail and research sectors. His portfolio includes work for Haleon, Eisai, Everest, and Kering Americas, as well as projects in New York for organizations such as Venable LLP
Known for her hands-on approach and solutions-oriented mindset, Vasold has spent eight years at HLW building her career on a combination of creative versatility and operational precision. A multidisciplinary leader with over 20 years of industry experience, she has guided projects from concept through completion across commercial, financial, workplace, and life sciences sectors, earning a reputation for design rigor and an unwavering commitment to client service, with clients including Avantor, Everest, Mars Wrigley and Prudential Financial.
