Seth Cohen has led and managed complex projects with VSBA Architects & Planners since its founding in 2012 and previously with Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates for 14 years.
He brings a creative, open-minded approach to the design and renovation of academic, civic, cultural, and other institutional facilities — from classroom and campus life buildings to multi-use health care centers.
He’s particularly skillful at blending old and new during the renovation of historic structures for new needs. In addition to project-related design and planning, Seth oversees much of the firm’s day-to-day operations. Seth’s work includes:
Academic
Community College of Philadelphia, Music Facility Renovation, Principal and Project Manager
Community College of Philadelphia, Skylight and Boardroom Renovations, Principal / Project Manager
Curtis Institute of Music, Art Alliance Building Renovation Study, Principal / Project Manager
Curtis Institute of Music, Lenfest Hall, Project Manager [LEED Gold]
Curtis Institute of Music, Main Building Renovation Feasibility Study, Project Manager
Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection, Main House Renovation, Project Team Member
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hassman Academic Center Basement Study, Principal and Project Manager
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Meta Christy House Renovation, Principal and Project Manager
Princeton University, Fisher / Bendheim / Corwin Halls Renovation, Project Manager
Princeton University, Frist Campus Center, Project Team Member
Rutgers University, University Archives and Special Collections at Alexander Library Planning, Principal and Project Manager
Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Cor Unum Theater / Auditorium / Chapel, Project Manager
University of Pennsylvania, Sachs Program for Arts Innovation at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Principal and Project Manager
Yale University School of Medicine, Anlyan Center for Medical Research and Education, Project Team Member
Cultural, Civic, Commercial, and Heath Care
Allentown Art Museum, Auditorium Renovation Feasibility Study, Project Manager
City of Philadelphia, Heath Center 2 Renovation, Principal and Project Manager
City of Philadelphia, , Health Center at Friends Hospital, Principal and Project Manager
City of Philadelphia, Health Center at Frankford Renovation, Principal and Project Manager
Cusack House Renovations, Principal / Project Manager
Guild House Renovations, Principal
South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center, Project Manager [LEED Silver]
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Renovations, Principal
EDUCATION
Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture, 1997
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, 2006
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Board Member, Board of Directors of the AIA Philadelphia Chapter, 2004-2005
Board Member, Board of Directors of the Center for Architecture, 2005
Associate Director, AIA Philadelphia Chapter, 2004-2005
Jury Member, AIA National Honor Awards, 2004
TEACHING
Adjunct Professor, Philadelphia University, School of Architecture and Design, 2001-2006
Instructor, The Architecture in Education Program, Philadelphia Public Schools, 1999
Instructor, Architect in the Schools Program, Rydal Elementary School, 1998
Guest Critic, Drexel University, Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia University, Temple University, University of Pennsylvania, 1998-present
LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS
GSI Partners Quarterly Meeting Presentation on the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, 2017
BuildingSuccess Presentation on the South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center, Philadelphia, 2017
“Healthy and Wise: How the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and City of Philadelphia Created a New Community Health and Literacy Center,” Presentation, National Healthcare Design Conference, Houston, 2016
“South Philadelphia Community Health and Literacy Center” Construction Tour, AIA Philadelphia, Design on the Delaware, Philadelphia, 2015
“Doin’ It All: Creating a Multiuse Educational / Residential Facility on a Dense Historic Urban Site,” tour and presentation for Curtis Institute’s Lenfest Hall, Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, Philadelphia, 2013
“A Jump in Scale: The Curtis Institute of Music Expands with the New Lenfest Hall,” 62nd Annual Meeting of ERAPPA, Philadelphia, 2012
“Lenfest Hall, Curtis Institute of Music,” AIA Regional Conference, Design on the Delaware, Philadelphia, 2011
“Lenfest Hall, Curtis Institute of Music,” Design Philadelphia 2011, Philadelphia, 2011
AWARDS
Emerging Professionals Component of the Year Award, AIA Pennsylvania, 2004
Exhibitor, Architour Amici Dei Musei di Firenze Italia, 1996