Chronister and Koo promoted at Helpern Architects

According to David Helpern, FAIA, founder and president of Helpern Architects - a NYC architecture firm known for its plans and designs for institutional and commercial clients Lisa Chronister has been named its newest principal, and Jahae Koo was named a senior associate. Both newly-promoted architects are members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and accredited as LEED professionals by the US Green Building Council. "With the promotions of these two excellent professionals, our next generation of leaders starts to take its rightful place," said Helpern. Chronister joins Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, and Olivier Vidal, AIA, as the third of the firm's principals. Lisa Chronister joined Helpern Architects in 2006 and became a senior associate in 2007. She currently serves as project manager for the renovation of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library at the United Nations and is responsible for the firm's Con Edison projects. She holds a master of Architecture degree from the Pratt Institute and a bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma. One of national AIA's 2003 Young Architects Award recipients for "exceptional leadership in design and service to the profession," Chronister represents the AIA to the National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB), which reviews and reports on the academic quality of accredited architecture schools throughout the U.S. She has served as adjunct professor of Architectural Practice at the New York City College of Technology, and will resume teaching there this coming Fall. Koo joined Helpern Architects in 2008. She currently serves as project manager for Columbia University's Knox Hall, which entailed converting a landmark-quality seminary building to academic use. She is also project manager for assignments from Trinity Real Estate, the landholding arm of one of the oldest parishes in the US. She holds a five-year bachelor of Architecture degree from Cornell University.