Principal, Adaptive Reuse Practice Leader, SOM
Frank Mahan, a recognized leader in adaptive reuse, believes that architects can save embodied carbon while reviving our most cherished cultural landmarks. He begins projects with deep research in order to understand a building’s history before shaping its next life—a method he has applied in the redevelopment of icons like the Waldorf Astoria and James A. Farley Post Office. Among his other most notable works are some of SOM’s own legacy projects, including Lever House and 9 West 57th Street. In 2025, Frank was appointed to serve on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, the largest and most sophisticated municipal preservation agency in the United States. He has been recognized with the AIA Young Architects Award and has been named to Building Design+Construction’s 40-Under-40 list.
