Director, KPF
Darina Zlateva has been instrumental in forming and executing the design vision of some of KPF’s flagship projects. Through her fluency in how architectural materials respond to changing conditions and her strong analytical background in math and computer science, Darina approaches challenging projects with imaginative and effective design strategies.
She takes a humanistic approach to designing workplaces and headquarters for top companies in New York and around the world. Drawing on her depth of experience, she translates corporate identity into space, creating lively, engaging environments that are flexibly planned to adapt to changing needs. Darina’s work on 245 Park Avenue revitalizes the building’s façade, lobby, and amenity spaces to cater to changing workplace needs.
At One Vanderbilt, Darina used rich materials such as glazed terra cotta, statuary bronze, and Italian marble to draw building users along a compelling journey through space. She is adept at finding elegant design solutions to complex architectural puzzles, whether large mixed-use developments that must accommodate a range of program types, or technically challenging adaptive reuse and repositioning projects. At 1411 Broadway, in the heart of Manhattan’s Garment District, she led the transformation of an unremarkable office building with an art-filled lobby and rooftop amenity that reflects the neighborhood’s creative heritage.
An active member of her architectural community, she has taught as an Adjunct Professor at both Harvard GSD, RISD, and Columbia GSAPP. In her tenure at KPF, Darina founded the Young Designers’ Forum.
