Global architecture and design firm HLW recently welcomed new leadership in its New Jersey office, with Christopher Townsend and Erin Vasold serving as co-studio directors at the Madison location.

According to the firm, the dual appointment reflects a commitment to innovation through collaborative leadership. The move also keeps the global firm grounded in the region by elevating professionals with deep local roots, strong client relationships and a dedication to design excellence.

HLW’s Madison office dates to 2013 and employs about 30 team members, a spokesperson for HLW told NJBIZ.

Together, the new leaders will collaborate to foster mentorship and professional growth in the New Jersey practice. HLW said their combined experience and longstanding relationships will also help to drive business development from the Morris County outpost.

“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, 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.”

According to its website, the New Jersey office specializes in architecture and design projects ranging from corporate campuses to multifamily developments. Featured work includes Eisai’s headquarters at ON3 in Nutley and GSK spinoff Haleon’s bespoke U.S. base under construction at The Park in Berkeley Heights.

Meet the new leaders

Townsend brings more than 25 years of experience in base-building and interior architecture. According to his LinkedIn profile, Townsend joined the firm in 2018. His portfolio includes those Eisai and Haleon projects, as well as work for Everest and Kering Americas.

As a registered architect, Townsend also brings extensive experience collaborating with commercial developers, HLW noted, adding he has worked closely with Shim on base building opportunities throughout the New Jersey marketplace.

With the firm for eight years, Vasold is known for her hands-on approach and solutions-oriented mindset, according to HLW. The multidisciplinary leader brings over 20 years of industry experience and has guided projects from concept through completion across commercial, financial, workplace and life sciences sectors. Clients include Avantor, Mars Wrigley and Prudential Financial.

Townsend and Vasold succeed former Managing Director Melissa Strickland in the role, who moved on to JLL earlier this summer.