Bio
Karen Cvornyek is a distinguished architect with over three decades of experience in the commercial and institutional architecture sectors. She has specialized in mixed-use, hospitality, retail, residential, and healthcare projects for both public and private sectors. Notable projects under her leadership include Canadian Embassy projects in Japan, China, Italy, and Germany, as well as the Microsoft Campus in Shanghai and several major healthcare developments in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.
In addition to realizing numerous commercial and institutional projects in Canada with KPMB and KiiA Architecture, Karen has practiced architecture throughout Asia, as well as the U.S., England, Japan, Italy, Germany and the United Arab Emirates. After practicing domestically and internationally for 15 years, Karen joined B+H Architects as a Partner in 2002 and led the firm’s practice in Asia from 2003 -2023, adding a new Montreal Studio to the practice in 2020. In 2008, she was appointed President, Asia, overseeing and growing B+H’s operations in from Shanghai to include Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam with a professional staff of more than 280 architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and urban planners.
Her strengths include development strategy, design and project management for mixed use, institutional, and numerous other sectors. She is strong at setting the project design concept and directing complex architectural, consultant and client teams from development to the realization of the project.
As an executive for 30 years in the A+D business, Karen has extensive experience in strategic planning, business development strategy, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, workplace consulting, operations and productivity models, talent management, AI approach and integration.
Throughout her career, Karen has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing and growing B+H Architects’ offices in Asia, where she served from 2003 to 2023. Her role encompassed business development, operations, innovation, and the management of complex projects across China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam.
As the first female partner at B+H, she significantly contributed to the firm’s growth and reputation in the region.
Currently, Karen is focused on leveraging cutting-edge technology including AI to enhance architectural practices and developing sustainable housing solutions to address urban challenges.
Her commitment to innovation, diversity, and inclusion within the architectural field is evident in her mentoring of young professionals and support for women in architecture.