8, Marshal Baghramyan Ave., 2nd lane
90 years of innovation and reinvention
How does SOM continue to build on its legacy through reinvention and innovation — from the first modernist office building in New York to supertall towers and airports?
On September 23, 17:30, WTC Yerevan will host a Catalyst talk with Vram Malek, leader of SOM’s (Skidmore, Owings & Merrill) growing practice in the Asia-Pacific region.
Since its founding in 1936, SOM has been designing the future. From the first modernist office building in New York City to supertall towers that have redefined city skylines and airports that reimagine the travel experience, SOM has been responsible for some of the most significant architectural and engineering achievements in modern history. How do they continue to build on that legacy by reinvention and innovation?
Vram Malek has led significant projects in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. His global approach is rooted in trust and collaboration—building long-term partnerships that enable transformative projects in diverse international contexts. His work is guided by a careful analysis of urban context and deep cultural sensitivity, ensuring projects that enhance their settings and amplify local values.
Vram’s work ranges from mixed-use projects and commercial supertall towers to rail stations, civic and government buildings, and residences. Among his most significant projects is 175 Park Avenue, NY, a striking new tower that will bring renewed vitality to the East Midtown business district while transforming the public realm around Grand Central Terminal. In Singapore, Vram led the design of 8 Shenton Way, a mixed-use development that brings together expansive public spaces with offices, retail, a hotel, and residences. His international and multilingual upbringing—growing up speaking French, Armenian, and Italian—laid the foundation for his early role at SOM, helping to lead the design of the NATO Headquarters in Brussels and navigating bilingual communication with government stakeholders. Vram serves as Treasurer of the SOM Foundation, which advances the design profession through research, addressing key topics of our time.
Doors opened for networking: 17:45 | Talk started: 18:15
Language: English
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Vram Malek
Vram Malek has led significant SOM projects across Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and beyond, including 175 Park Avenue in New York and 8 Shenton Way in Singapore. He serves as Treasurer of the SOM Foundation.
