Santanna Cowan
“For me, effective design goes beyond simply asking, “Can they work here?” It’s about creating a space that feels personal, where the client sees their history reflected, their company culture and demographic highlighted, and their future vision brought to life.”
ArchNative meet Santanna Cowan!
Santanna is the Creative Director for TPG Architecture, a leading New York City based design firm. Since joining the firm in 2014, Santanna has worked on a variety of projects where she has worked to integrate art, culture, and the human experience into every project she works on. We spoke with Santanna about her new role at the company and what it entails, how sustainability continues to be a focus on each project she works on, where office design is headed, and how her passion for travel sparks her creativity.
Tell us a little bit about your introduction to architecture and design? What made you want to pursue it as a career path?
From a young age, I was always fascinated by the way cities and structures stood the test of time, especially when I would visit historical sites and landmarks around the world with my family. This curiosity grew over time, and I would wonder how these buildings came to be, what their purpose was, and how they were carefully crafted to fit into the larger context of the environment. My parents recognized my curiosity and problem-solving abilities early on and encouraged me to pursue career paths that would allow me to blend both my creative and analytical skills. Throughout school, I studied architecture, historic preservation, and interior design which offered me the opportunity to explore my creativity while solving real-world problems and is what ultimately led me to pursue this career.
You were recently promoted to Creative Director at TPG Architecture. Tell us a little bit about this role and what it entails?
As Creative Director, I lead the design vision of my studio, guiding project teams through concept exploration, space planning, and detailing. I oversee the design development process, making thoughtful decisions that strike a balance between immediate functionality and lasting impact. Beyond individual projects, I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inspiring studio culture, emphasizing mentorship and growth. I build strong client relationships, positioning TPG as a thought leader in workplace design. My focus is on creating innovative, strategic, and sustainable designs that not only meet but exceed client objectives and industry expectations.
You have been with TPG Architecture for approximately 8 years and had returned to the company in 2019 after being an intern in 2014. Tell us a little bit about what you value in the company and what makes for a positive work environment?
Returning to TPG Architecture in 2019 was an easy decision. During my internship in 2014, I experienced firsthand the firm’s culture of continuous growth, innovation, and collaboration. I was given unique opportunities to develop my skills and was mentored by some of the industry’s most visionary leaders. That early support and exposure to high-level projects had a lasting impact on my professional growth.
What drew me back—and has kept me here—is TPG’s unwavering commitment to excellence and the people. The firm consistently pushes the boundaries of innovation while fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collaboration is encouraged. It’s a place where my professional growth has been supported at every stage, and where creativity and forward-thinking design are at the heart of everything we do. This culture makes TPG an inspiring place to continue evolving as a professional.
You work to integrate art, culture and the human experience into your work. Tell us a little bit about your creative process.
Before beginning any project, I take time to deeply reflect on the client’s story. Every client brings a unique set of experiences, values, and cultural influences, and it’s essential to listen carefully to their perspective, research their background, and thoughtfully integrate those elements into the design process. My goal is to create a design vision that resonates with them on multiple levels—not just functionally, but emotionally and culturally as well.
For me, effective design goes beyond simply asking, “Can they work here?” It’s about creating a space that feels personal, where the client sees their history reflected, their company culture and demographic highlighted, and their future vision brought to life. Balancing these factors thoughtfully—while ensuring the design remains visually compelling—is at the heart of my creative process. It’s about crafting environments that not only serve a practical purpose but also evoke a sense of identity, belonging, and inspiration.
What has been the most impactful project that you have worked on so far?
One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on thus far was for a space for a Confidential Client at One Vanderbilt. The client is based overseas and this project perfectly encapsulated the creative and collaborative process of integrating art, culture, and the human experience into a cohesive and inspiring design. We were able to thoughtfully incorporate key elements of the client’s cultural background, seamlessly blending them into an innovative and visually striking space.
The project was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to grow as a designer. It required balancing cultural authenticity with modern design principles, which ultimately resulted in a space that felt both meaningful and forward-thinking. What made the experience even more fulfilling was the client’s vision —they were eager to create something truly unique, giving us the freedom to explore bold ideas and stretch our creative boundaries. The collaboration and mutual respect throughout the process made it an unforgettable experience and a highlight of my career.
“Whether sustainability is a primary focus for the client or not, I see it as both my responsibility and passion to find creative ways to align their goals with environmentally conscious design. Integrating sustainable elements not only supports the client’s long-term success in the space but also reflects the broader direction of the architectural field, where sustainability is becoming an essential expectation rather than an added feature.”
How does sustainability factor into the projects that you work on? What do you see for the future of the field and the integration of sustainable building practices?
As one of TPG’s leaders in sustainability, I prioritize sustainable practices in every project I undertake. Whether sustainability is a primary focus for the client or not, I see it as both my responsibility and passion to find creative ways to align their goals with environmentally conscious design. Integrating sustainable elements not only supports the client’s long-term success in the space but also reflects the broader direction of the architectural field, where sustainability is becoming an essential expectation rather than an added feature.
Looking ahead, I believe the industry is shifting toward a standard where beauty and functionality must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Clients are increasingly seeking spaces that minimize their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint.
By proactively incorporating these elements now, we’re helping clients stay ahead of industry changes, ensuring their spaces are not only environmentally responsible but also future-proofed against evolving regulations. This approach benefits the environment while protecting the client’s long-term bottom line. Projects like Hudson Yards exemplify how sustainable features can be seamlessly integrated into designs that are both innovative and timeless, setting a benchmark for the future of architecture.
You were recently featured in Interior Design Magazine in discussion of the Cohen & Steers new office and its impact in attracting staff back to the workplace. What design practices did you utilize in order to achieve this goal? What do you see for the future of office design?
Cohen & Steers' new office was a unique and rewarding challenge, especially in the context of encouraging staff to return to the office. To create a space that employees genuinely wanted to be in, I approached the design from their perspective, asking myself, “What would make me want to work here?” With the increased convenience and cost-effectiveness of working from home, it was essential to design an environment that offered more than just functionality—it needed to foster comfort, connection, and inspiration.
To achieve this, we focused on integrating open office layouts that encourage collaboration while maintaining flexibility for individual work. Natural light played a critical role in creating an inviting atmosphere, and we complemented this with warm, thoughtful materials to cultivate a sense of comfort. Beyond aesthetics, we prioritized spaces that foster community—seamlessly blending common work areas with communal gathering spaces and amenities that enhance the overall work experience. It’s not just about making the office comfortable; it’s about making it a place where people want to spend time.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of office design will continue to evolve in this direction. Workspaces will need to balance flexibility with elements that foster well-being, creativity, and connection. Offices are becoming less about rigid structures and more about creating dynamic environments that support both professional productivity and personal fulfillment.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you approach a new project?
My inspiration always begins with the client and their story. Each project presents an opportunity to explore a new perspective, and I strive to draw inspiration from a fresh place with every client I work with. It starts with truly listening—understanding not just what they say they want, but also uncovering the underlying vision they may not have fully articulated. Often, clients have a vague idea of what they’re seeking, and part of my role is helping them clarify and refine that vision.
From there, I dive into understanding their workplace culture, company background, and, perhaps most importantly, their aspirations for the future. Once I have a strong grasp of these elements, I look outward, drawing inspiration from the broader world. Whether incorporating elements of natural beauty, referencing culturally significant objects, or integrating design influences from different countries and architectural styles, I aim to create a design that feels both unique and deeply personal to the client.
The goal is to craft spaces that resonate on multiple levels—where the client sees their story reflected in subtle, thoughtful ways, while also feeling connected to the wider world through design. This blending of personal narrative with broader artistic and cultural influences is what makes each project truly special.
With a background in historic preservation, I also draw inspiration from the past and approach projects from both a preservation and design perspective, creating innovative solutions that honor the existing historic context while shaping the future.
Outside of the work you do, what are your other passions/hobbies?
Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler and a dog mom to a Siberian Husky rescue. I’m always planning my next trip as exploring new places—both within the U.S. and internationally—helps me recharge and gain fresh perspectives. Traveling not only refuels my creativity but also exposes me to diverse cultures, architectural styles, and natural landscapes, all of which often inspire my design work. Every destination teaches me something new about the world and myself, and I love weaving those experiences into my projects. So far I’ve traveled to 51 countries and counting! When I’m not traveling, I’m spending time with my two-year-old husky, Meeka. She’s full of energy and keeps me active, whether we’re adventuring nearby or to dog-friendly destinations.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self?
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be a few key things:
● Approach life and people with endless curiosity. You never know what you’ll learn or how much you’ll grow from new experiences and connections.
● Be open and flexible. If something feels scary or outside your comfort zone, it’s probably worth trying—it’s often in those moments that real growth happens.
● Things won’t go according to plan, and that’s okay.
Over time, I’ve learned that the more curious, open-minded, and flexible I am, the richer my life becomes. By approaching the world with a sense of adventure and a willingness to step into the unknown, I’ve not only grown personally and professionally but also formed lasting relationships that I deeply value. Many of the most wonderful parts of my life today weren’t part of my original “plan.”