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Iben Falconer
Global Marketing & Business Development Leader at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
Professional Background
Iben Falconer is a distinguished strategic consultant and advisor specializing in the fields of architecture and urban design. Since 2020, she has held the position of Global Marketing & Business Development Leader at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a role in which she significantly influences the firm’s comprehensive business strategy. Iben's leadership is pivotal in advancing SOM’s commitment to meaningful client engagement, deep market intelligence, and operational excellence in design and urban planning.
Prior to her tenure at SOM, Iben served as a Director at Gehl, a company renowned for its focus on creating people-centric urban environments. Her work in this capacity revolved around fostering strategic partnerships and investments, particularly within their Innovation Team. Iben's efforts were directed at exploring how various companies can contribute to the formation of healthy communities and ensuring digital privacy and literacy are maintained in public spaces. This experience highlighted her ability to bridge innovation with community-focused initiatives.
Earlier in her career, Iben was instrumental as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation (GSAPP). She previously held significant roles, such as an Associate and the Business Development Director for the Americas at BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, where she joined the NYC office at its inception in 2010. During her time there, the office witnessed remarkable growth from a handful of employees to over 200, marking substantial expansion in market reach and securing its first North American cultural and institutional projects. Her leadership and business development strategy played a critical role in this growth, as she was also a core member of the executive management team.
Iben's extensive experience also includes serving in various capacities, such as working with Steven Holl Architects, at the Museum of Modern Art, and being involved with the Urban Land Institute. These positions have contributed richly to her understanding of architecture and urban design's role in shaping vibrant communities.
Education and Achievements
Iben Falconer's academic journey is marked by prestigious institutions and critical research contributions. She earned her Master of Environmental Design with a focus on Architecture History & Theory at the Yale School of Architecture. Her thesis explored a compelling research question regarding the connection between national identity and its representation in contemporary Danish architecture, reflecting her deep interest in how space and design can convey complex narratives.
Her undergraduate studies were conducted at Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies. Additionally, Iben broadened her horizons as a guest student at Aarhus Universitet, further enriching her educational background in historical studies.
Her scholarly contributions, particularly her writing, have been prominently featured in various well-respected publications such as Pidgin, Design & Culture, Another Pamphlet, and Conditions. Notably, she served as the editor for Perspecta 45: AGENCY, published by MIT Press in 2012, illustrating her editorial acumen and commitment to academic discourse in architecture.
Iben's research and expertise have allowed her to present at numerous academic conferences, and she frequently participates as a jury member, lending her insights into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding architecture and urbanism. She has been a sought-after speaker, delivering lectures on BIG and business development strategies at institutions like the AIA, Infonavit, and the GSAPP Incubator, among others.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Iben Falconer is not only deeply embedded in professional practice, but she is also committed to community leadership. From 2014 to 2015, she co-chaired the Women’s Leadership Initiative for the New York Chapter of the Urban Land Institute, promoting female leadership in the traditionally male-dominated fields of architecture and urban design. Her efforts in mentorship and advocacy reflect a commitment to fostering future generations of leaders in the industry.
Additionally, Iben has shared her knowledge through columns written for Madame Architect, where she contributed a series called The Strategist. This platform allowed her to blend her strategic consulting expertise with broader conversations about design, architecture, and the built environment, enhancing public dialogue on these crucial topics.
In terms of teaching, Iben has served as a Professor in the Master in Architectural Management & Design program at IE University, where she shared her extensive practical knowledge with students, shaping their understanding of the complexities of architectural practice and project management.
Achievements
Iben Falconer's career is characterized by numerous significant achievements that showcase her leadership, innovation, and commitment to design excellence. From guiding the expansion of BIG’s NYC office to spearheading strategic initiatives at Columbia GSAPP, her impact on the field is palpable.
During her time at Gehl, she played instrumental roles in completing projects that directly enhance urban life, making strides towards improving the quality of public spaces. Her leadership in promoting community health through design has been pivotal in shaping contemporary practices in urban architecture. Iben's approach emphasizes understanding communities’ needs and creating conducive environments that promote well-being.
Through her extensive network and collaborative initiatives, Iben has solidified her reputation as a thought leader in marketing and business development within the architectural sphere. Her ability to connect strategic insights with practical applications has fostered partnerships and generated opportunities that align with her vision of uplifting communities through thoughtful design.
Overall, Iben Falconer’s exemplary career reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing architecture and urban design through strategic thinking, innovative collaboration, and community-focused solutions.
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