VSBA Architects & Planners is the next generation of Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates. We carry on their tradition of creating amazing places — from cultural institutions and health care facilities to buildings and plans for top-tier universities. Our services range from planning and programming through design and construction.
What does VSBA do? VSBA creates places that enhance their contexts — from sensitive adaptations and additions to new buildings in historic areas. We love to blend old and new — respecting the old while imagining the new.
But VSBA doesn’t specialize in one project type. Or rather, we specialize in every project type: in a world of niche architects, we’re proud generalists — eager and curious about each new challenge. Every project is a first for us.
How do we do this? We start with incredible architects who are open-minded, creative, multi-disciplined people. Our designers are also our planners, programmers, graphic designers, and managers.
What’s VSBA’s approach? Our work is imaginative but disciplined, innovative and fun. Each of our designs is different — distinctly shaped by our client’s philosophy, their program, the site, and the broader context. We get to know our clients and their communities, from users and administrators to neighbors, and we help balance their needs.
We work in really collaborative and engaging ways. We weave together institutional strategies, cultural and physical contexts, economic concerns, and many other perspectives. We create healthy, sustainable places for living, learning, and working. And we understand that change is certain, so our designs easily adapt for new technologies, users, and missions. VSBA is artsy and crafty: While dreaming big, we carefully manage the nitty-gritty aspects of design as well as schedules and budgets.
Who is VSBA? VSBA’s office in Philadelphia is an open studio where partners, architects, and interns work side by side in a highly collaborative atmosphere. Information and ideas flow freely as concepts are conceived, developed, and documented. Principals are fully engaged with each project and project teams stay together for the duration of the project. Our people are bright, engaged, modest, artistic, and thoughtful.
VSBA is led by president and principal Dan McCoubrey, FAIA. He directs almost all of our projects. Dan was with Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates for 31 years and founded VSBA Architects & Planners is 2012. Senior associate Seth Cohen is an expert in the design and renovation of academic, civic, and cultural facilities. He manages many of our projects. Seth was with Venturi, Scott Brown and Associates for 14 years. Dan and Seth are supported by a team of talented architectural staff members, graphic designers, and interns.
VSBA Architects & Planners was founded in 2012 after the retirement of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown.
