KSS Architects, a full-service architecture, interior design, and planning firm with offices in Princeton, New York City, and Philadelphia, has announced the promotion of Mounir Tawadrous to Principal.
A 14-year veteran of the firm, Tawadrous has spearheaded some of KSS’s largest and most complex projects, ranging from urban multistory industrial and distribution centers to regional retail redevelopments and major educational campuses across New Jersey.
With more than two decades of industry experience, Tawadrous has been a central driver of data-driven design at KSS. He championed the integration of evidence-based analytical tools—such as Sefaira and ElumTools—into the firm’s workflow, establishing a performance-focused methodology that shapes how KSS approaches sustainability, building efficiency, and spatial quality.
“Mounir is trustworthy, tireless, and has a remarkable ability to get to the heart of an issue and rally large teams around it. His work includes some of the most ambitious projects this firm has ever taken on, and his leadership and vision in championing data-driven design have permeated so much of what we do. This firm would not be what it is without his effort, and we are thrilled to welcome him as a Principal, Scot Murdoch, partner, KSS Architects, said.
Tawadrous joined KSS in 2012 as a Project Architect before advancing to Associate in 2017 and Senior Associate in 2020.
“I’m honored to step into the role of Principal at a firm that has given me the opportunity to grow alongside such talented colleagues and clients. I’m proud that KSS continues to invest in performance-based, data-driven, thoughtful design. I look forward to helping our teams take on even more rewarding work in the years ahead,” Tawadrous said.
Tawadrous’s extensive portfolio spans education, industrial logistics, mixed-use development, and retail master planning:
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Educational Campuses: Led the architectural design of new schools and campus facilities for KIPP New Jersey, Great Oaks Legacy Charter School, Zeta Charter Schools, and Uncommon Schools.
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Multistory Logistics & Film Studios: Directed high-density urban industrial developments, including Innovo Property Group’s 2505 Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx and The Borden Complex in Queens.
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Large-Scale Mixed-Use & Retail: Led design guidelines and project teams for the Belmont Arena Complex, Belmont Park Parking Garage, and Value Retail’s Belmont Park Village on Long Island.
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International Experience: Contributed to school development projects in Barcelona, Cairo, Rio de Janeiro, and Singapore earlier in his career.
Tawadrous holds a Master of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) Hillier College of Architecture and Design—where he earned the Graduate Medal and Design Excellence Award in 2006—and a Bachelor of Architecture from Ain Shams University. He has shared his expertise locally as a Design Studio Critic at NJIT and serves on the National Institute of Building Sciences’ Building Enclosure Technology and Environment Council.
Founded with a key regional office on Alexander Road in Princeton, KSS Architects employs more than 70 design professionals dedicated to creating built environments for commerce, education, and community development.
