SWA announces leadership transition for 3 studios
SWA is pleased to announce leadership transitions in three of our eight studios—Dallas, Sausalito, and Shanghai—helping the firm solidify its leading role in markets across the U.S., Asia, and globally.
Building on a legacy of practice in each office, three new Managing Principals will assume leadership of operations, projects, and business development for their respective teams, recognizing outstanding contributions to SWA’s growth and success over the years.
“We’re thrilled to elevate a new generation of SWA leaders, all of whom have already been instrumental in driving transformational work through creative, community-building strategies within their studios,” said Gerdo Aquino and David Thompson, Co-CEOs of SWA. “Zane, Hiro, and Jack are phenomenal leaders and designers—we’re excited to see them lead their offices into the future and build on the tremendous impact and legacy of their predecessors.”
Dallas
Since Spring 2024, Zane Busbee, PLA, has joined Chuck McDaniel, FASLA, as Co-Managing Principal of SWA Dallas. SWA is delighted to welcome Zane back to the firm, where he will collaboratively lead the studio alongside Chuck. Zane served as an Associate Principal at SWA Dallas from 2011 to 2020, where he led a range of projects spanning mixed-use development, high rises, and corporate campuses as well as hospitality, sports, trail, and public realm projects in Texas, throughout the U.S., and across the globe. Alongside Zane, the Dallas studio is excited to bring in top talent with the addition of Todd Strawn, PLA, as Principal, and Henry Dalton, PLA, Hank Thomas, PLA, Vanessa Ngo, Joseph Kensel, and Xiaomeng Cai as Landscape Designers, each of which deliver a blend of innovative design and thoughtful project strategy.
Sausalito
Effective in July 2024, Shuntaro Yahiro, known as Hiro to his colleagues, assumes the role of Managing Principal of SWA Sausalito, succeeding John Wong, PLA, and Joe Runco, PLA, Co-Managing Principals. Hiro has served as a Principal in the Sausalito studio since 2020 and has been with SWA since 2011. During his tenure, he has led a remarkable variety of projects across different sectors, typologies, and regions. Hiro has driven the firm’s expansion into new markets in Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Myanmar, and other Asian countries, including large-scale stadium developments and high-end hospitality projects in many cities in Japan. John and Joe, who have co-led the studio since 2002, will continue their roles as design leaders within the firm.
Shanghai
Effective in July 2024, Jack Wu, PLA, LEED AP, assumes the role of Managing Principal of SWA Shanghai, succeeding David Thompson, FASLA. Jack, who has served as a Principal in Shanghai since 2016 and has been with SWA since 2005, leads a diverse portfolio of projects across scales, from regional visions and large-scale infrastructure projects to small-scale developments and public spaces across China—fostering strong relationships with clients across sectors. Bringing particular expertise in post-industrial landscapes, waterfronts, and the urban public realm, Jack worked in the Sausalito office from 2005 until his move to Shanghai. As Jack assumes regional leadership of Shanghai, David will continue as Co-CEO, continuing to work alongside Gerdo, the SWA Executive Committee, the Board, and the Principal group to guide the firm’s strategic vision, influence, culture, and global reach.