Mary Cook Associates names Josh Kassing managing principal

Mary Cook Associates said Senior Vice President Josh Kassing will become managing principal as the Chicago design firm marks its 40th anniversary and moves into a planned leadership transition. The change is meant to support continued growth, with founder and CEO Mary Cook staying focused on client relationships and long-term strategy.

Why it matters: - Mary Cook Associates is pairing a milestone anniversary with a leadership handoff that is meant to support the firm’s next phase of growth. - The transition keeps founder and CEO Mary Cook in place while elevating Josh Kassing into a role with direct operational responsibility. - The move affects how the Chicago firm will run day to day across its national commercial interiors business.

What happened: - Mary Cook Associates named Senior Vice President Josh Kassing as managing principal. - The announcement came as the Chicago-based interior architecture and design firm marked its 40th anniversary. - The firm described the change as part of a long-planned leadership evolution. - Kassing joined Mary Cook Associates in 2017 as creative director. - Kassing was promoted to vice president of design development and later to senior vice president in 2023.

The details: - Mary Cook Associates was founded in 1986 by Mary Cook. - The firm works with owners and developers across homebuilding, multifamily, hospitality, student housing, senior living, and private and municipal clubs. - Mary Cook Associates says its work is designed to strengthen brand identity, improve user experience and create competitive advantage. - The firm uses the phrase Living Better by Design℠ for its projects and measures results through R.O.E.® or Return on Environment. - Kassing will oversee day-to-day operations as managing principal. - Kassing will work closely with Chief Financial Officer Mary McManus and Vice President of Operations Scott Durst. - Kassing will also lead execution across the firm’s integrated services, including interior architecture, interior design, strategic positioning, branding, procurement and installation. - His role includes overseeing project performance and client delivery. - Cook will continue to manage key client relationships, guide market stature and shape long-term strategy. - Mary Cook Associates said the leadership structure reflects both continuity and evolution. - The firm said Kassing played a key role in transforming culture, expanding services, improving operational efficiency and driving profitability. - Kassing is a frequent presenter and author and has received Pro Builder Magazine 40 under 40, CRE Rising Star and the Outstanding Young Professional Award from Iowa State University College of Design. - Mary Cook Associates said the firm has more than two dozen designers and architects. - The company said its work spans multifamily, model homes, student living, senior living, clubhouses, restaurants and hospitality environments. - Mary Cook Associates said its projects can boost property value and accelerate sales and occupancy rates. - The firm said it is continuing to expand its national presence with award-winning work. - The company provided more information.

Between the lines: - The appointment appears designed to formalize succession without disrupting the firm’s existing client and leadership relationships. - Kassing’s background in design, operations and public-facing industry work suggests the firm wants a leader who can bridge creative direction and business execution. - The emphasis on continuity signals that Mary Cook Associates is trying to preserve its brand identity while changing how leadership is distributed.

What’s next: - Kassing will take on responsibility for daily operations and strategy execution across the firm. - Cook will remain active in the firm’s strategic direction and client-facing relationships. - Mary Cook Associates is positioning the leadership change to support continued growth in its national markets. - The firm will enter its next chapter with a leadership team built around Cook, Kassing, McManus and Durst.