154: Navigating Career Growth from Project Architect to Principal w/ David Tabenken, Principal at Hacin

Nov 19, 2025

David Tabenken, Principal at Hacin, brings over 20 years of architectural experience to the table. He dives into the impactful integration of interior design with architecture, sharing insights from notable projects like Myers and Chang. David discusses the significance of cultivating a strong company culture and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration in enriching design concepts. He reflects on his career path, emphasizing curiosity and financial literacy as key to career advancement, while also highlighting the benefits of local community-oriented projects.

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INSIGHT

Tech Shifts Reshape Career Paths

David experienced the industry's shift from hand drawing to CAD and Revit and noted technology transitions can leave people behind.
He emphasized evolving skillsets and deciding personal strengths as tools change.

ANECDOTE

Rome Semester Shaped Urban Thinking

Studying abroad in Rome exposed David to urban living, classical proportions, and how public spaces are carved in dense cities.
He later compared Rome to post-wall Berlin and used those contrasts to inform his design thinking.

ADVICE

Use Storytelling To Win Approvals

Educate stakeholders by showing them the design journey rather than imposing solutions.
Guide public constituencies through your process so they can appreciate and support the outcome.

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David Tabenken is a seasoned architect and principal at Hacin, a renowned architectural design firm. With over two decades of experience in the field, David has worked on a diverse range of projects, including urban design and campus planning at Carnegie Mellon University and influential interior design endeavors like the restaurant Myers and Chang in Boston's South End.

David provides rich insights into the cultural heart of Hacin, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and the importance of interdisciplinary thinking in fostering exceptional design. He reflects on the company's commitment to blending architectural visions with interior design early in the development phase, a strategy incorporating multiple perspectives, thus enriching the creative process. The conversation traverses projects ranging from local gems in Boston to residential stretches across the U.S., showcasing David's proficiency and dedication to architectural excellence.

Key Takeaways:

Integration of Interior Design: Exemplifying how integrating interior design into architectural projects from the conceptual stage leads to more cohesive and impactful designs.
Durability as a Metric: Using the longevity of a space without renovation as an indicator of successful design, as illustrated by the lasting impact of the Myers and Chang project.
Cultivating Company Culture: David discusses the benefits of fostering a collegial and loyal company culture at Hacin, contributing to staff retention and firm stability even in economic fluctuations.
Strategic Growth: The importance of deliberate and incremental firm growth, maintaining quality and stability without succumbing to rapid expansion pressures.
Diversity in Influence: Celebrating the diverse educational and cultural backgrounds within Hacin’s team, enriching the firm’s creative approach and innovative problem-solving.

Notable Quotes:

"Having interior design integrated into our office has really impacted the way we do architecture." - David Tabenken
"We're loyal to him [David Hacin], he makes it a good place to work, and he's very loyal to his staff." - David Tabenken
"I always made it clear what was important to me was kind of growing as an architect, making sure I was not just doing design." - David Tabenken
"At the end of the day, what you're designing needs to be good." - David Tabenken

Resources:

Hacin
Books: "How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth"

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