Kent Jackson is highly skilled at navigating projects involving complex planning approvals, zoning regulations, and heritage challenges. His work is rooted in a close and effective collaboration with clients, stakeholders and local communities. With a creative and holistic approach to design, he seeks to integrate the natural and built environment to achieve broad environmental and social sustainability. 

Having begun his career at SOM’s Chicago office, Kent relocated to London in 1999, where he leads projects throughout Europe and internationally.  Under his leadership, the London office has undertaken numerous significant projects including the renovation of the United Nations’ Palais des Nations complex; the construction of a new JTI headquarters in Geneva; the design of Scandinavia’s tallest building, Karlatornet, in Gothenburg; and the award-winning Manhattan Loft Gardens, a 42-story residential tower adjacent to London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Kent has spoken widely at conferences and architectural schools around the world. In 2015 he was invited by TEDxUCL to present an innovative research project focused on the need to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes to address the housing crisis in London. 

As a leader of SOM’s strategic climate action group, Kent strives to advance the firm’s pledge to meet the AIA 2030 and 2050 commitments towards a net-zero built environment.  In his role as Global Ambassador for the World Green Building Council, he works to amplify the call to action for governments and policymakers to accelerate the transition to net-zero carbon buildings.