Meet Karen Thomas

Karen Thomas brings clear insight into all the various disciplines and processes required to make a project successful. She has excelled in many roles throughout more than three decades of professional practice, including architect, project manager, developer and investment partner. Karen has an extraordinary depth of knowledge of design, history, construction, planning, real estate, code requirements, sustainable design practices, agency review protocols and an unflinching commitment to quality and proactive service.

Her unusual range of abilities has produced a deep understanding of the exacting requirements of high-value and complex building projects. Karen is adept at capturing big picture agendas while simultaneously addressing multiple levels of detail to solve project logistical challenges.

She established Karen Thomas Associates in 2007 to specialize in delivering a premier level of Owner’s Representation. She has since assembled a team of professionals to fully embrace the complexities required to fulfill this comprehensive role, a role which assimilates each owner’s unique vision and goals while managing the critical nuances and complexities of project management.

Karen is a licensed architect in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and has NCARB certification. She previously worked for firms such as Beyer Blinder Belle (as partner), Rockwell Group, William McDonough, Levien & Co. and others before founding Karen Thomas Associates. In addition to high-value residential work, she has extensive experience in large and complex buildings and structures including lofts, laboratories, commercial buildings and schools and other non-profit organizations. She serves as an expert witness for construction related claims and lectures on matters of project management and owner’s representation. Karen has a passion for the process and a keen interest in the history of project development and the evolution of the professions and building trades — including the integration of technology and sustainability best practices. She brings both curiosity and rigor to project management delivery models.

In addition to leading KTA, Karen pursues personal property development projects whenever a ‘wreck’ can be found and rehabilitated. She runs daily and teaches yoga to best harness productive opportunities and seek good will in our evolving world.