Sean Ragasa is a design director based in SOM’s San Francisco office. His work is characterized by thoughtful design that demonstrates a symbiotic relationship between a building and its environment. Across practice areas and geographic regions, Ragasa seeks to create works of architecture that are highly refined, elegant, and of enduring value.

His international work includes numerous supertall towers, including Tianjin Global Financial Center, and large-scale mixed-use developments, such as Beijing Finance Street. In the latter project, his forward-looking approach to the design of open space challenged conservative notions of public accessibility, while addressing and adapting to local issues of site, context, and culture.

Ragasa has significant experience with civic and government projects. His work includes the San Bernardino Justice Center and Modesto Courthouse—buildings that are modern in form and materials, while rooted in classic design principles that convey a sense of permanence and importance.

Ragasa has also led the design for numerous educational projects, working with a wide range of independent schools and universities. His successful collaborations with academic clients stem from the ability to balance the needs and interests of various stakeholders, while expressing each school’s pedagogic mission. The results are interactive spaces that not only support formal and informal instruction, but also inspire innovation.