David Hart took over the international architectural firm this summer, but he already has big expansion plans. David (snapped with LA mayor Eric Garcetti on the Great Wall of China) tells Bisnow Steinberg will open a new office in New York next year and is eyeing Texas for two years later. David joined the company 13 years ago and was first charged with ramping up its LA presence, which began at 15, and is now approaching 50, architects.

David (snapped with chairman Rob Steinberg) tells us his focus going forward is on developing the company's high-rise and education businesses (Steinberg recently designed buildings at UCLA and USC). David says plans for his succession began in 2007, but due to the recession, were put on hold. David now has, along with Steinberg and partner Earnie Yamane, a major equity stake in the company.