PGAV Destinations’ John Kasman to Lead PGAV’s Strategic International Presence

After decades of designing projects from their United States studios, PGAV Destinations is establishing a dedicated regional presence abroad, marking an evolution in the firm’s global engagement. The move reflects accelerating investment in immersive destinations, cultural institutions, and experience-led tourism and positions PGAV to serve these rapidly growing markets, including the Middle East and China, with greater continuity and collaboration.

While PGAV has long partnered with clients worldwide, this expansion represents an intentional commitment to sustained, on-the-ground engagement beyond the U.S. By strengthening its presence internationally, the firm will deepen relationships, enhance accessibility, and provide greater regional insight throughout every phase of development.

The firm’s expanded presence will be anchored in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. PGAV selected the region based on longstanding client relationships, recent project success, and strong optimism surrounding continued cultural and experiential development. The firm sees a significant opportunity to contribute to the region’s ambitious vision for world-class destination development while reinforcing its partnerships across the broader Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

This growth will be led by John Kasman, Principal, who will guide PGAV Destinations’ efforts. With extensive international design leadership experience, Kasman will serve as the primary point of engagement for clients, aligning strategic planning, creative direction, and multi-disciplinary collaboration across complex, large-scale projects.

“This is the right moment for PGAV Destinations to establish a sustained presence in the Middle East and Asia,” said Kasman. “As destinations across these markets accelerate plans for innovative immersive environments and next-generation guest experiences, being closer to our clients allows us to bring greater continuity, regional understanding, and creative alignment to increasingly ambitious projects.”

This expansion builds on PGAV’s decades-long legacy of international collaboration, including flagship projects such as SeaWorld Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in China.

About PGAV
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now entering its sixth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning. 

PGAV Destinations’ key clients include industry leaders such as Miral, Walt Disney Imagineering, United Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must-see” destinations, including the Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World, The Alamo, National Air & Space Museum, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld. www.PGAVDestinations.com