New York City-based architecture firm Architecture Plus Information (A+I) has officially merged with Perkins&Will. This strategic merger, finalized on September 15, integrates A+I's extensive experience in workplace design and its 80 staff members into Perkins&Will's operations. The move significantly strengthens Perkins&Will's presence in New York and Philadelphia, with its New York office becoming the firm's second-largest globally.
Key Takeaways
- Architecture Plus Information (A+I) merged with Perkins&Will on September 15.
- The merger adds 80 A+I staff to Perkins&Will's New York and Philadelphia offices.
- Perkins&Will's New York studio will become its second-largest worldwide with 179 employees.
- A+I founders Brad Zizmor and Dag Folger are now managing principals at Perkins&Will.
- The merger expands Perkins&Will's services into brand strategy and implementation.
Leadership Changes and Expanded Roles
Following the merger, A+I's founders, Brad Zizmor and Dag Folger, have assumed new leadership positions within Perkins&Will. Both will serve as managing principals. Kate Thatcher, who was the CEO of A+I, will now be a managing director for both Perkins&Will's New York and Philadelphia studios. She will collaborate closely with Robert Clemens, Perkins&Will’s current managing director.
Robert Clemens will receive a promotion to managing principal. His new role will focus on client engagement, business development, and project design leadership. He will lead the corporate and commercial practice for the combined studios. This new structure aims to leverage the strengths of both firms.
"In this equation, one plus one is three," Brad Zizmor stated. "Together, we've got world-class design talent. We've got best-in-class design strategists. And we've got the kind of fervor, gusto, and ambition that will take our business—and our clients' success—to the next level."
Impact on Perkins&Will's New York Operations
The addition of 80 professionals from A+I will boost Perkins&Will's New York office staff to 179 employees. This makes the New York studio the second-largest among all Perkins&Will locations globally. The firm expects this expansion to enhance its capacity and expertise in various design sectors, particularly workplace projects.
Key Numbers
- 80: Number of A+I staff joining Perkins&Will.
- 179: Total staff count for Perkins&Will's New York office post-merger.
- 2nd largest: New global ranking of Perkins&Will's New York studio.
- September 15: Date the merger officially closed.
A+I's Extensive Portfolio and Client Base
A+I, established in 1996 by Brad Zizmor and Dag Folger, has developed a strong reputation for its work on workplace environments. Their portfolio includes notable projects such as PENN 1 in New York. The firm has also worked with prominent clients across various industries.
Past clients of A+I include major corporations and real estate developers. These include Bloomberg, Commonwealth, Google, Hines, Tishman Speyer, and Vornado. A+I's projects have spanned multiple cities, both domestically and internationally. While based in New York, the firm has completed work in Chicago, Houston, London, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Perkins&Will already has established operations in many of these locations, creating a seamless integration opportunity.
Background on A+I
Architecture Plus Information (A+I) was founded in 1996. The firm became known for its innovative approach to workplace design. It focused on creating spaces that reflect a client's brand and culture. A+I also had a specialized team dedicated to visual and architectural brand expression.
New Capabilities: Brand Strategy and Implementation
A significant benefit of this merger for Perkins&Will is the addition of new service offerings. A+I had a dedicated team focused on brand expression. This team worked on projects that translated a client’s brand values and culture into visual and architectural forms. An example of this work is a campaign developed for real estate developer Vornado’s WorkLife brand.
Through this merger, Perkins&Will’s New York office can now undertake projects related to brand strategy, brand identity, and brand implementation. This marks a new area of service for the studio. It allows Perkins&Will to offer more comprehensive solutions to its clients, combining architectural design with strategic branding.
"This is a critical business strategy for us—and one that we know will be hugely impactful," said Phil Harrison, CEO of Perkins&Will. He emphasized the importance of expanding the firm's capabilities to meet evolving client needs.
Broader Growth for Perkins&Will
This merger with A+I is part of a larger growth strategy for Perkins&Will. The firm recently completed another significant merger on August 29. Its Southern California offices combined with Abramson Architects. This previous merger aimed to expand Perkins&Will's opportunities in designing affordable housing and adaptive reuse projects in the Southern California region.
These strategic integrations demonstrate Perkins&Will’s commitment to expanding its market reach, service offerings, and team expertise. The firm is actively seeking to enhance its capabilities across diverse architectural and design sectors. This approach allows them to address a wider range of client demands and project types across key geographical areas.
Client Project Examples
- A+I designed an office for Vornado inside Chicago’s THE MART.
- The firm collaborated with Silverstein Properties on an office within the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles.
- Other clients included Google and Bloomberg, showcasing a strong corporate design presence.