Perkins and Will

Perkins and Will is a global architecture and design firm founded in Chicago in 1935. Established by Lawrence B. Perkins and Philip Will Jr., the firm has grown into one of the world's largest and most influential practices, known for its commitment to sustainable design, research, and human-centric planning. Its portfolio encompasses a wide range of project types, including academic, healthcare, civic, corporate, and mixed-use buildings across six continents.

History

The firm was established in 1935 by architects Lawrence B. Perkins and Philip Will Jr., both of whom were influenced by the modernist principles of the Bauhaus and mentors like Eliel Saarinen. An early landmark was the 1939 Crow Island School in Winnetka, Illinois, designed in collaboration with Eero Saarinen and Eliel Saarinen, which became a prototype for modern educational design. Post-World War II, the firm expanded significantly, designing numerous public schools and university buildings, including projects for Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Major growth continued through the latter 20th century, with the opening of offices in New York City, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., and a pivotal merger with the Canadian firm The Webb Zerafa Menkès Housden Partnership in 1986 solidified its international presence. The 21st century has seen further global expansion into markets including China, the United Kingdom, and Brazil.

Notable projects

The firm's built work includes many acclaimed and transformative projects. In the realm of education, key works include the University of Chicago's Gordon Center for Integrative Science and the Duke University School of Medicine's Medical Education Building. Its healthcare portfolio features the Rush University Medical Center Center for Advanced Emergency Response in Chicago and the Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center. Significant civic and cultural projects encompass the Dallas Moody Performance Hall, the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa, and the U.S. Embassy in Brasília. Corporate and commercial landmarks include the Target Corporation headquarters in Minneapolis, the AT&T Foundry in Atlanta, and the Shanghai Natural History Museum.

Design philosophy and sustainability

The firm's design approach is deeply rooted in research, innovation, and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility. It is a pioneer in sustainable architecture, having established one of the industry's first formal sustainability programs in the 1990s. The firm is a signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment and has developed numerous proprietary research initiatives, such as its Precautionary List for building materials. This philosophy emphasizes biophilic design, resilience, and evidence-based design, aiming to enhance occupant well-being and minimize ecological impact. Its projects frequently target and achieve top certifications under LEED, the Living Building Challenge, and WELL Building Standard.

Leadership and structure

The firm operates as a privately held, employee-owned practice, structured as a network of interdisciplinary studios across its global offices. Leadership has historically emphasized a collaborative, studio-based model rather than a singular figurehead, with design directors and managing principals guiding regional offices. Key figures in its development have included former CEOs like Ralph Johnson and Phil Harrison. The firm maintains a strong research culture through its dedicated Research Lab and various internal knowledge groups focused on areas such as urban design, material science, and healthcare design.

Awards and recognition

The firm has received extensive accolades from prestigious institutions within the architecture and design community. It has been the recipient of hundreds of American Institute of Architects AIA Honor Awards, including numerous COTE Top Ten Awards for sustainable design. International honors include the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada RAIC International Prize and multiple awards from the World Architecture Festival. The firm and its individual designers have also been recognized by organizations like the National Design Awards from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and the International Interior Design Association.

Category:Architecture firms of the United States Category:Companies based in Chicago Category:Design companies Category:1935 establishments in Illinois