Pei Cobb Freed & Partners becomes PCF Architects, names new partners

Our founding leaders established a philosophy of aspiring and achieving more, which still holds true today — and always will. Our legacy is a part of who we are — we are not leaving it behind; we are building on it.

Our philosophy of more, by design puts the core value into practice. For us, more means a deeper understanding. The team asks the questions clients may not have had time to ask, studies each site closely, and evaluates many ideas to arrive at designs that are innovative, enduring, and shaped by our collective effort.

In unison with the firm’s evolution, we welcome four new partners — Christopher Jend, Min Lee, Hitoshi Maehara, and Matteo Milani. They join continuing partners Michael Bischoff, José Bruguera, and Kate Bojsza. Each of the new partners has grown with the firm; their experience working with founding partners I. M. Pei and Henry Cobb solidifies our firm’s foundation while building on the future.

There are parallels between the process that brought us to our evolution to PCF Architects and how we think of an architecture project within an existing space or building. In architecture, the conceptual approach begins with investigating what is essential to remain —the design proposals must amplify what is working while simultaneously identifying impactful interventions.

Investigate the essential

For an existing building, there are some absolutes. We need to retain structure, slabs, cores, and shafts. 

For PCF Architects, our single studio approach, range of project typologies,  international reach, and senior leadership involvement from the beginning to end of a project are pieces of our legacy that are essential and will continue

Amplify what works 

It is rewarding to find distinct character in an existing space—these often-irreplaceable details can enhance the next life of a building. On several recent repositioning projects we restored and celebrated the patina of existing materials, like marble and limestone, that are unavailable in the same form today. At PCF Architects, supporting deep dives and individually tailored collaborations is ingrained in our culture, is what works and is who we are. Our evolution amplifies that value.  

As Dan Moore, President & CEO of Rockefeller Group shared: “What is truly special about PCF is its level of commitment and engagement to its clients and its projects – past, present, and future. Over more than a decade of working with PCF, that commitment has resulted in continuity in its level of service and strength in our ongoing relationship. They have built an outstanding practice, fortified by a legacy of adding value through enduring design, rigorous exploration of ideas, and providing more for their clients.”  

Identify opportunities

Sometimes simply moving a wall or changing a material can breathe life into an existing space.  Success can be found seamlessly integrating the old and new by identifying the best return on investment and making strategic choices when renovating. 

Similarly, at PCF Architects, we are focused on growing strategically with the right talent. Our new partners Chis, Min, Hitoshi, and Matteo, honor our legacy while looking ahead. They all have more than two decades of experience in the firm and bring unique perspectives to the group. Our new messaging proudly amplifies the strength and contribution of our entire team, acknowledging that our best ideas come out of this collaboration.

Built to endure

Our new visual identity conveys our core messages— we embrace our legacy, our collaborative practice is more than just three names, and we stand proud of our approach and work. The plus sign acknowledges that we do more and that our team is made up of many experts. 

To everyone who has been a part of our journey — thank you. We look forward to discovering more together as we evolve into the next chapter as PCF Architects

Thank you to Raymond Kogan, TOKY, and Hausman for their contributions to this important milestone for the firm.