About PJA Architecture
The staff at PJA Architecture, P.C. works closely together in an open office environment to facilitate the free exchange of ideas. Our designs, while the responsibility of the project architect, are the products of the creative energies and knowledge of the entire design staff.
PJA draws upon a wealth of professional consultants to form a design team specifically tailored to meet the needs of any individual project. Each member of the team plays an important role in the design process for the benefit of the client. Our office provides the leadership necessary to coordinate the efforts of the client, contractor and members of the design team.
With LEED certified professionals on staff, we offer the additional dimension of providing energy efficient and environmentally sensitive design solutions.
We thought it would be fun to introduce the PJA staff through an exercise, in which we answered the question: "What building best represents each of your co-workers?"
Phil – Kimbell Art Museum [Louis Kahn]
The Cornerstone. We have him to thank for getting this good thing going. He’s as honest as the day is long, every detail clearly expressed. The true beauty of this building lies in its structure + design, with elegant solutions in both plan + section. There’s no cladding to beguile, no shiny finishes to hide what isn’t there. With feet firmly planted on the ground, he’s wide reaching + knows there’s more to see by keeping your head out of the clouds. Phil’s style is clarity + articulation, with a soft spot for the curve.
All Images: “AD Classics: Kimbell Art Museum / Louis Kahn” 31 March 2011. ArchDaily. Accessed 03 March 2015. http://www.archdaily.com
Christian – Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower [SOM]
The Mover/Shaker, always keeping us on the cutting edge. If it weren’t for him we’d be stuck in our comfort zones + making slower mistakes [see #34 – Incomplete Manifesto for Growth]. Its bundled tube structure + open floor plans make this tower efficient + versatile; high performance meets sleek materiality, with clean lines + sharp reveals. Without being ostentatious, it’s still the tallest + brightest tower on the Chicago skyline.
All Images: “AD Classics: Willis Tower (Sears Tower) / Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill” 01 June 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed 03 March 2015. http://www.archdaily.com
Sara – Tama Art University Library [Toyo Ito]
The Constant. Sara brightens the office simply with her presence + uplifts with her dedication. Behind the illuminating façade, lies a great deal of complexity that manifests itself through fluid ideas communicated as succinct thoughts. The building deftly protects + displays a wealth of knowledge within its gracefully delicate use of concrete + arches. Of timeless material + trusted geometry, the library is steadfast + resolute in its raison d’etre: to educate, inspire + provide comfort of place.
All Images: "Tama Art University Library / Toyo Ito by Iwan Baan" 17 Mar 2013. ArchDaily. Accessed 03 Mar 2015. http://www.archdaily.com
Jessie - Therme Vals [Peter Zumthor]
The Newest Initiate - Jessie adds polished sensitivity to the studio. Unassumingly worldly, she refrains from competition while demonstrating that she is fully capable of standing on her own. Zumthor’s Therme Vals connote a surreal elegance + sophistication that are made manifest by the honest use of materials, playful refraction of light + its tenacious hold on the site and visitors alike. Jessie is reserved, genuine + grounded. As a student, we get to relive the classroom for a second time vicariously through her.
All Images: “The Therme Vals / Peter Zumthor” 11 February 2009. ArchDaily. Accessed 02 September 2015. http://www.archdaily.com
Kelly – Barnes Foundation [Williams-Tsien]
The Friendly Face. Kelly always has a smile for you. She’s bubbly + down to earth, illuminating all who walk through the door. She keeps internal operations humming. Unpretentious + incredibly sensitive to its surroundings, you’d never know this building houses one of the greatest collections of art in the country – a tall order, + it’s done with grace + delight.
All Images: “The Barnes Foundation / Tod Williams + Billie Tsien” 28 May 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed 03 March 2015. http://www.archdaily.com