Human By Design

Perkins Eastman Co-Founder and Chair Bradford Perkins highlights the importance of design excellence, expertise and the power of teamwork to success.

- Julie Cooper

Building a successful career in architecture doesn’t happen overnight. It takes vision, passion, know-how and a strong desire to deliver excellence with a positive impact. New York-based Perkins Eastman doesn’t just have what it takes – it set the standard.

“We not only bring design excellence, but we also bring real expertise to various specific project types. And that expertise extends beyond the traditional scope of most architectural services,” explains Perkins Eastman Co-Founder and Chair, Bradford Perkins. “It’s not just about putting up a building; it’s about designing places and spaces that put the user at the heart. Our diverse teams partner with our clients globally to deliver next-generation projects that are uniquely suited to users who will live, work, play, learn, age, and heal within the environments we plan and design.”

Bradford founded the firm in 1981 alongside Mary-Jean Eastman. It was their vision to create an architectural, interior design, planning and strategic consulting firm that could serve clients around the world. They never envisaged a generalist design firm like what was taught in architecture school.

“Instead, my partners and I planned on building specialised capabilities to serve the needs of specific client types,” Bradford says. “Initially, we focused on six specialised practice areas and over the years, that number has grown to 15. In each one, we strive to deliver innovative strategic planning and design services combined with design excellence. Our goal is to be both a thought leader and a design leader within our chosen areas of expertise.”