New York-based architecture firm Architecture Plus Information (A+I) has completed a strategic merger with global design giant Perkins&Will, creating one of the firm's largest studios worldwide. The merger, which officially closed on September 15, brings together A+I's 80 staff members with Perkins&Will's existing New York and Philadelphia offices, resulting in a combined New York office staff of 179 employees and growing.
The acquisition transforms Perkins&Will's New York office into the global firm's second-largest studio, significantly expanding its workplace design capabilities and market presence. A+I brings a robust portfolio of workplace projects and specialized expertise in corporate and commercial design, positioning the merged entity for enhanced growth in these sectors.
Founded in 1996 by Brad Zizmor and Dag Folger, A+I has built an impressive client roster including major corporations such as Bloomberg, Commonwealth, Google, Hines, Tishman Speyer, and Vornado. Both founders will assume roles as managing principals at Perkins&Will, bringing their decades of design leadership experience to the larger organization.
Kate Thatcher, who served as CEO of A+I, will take on the role of managing director for both Perkins&Will's New York and Philadelphia studios. She will collaborate with Robert Clemens, Perkins&Will's current managing director, who is being promoted to managing principal with expanded responsibilities for client engagement, business development, and project design leadership as the corporate and commercial practice leader for both studios.
"In this equation, one plus one is three," Zizmor said in a statement announcing the merger. "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."
A+I's geographic reach extends far beyond its New York headquarters, with completed projects spanning major markets including Chicago, Houston, London, Miami, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.—all cities where Perkins&Will has established operations. This alignment creates immediate synergies and opportunities for cross-pollination between the firms' existing client bases and project pipelines.
One of A+I's unique strengths lies in its dedicated team of designers who specialize in the visual and architectural expression of clients' brands, values, and corporate culture. Notable examples of this specialized work include a comprehensive campaign the firm developed for real estate developer Vornado's WorkLife brand, demonstrating their ability to translate corporate identity into physical and visual design languages.
Through this merger, Perkins&Will's New York office gains new capabilities in brand strategy, brand identity, and brand implementation—services that represent a first for the studio. This expansion allows the combined firm to offer clients a more comprehensive suite of design services that bridges architecture, interior design, and brand expression.
Perkins&Will CEO Phil Harrison emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, "This is a critical business strategy for us—and one that we know will be hugely impactful." The merger aligns with the firm's broader growth strategy and commitment to expanding its service offerings in key markets.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of another significant merger by Perkins&Will. On August 29, the firm's Southern California offices combined forces with Abramson Architects, creating new opportunities for Perkins&Will to expand its portfolio in affordable housing and adaptive reuse projects throughout the region. These back-to-back mergers signal an aggressive growth phase for the global architecture firm as it seeks to strengthen its position in key markets and service areas.
