Photo Gallery - Mike Kihn

More from Mike Kihn

After graduating from Penn and completing a fellowship study tour of the architecture of European cities, I joined a prominent Philadelphia architecture firm, GBQC Architects, and was a member from 1974 to 2001. We focused primarily on master planning and design of buildings for healthcare, science and higher education. As president of the firm from 1991 until 2002, I was responsible for the design of the Franklin Institute Science Museum Futures Center and University of Pennsylvania's 3401 Walnut Street mixed use development in Philadelphia, the Headquarters Building for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in Harrisburg, PA and five buildings at Innovation Park - Penn State's Research Park at its University Park campus - among many other projects.

Following a planned ownership transition at GBQC, I joined an international firm, Perkins+Will, to develop the higher education practice in its New York office. From 2002 until 2010, I was the Higher Education Market Sector Leader and led the firm's Northeastern US Regional Higher Education Practice, serving as managing principal for higher education projects nationally and internationally. I also managed Perkins+Will's Philadelphia office from 2010 to 2012. Our work included the sustainable design of business schools: New York University and the University at Albany; engineering buildings: University of Buffalo, University of Michigan; science laboratories: University of Pennsylvania, Lehman College, as well as numerous other higher education facilities. Most recently, I was principal-in-charge for the design of two new colleges and the student and faculty housing - about five million square feet of space - for a new campus for Saba Al Salaam University in Kuwait. (below is a rendering of one of the colleges).

Saba al Salaam University, College of Arts

In my work, I have always been inspired by the need to address issues of community and collaborative behavior balanced with the requirements of privacy and individual action to the create plans and facilities of enduring character.

I recently retired from Perkins+Will and have established a consulting firm, MAKe design. I have also continued to engage in the civic and cultural life of Philadelphia as a member of numerous organizations and the board of directors of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and the Philadelphia Crosstown Citizens Club. Ceci and I enjoy the convenience of living in downtown Philadelphia, but we also especially value the time we spend at our summer cottage in the Cape Cod National Seashore in North Truro, MA.

In retrospect, despite the temporary discomfort and angst of our stint at OCS, for me it was a valuable experience as was the whole period of my enlistment. But that is a subject for a much longer discussion and debate. I admire the good works in which many of you are engaged. I hope that all of you are well and thriving. And I hope to see many of you next spring.

Very best regards,

Mike Kihn, AIA LEED AP

Recent structures designed by Mike Kihn

TECHSMART Building

Gateway Community College

The Franklin Institute Atrium