KSS Architects co-founder Allan Kehrt, FAIA, LEED AP, PP will step down from his role as senior design partner to an emeritus position at the beginning of 2012 - a move that has been ongoing for more than 10 years as part of the firm's ownership transition plan.
Since establishing KSS Architects in 1983 with colleagues Michael Shatken and Rafael Sharon, Kehrt has helped the firm grow from a staff of three focused on residential design, into a 40-person company with offices in Princeton and Philadelphia. With the leadership of its six partners - Kehrt, Shatken, Edmund Klimek, Pamela Lucas Rew, David Zaiser, and Merilee Meacock - KSS has risen above recent economic challenges and developed an award-winning portfolio of projects across the nation in the markets of higher education, K-12 education, industrial, commercial, corporate interiors, municipal design and sustainable design.
"The past year was one of the strongest we have had in the market," Shatken said. "Allan shaped our core values about design excellence as well as client relationships, which all of the partners have instilled throughout the firm. As a result, our breadth of work and our national presence continue to grow."
"I will admit it's hard to back away from KSS after 28 years," added Kehrt. "But it's is something we have been planning for many years. I have absolute confidence that Michael and our next generation will continue to add to the exceptional achievements of KSS for many, many years. It's been a great ride!"
Kehrt's legacy of projects include Rutgers University's Biomedical Engineering Building, the renovation and expansion of Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the recent new campus center at The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Princeton Township's Municipal Complex.
In 2001, Kehrt was elevated to the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows, an honor bestowed to only 3 percent of all registered architects in the U.S. In 2008, Kehrt was nominated to the AIA's Jury of Fellows, a three-year post, and served as a chairman in 2010. Kehrt was also named Architect of the Year by AIA New Jersey in 2006.
Active in the design education community, Allan has served as faculty, guest lecturer, or juror at many colleges of architecture in the east, including the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia University, Moore College of Art & Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology and his alma mater Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he will continue on its Advisory Board. He has presented and lectured for many professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects and the Society of College and University Planning. BD+C
Related Stories
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2011 White Paper: Zero and Net-Zero Energy Buildings + Homes
We submit our eighth White Paper on Sustainability in the hope that it will inspire architects, engineers, contractors, building owners, developers, building product manufacturers, environmentalists, policymakers, government officials, corporate executives, officeholders, and the public to foster the development of net-zero energy buildings and homes.
| Feb 21, 2013
BD+C's 2008 White Paper: Green Buildings + Climate Change
In this White Paper, we provide concrete ways in which AEC professionals can have a positive role in addressing climate change.
| Feb 21, 2013
Holl videos discuss design features of Chengdu ' Porosity Block' project
Architect Steven Holl has released two short films describing the development of Sliced Porosity Block in Chengdu, China.
| Feb 21, 2013
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| Feb 21, 2013
Stephen C. Wright joins Leo A Daly as Managing Principal in D.C.
International architecture, planning, engineering, interior design and program management firm LEO A DALY welcomes Stephen C. Wright, AIA, as the new managing principal of the Washington, D.C., office. Wright will oversee the D.C. team in executing federal, local government, private and non-profit projects and pursuing new business opportunities in markets including aviation, corporate and commercial, higher education, hospitality and institutional facilities.
| Feb 20, 2013
Architecture Billings Index sees strongest growth since 2007
The American Institute of Architects reported the January ABI score was 54.2, up sharply from 51.2 in December. This score reflects a strong increase in demand for design services.
| Feb 19, 2013
'Pop-up' proposal would create movable cultural venue for NYC
The Culture Shed, a proposed 170,000-sf project for New York City's Hudson Yards development, could be the ultimate in "pop-up" facilities.
| Feb 18, 2013
Top 10 kitchen and bath design trends for 2013
Gray color schemes and transitional styles are among the top trends identified by more than 300 kitchen and bath design experts surveyed by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).