KPF at 50: A Legacy of Urban Architecture and Shared Leadership

Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) marks its 50th year, reflecting on its journey since its establishment in 1976 by Eugene Kohn, William Pedersen, and Sheldon Fox. The firm, which employs around 650 individuals across eight locations, operates under a leadership model that prioritizes shared responsibility, a framework developed in the 1990s by current president Jamie von Klemperer. Guided by the founders' expertise, KPF emerged during a real estate surge, resulting in iconic projects like 333 Wacker Drive and 1201 Third Avenue. Among its significant achievements are the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse (1991), Roppongi Hills Mori Tower (2003), and One Vanderbilt (2020). The firm emphasizes urbanism and technology, fostering a collaborative environment, as noted by principal Marianne Kwok, who has been with KPF for 32 years.