California’s largest art museum will open a long-awaited expansion, a historic building in Melbourne begins a new life, and a cutting-edge laboratory will bolster New York City’s healthcare system. These are a few of the projects we’re looking forward to celebrating in 2026—a year that marks our firm’s 90th anniversary. The projects included here reflect … Continued
Cities reflect what we value. For much of Jakarta’s modern history, the city has grown around vehicles, infrastructure, and commercial expansion—often at the expense of people’s everyday experience. A global financial and commercial hub and home to a booming technology sector, Indonesia’s capital city anchors the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Yet this sprawling megacity … Continued
In the coming years, we are going to see profound change in the urban character of the nation’s capital. With the consolidation of federal buildings—already in progress since the early 2000s—now being accelerated by the current administration, millions of square feet of government offices surrounding the National Mall will open to bids from private developers, … Continued
In 2021, a group of designers at SOM founded the Asian Alliance to elevate the visibility of the Asian Pacific community within our offices and more broadly in the AEC industry. Since that time, the Asian Alliance has been a vital resource for connection, support, and professional development for more than 200 members firmwide. In … Continued
It wasn’t going to be easy. Renovating the midcentury modern crown jewel of SOM’s repertoire, Lever House, to include a new amenity level, boutique offices, and modern-day efficient mechanical systems—all while respecting the original design and restoring it to its original grandeur—was not for the faint of heart. Yet thanks to our fastidious Adaptive Reuse … Continued
David M. Childs, FAIA, touched countless lives through his leadership at SOM and his work around the world. Since his passing on March 26, we have been reflecting on his 50-year career—from his work on some of the most complex projects in the firm’s history to the era of growth he ushered near the turn … Continued
A recent SOM-authored white paper published by BuildingMinds, “Values-Driven Design: How Architects and the Real Estate Industry Can Achieve Shared Goals for Environmental and Social Good (ESG),” explores how ESG principles can redefine the built environment by integrating sustainability, equity, and resilience into real estate design and operations. Within the white paper appears the following … Continued
A university building nears completion in Berkeley, a bold events venue will be inaugurated in Shanghai, and a beloved New York City landmark will reopen following a meticulous renovation. These are a few of the highlights that we are excited to celebrate in 2025. Ranging in scale from the sensitive transformation of a modernist workplace … Continued
In 1968, as workers hoisted steel beams more than 1,100 feet above Chicago’s lakeshore, the John Hancock Center (now 875 N Michigan Avenue) reached its full height. The achievement would forever change not only Chicago’s skyline, but the entire field of tall building design and engineering. Hancock’s “braced tube” structural system—devised by SOM engineer Fazlur … Continued
National Hispanic American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate the rich and extensive impact and cultures of our Hispanic/Latinx colleagues worldwide—and throughout the extensive history of our firm. This recognition, celebrated annually September 15 to October 15, is a critical opportunity to amplify the Hispanic influence on firm culture and work. At … Continued