In Guangzhou’s Pazhou district, two construction sites reveal how new developments are shaping not only the skyline, but also the ground level—demonstrating how tall buildings can better engage the public realm. At the new Sany IROOTECH Headquarters, an elevated podium bridges a pair of towers to create a large public plaza. The space is surrounded … Continued
Writing for DomusAir’s 14th issue, Associate Principal Jordan Pierce tells the story behind SOM’s design for Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal. The largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history, the 1.1-million-square-foot building significantly increases passenger capacity and reimagines the travel experience. “SOM’s team of architects, planners, and structural engineers fanned out across six … Continued
SOM has unveiled its design for the development and expansion of N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa, reimagining the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)’s primary aviation gateway. The masterplan includes a full replacement of existing terminal operations, along with new infrastructure and facilities—including a new runway—to support both international and domestic growth. As the country’s … Continued
The transformation of Waldorf Astoria in New York is nearly a decade in the making, and after eight years of construction, our revival of this Art Deco icon is nearly complete. For the first time since 2017, the doors to the Waldorf Astoria’s ornate, block-long lobby is open to the public. New York Magazine and … Continued
For the second year in a row, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill tops the Architizer list of ”100 Best Architecture and Design Firms in the United States.” Naming us No. 1, Architizer writes, “…SOM’s designs anticipate change in the way we live, work, and communicate and have brought lasting value to communities around the world. The … Continued
Mayor appoints Mahan to preservation agency responsible for overseeing more than 38,000 landmark properties in New York City Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) celebrates the appointment of Design Principal Frank Mahan, AIA, to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), the largest municipal preservation agency in the United States. Appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, … Continued
For the past several decades, we’ve worked across a range of scales and typologies to transform New York City’s Midtown West into a more connected, pedestrian-oriented environment. Today, we are celebrating this work in the July issue of a+u: Architecture and Urbanism Magazine, which explores how—even in a city like New York, where projects are … Continued
SOM has delivered the Strategic Vision Plan for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2027 summit in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, which includes the design of an iconic building complex for the prominent event. The plan spans nearly 78 hectares and reimagines the southern coastline of Phu Quoc as an integrated civic and cultural destination, including significant … Continued
SOM is proud to announce that Partner and Structural Engineering Leader Mark Sarkisian has been elected to the National Academy of Construction’s Class of 2025, one of the construction industry’s highest honors. He joins a distinguished cohort of 37 new members recognized for their extraordinary contributions to advancing the built environment. Founded in 1999, the … Continued
On Thursday, July 10, SOM Managing Partner Larry Chien will share insights into the next wave of urban transformation in Jakarta at the regional 2025 Council on Tall Buildings and the Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Conference in Indonesia. Delivered in partnership with CTBUH leaders in Jakarta, this conference, “Building Resilient Urban Futures: Innovations in Tall Building … Continued