A. Eugene Kohn Honored with PennDesign's Medal of Achievement in Architecture

Founder and Chairman of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates is cited for his pivotal role in development of Tall Buildings worldwide and as a leader in the architecture profession

Philadelphia, May 19, 2008—Today, the University of Pennsylvania School of Design conferred its Medal of Achievement on architect A. Eugene Kohn, Founder and Chairman of international architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.

KPF: 333 Wacler Drive, Chicago, IL (Image: KPF)

Gary Hack, Paley Professor and Dean, cited Kohn for inspirational leadership in the field of architecture and outstanding contributions to PennDesign, as the school is familiarly known. The honor was bestowed at Penn Commencement ceremonies in Philadelphia.

“Your efforts in creating the worldwide architectural practice, Kohn Pedersen Fox, have been vital in developing the firm’s role as the leading designer of tall buildings in the world, and your cultivation and mentoring of future generations of leadership will assure its continued success in designing all types of buildings,” Dean Hack said in his remarks. “You have served as an inspiration to young architects through your talks, writings and work on the nature of practice.”

KPF: Adia Headquarters, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Image: KPF)

Kohn, who holds two degrees from Penn (BArch ‘53, MArch ’57), was also cited for the time, ideas and resources he has contributed to the University and the School of Design as a University Trustee, member and chair of the PennDesign Board of Overseers, and as advisor to successive deans. Kohn also created the Kohn Fellowship Fund and made possible the Sheldon Fox/KPF Distinguished Lecture Series.

“It is a true honor to receive this award from an institution that has played such an important and inspirational role in my life,” said Kohn. “I continue to devote myself to mentoring young architects, working on major projects, teaching and fostering the best in our profession.”

KPF: National Museum of China, Beijing, China (Image: KPF)

In addition to serving as Chairman, Co-Founder and Principal of Kohn Pedersen Fox, one of the top 10 architectural and planning firms in the United States, Kohn has lectured at numerous universities, for professional organizations and institutions across the U.S., and around the world. He is a Fellow, American Institute of Architects (AIA); member of its Octagon Society; and served as President, AIA New York City Chapter (1988). Kohn is a Member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Japan Institute of Architects (JIA), Honorary Member of the Fellows of the Philippine Institute and the Wharton Real Estate Center Advisory Board. Mr. Kohn was inducted into the highly-ranked Central High School (170 years old) hall of fame in Philadelphia, the school’s highest honor for recognizing the accomplishments of its graduates. He helped establish and teaches at the Harvard International Real Estate Center and was appointed an Executive Fellow for the Advanced Management Development Program in Real Estate at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 2002. He attended the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Real Estate Development Course (1982) and teaches a full course on the Value of Design at Harvard Business School, second year graduate students.

Kohn has been honored by the National Education Fund (1997) and Sheltering Arms Children Service (1995) and is the recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor (1998), the Wharton Real Estate Center Lifetime Achievement Award (1997), the New York Society of Architects Sidney L. Strauss Award (1996), and the Salvadori Award for Excellence in Design (2005).

About the University of Pennsylvania School of Design
The School of Design, formerly the Graduate School of Fine Arts, promotes excellence in design across a rich diversity of programs – Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts, Historic Preservation, Digital Media Design and Visual Studies.

About Kohn Pedersen Fox
Since its founding in 1976, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates has evolved into one of the most respected international architecture firms, renowned for design and technical excellence.  Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has reshaped the skylines of cities, developed new technologies that enable buildings – including some of the world’s tallest and most important skyscrapers – to be more ecologically responsible, and influenced the way large-scale buildings are integrated into the urban fabric.

KPF’s design studios in New York, London and Shanghai draw on the collective experience of more than 600 staff members representing 43 countries and 30 languages. The practice, led by 16 principals, provides architectural and urban design as well as graphic and product design services for clients in the public and private sectors. KPF’s extensive portfolio includes designs ranging from a jewel-like glass pavilion for Rodin sculptures to an entire new city (New Songdo City) in South Korea and comprises corporate headquarters (IBM), investment office buildings, mixed-used projects, residential hotel, university and a research and healthcare facility.  Currently KPF is working on the design of the new Abu Dhabi Airport.  The work of the practice has been widely exhibited, is the subject of thirteen monographs, and has been recognized with more than 300 awards.