The world is more complex than ever, but we believe that great design can create meaningful and lasting impact. Places that inspire people to achieve more. Places that make business work better, or make cities more livable. Places that conserve precious resources, and build community. Places that improve lives.
Firm Profile
We are a full-service architecture, planning, and interior design firm in New York , New York; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Princeton, New Jersey. Since our founding in Princeton in 1983, KSS Architects has matured, growing in size, abilities, and ambitions. Originated with just three architects, KSS today has a staff of nearly 80 talented and dedicated team members.
Our clients are leaders in the fields of education, culture, land development, urban development, and corporate environments. They call us their trusted adviser because we have honed a process of ideation, built upon intensive listening, extraordinarily deep research, transparently collaborative imagining, and deft consensus-building. We think like owners, stewarding all the resources of the project to the greatest return. We have earned the trust of our clients to lead them through challenges, manage the process, and exceed their goals with design that inspires and execution that delivers. We are committed to our clients’ success and to their end-user’s delight, and we take that commitment most seriously.
We consistently use creativity to turn opportunity into reality.We are relentless and fearless in our reimagining of what places can be, creating meaningful innovation that realizes many goals at once. Although we face a world that is more complex than ever before, we welcome these complexities because our inquisitive minds and deep expertise provide us with a unique ability to solve challenges with elegant, effective solutions that go beyond single paradigm design.
Interested in learning more?
For general inquiries and opportunities, please contact (email hidden; JavaScript is required).
For opportunities to join the KSS team, please see our list of current open positions on our Careers page.
All applications should include resumé and portfolio in .pdf format; please do not send links. Portfolio should not exceed four (4) pages and 2 MB in file size.
Vision
We believe that deep human relationships are the heart of all great architecture.We value the building of human relationships as much as the building of stone and steel. We are experts at building bonds between people and project, client and community. Our firm creates design solutions that facilitate and celebrate these interwoven relationships, creating rich and rewarding communities.
We also believe that architecture, when steeped in expertise, and insight, can affect meaningful change—transforming the heart of the matter beyond metal and mortar, into empowerment, creativity, knowledge and achievement. It is this keen insight, when imbedded in a structure and honed with thoughtful detail that cultivates change—that becomes the true agent of change. Meaningful, lasting and catalytic change.
Commercial
Aegis Property Group
Blank Rome
BPG Properties Ltd.
Brandywine Realty Trust
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Burlington Stores, Inc.
Cabot Industrial Trust
Caxton Corporation
CBRE
Cephalon Inc.
The Coca-Cola Company
Commercial Realty Corp.
Dechert LLP
Empire Merchants North
Forsgate Industrial Partners
Genmab Inc.
Hyundai
IEEE
Ironbound Capital Management
Keating Building Corporation
Mack-Cali Realty Corporation
Mathematica Policy Research
Matrix Development Group
McKesson
Mercedes-Benz
NJEDA
Panattoni
Princeton Advisory Group
Prologis
Punia Company
RBH Group
READS USA
Reed Smith LLP
Roland Foods
Saul Ewing LLP
Somfy Systems, Inc.
Spear Street Properties
TEVA Pharmaceuticals
Toyota Motor Corporation
Trammell Crow
Volkswagen of America
W.W. Grainger
Washington Group International
White and Williams
Development
AEGIS
Brandywine Realty Trust
CB Richard Ellis
Cushman & Wakefield
Eden Wood Realty
Hollister Construction Services
Jones Lang LaSalle
L+M Development
Matrix Development Group
Midwood Investment & Development
Panattoni Development Company
Prologis
Sitex Group
Spear Street Capital
Stoltz Management Corporation
Trammell Crow Company
Higher Education
Bryn Mawr College
Bloomfield College
Cape Eleuthera Institute
Cornell University
Drew University
East Stroudsburg University
Ferris State University
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Institute for Advanced Study
Kean University
Lafayette College
Lawrence University
New Jersey City University
Princeton University
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Rider University
Rowan University
Rutgers University
Seton Hall University
SUNY Cortland
University of Delaware
University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ
University of Pennsylvania
Ursinus College
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University
West Chester University
Westminster Choir College
WHYY Public Media
Widener University
Housing
Bloomfield College
Bryn Mawr College
Confidential Client
Montclair State University
New Jersey City University
RBH Group
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey
Rider University
Rutgers University
Widener University
Pre-K-12
A. Harry Moore School
New Jersey Schools Development Authority
The Calais School
Civic Builders
Cranbury K-8 School
Eden Family of Services
Gill St. Bernard’s
Hebrew Academy of Morris County
The Harmony Schools
KIPP Philadelphia and Canyon-Agassi
The Mathematics, Civics and Sciences Charter
New Jersey City University
Princeton Day School
Princeton Regional School District
RBH Group
Real Estate Advisory & Development Services
TEAM Charter Schools
Uncommon Schools
Widener University
Urban
Build with Purpose
Canyon-Agassi Charter School Facilities Fund
Civic Builders
First Round Capital
KIPP Philadelphia
New Jersey City University
RBH Group
TEAM Charter Schools
The Mathematics, Civics and Science Charter School of Philadelphia, Inc.
Widener University
WHYY
Workplace
Allergan
Berlitz
Bracco Diagnostics
Burlington Coat Factory
Dechert LLP
First Round Capital
Genmab
Ironbound Capital Management
Matrix Development Group
Princeton University
Princeton University Investment Company
Saul Ewing, LLP
Sparks
The Children’s Place
KSS was named AIA New Jersey’s Firm of the Year in 2013, 2009, 2005, and 2002.
Awards illuminate. An award reflects light onto its winning project to reveal an astuteness of design and the fulfillment of a client’s mission. The light of success also creates opportunity—the chance to contribute to a greater body of work—that of the architectural profession, serving society at large. Ultimately, an award is the recognition of our ability to push our field forward. To design spaces and build structures that enable their users and inhabitants to better live, work and learn. To engage, invigorate and elevate. For KSS, an award is the affirmation of our ability to create meaningful change through architecture.
Our projects, firm and team members each have received recognition from many national, regional and local organizations.
Project Awards
The College of New Jersey, Brower Student Center, Ewing, NJ ACUI National, Facility Design Award, 2018
Rowan University, Rohrer College of Business, Glassboro, NJ CMAA Mid-Atlantic Project Achievement Award, 2017
University of Pennsylvania, Pennovation Center, Philadelphia, PA AIA New Jersey, Design Award, 2018 AIA Philadelphia, Design Award, 2017 ULI Philadelphia, Willard G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards for Excellence, 2017 Preservation Achievement Grand Jury Award, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia, 2017 Community Impact Award, CREW Philadelphia, 2016 Best Adaptive Reuse project, Curbed Philadelphia, 2016
Cornell College, Thomas Commons, Mount Vernon, IA Facility Design Award of Excellence, Association of College Unions International, 2015
Autism Services Education and Outreach Center, Princeton, NJ Design Merit Award, AIA Philadelphia, 2013 Design Merit Award, AIA NJ, 2013
Drew University, Ehinger University Center, Madison, NJ Design Merit Award, AIA NJ, 2013
Lawrence University, Warch Campus Center, Appleton, WI Design Merit Award, AIA NJ, 2011 Best of Show, Top Project, Wisconsin Builder and The Daily Reporter, 2010 Concrete Design Award, Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Assoc., 2010 Dreamers and Doers Award, Appleton Downtown, Inc., 2010 Facility Design Award of Excellence, Association of College Unions International, 2010
WHYY, Hamilton Public Media Commons, Philadelphia, PA PRO AV Spotlight Award: Best Entertainment Spotlight Award, 2011 Design Merit Award, AIA NJ, 2010 First Place, 3form Best Installation Contest, 2010
Forsgate Industrial Partners, The Coca-Cola Distribution Center, South Brunswick, NJ Deal of the Year Finalist, NAIOP New Jersey, 2011
STS Distribution Center, Bridgewater Township, NJ New Good Neighbor Award, NJ Business & Industry Association, 2011
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin AIA NJ Design Merit Award, 2011
Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY PRO AV Spotlight Award: Best Entertainment Spotlight Award, 2011
The Coca-Cola Company Distribution Center Deal of the Year Finalist, NAIOP New Jersey, 2011
HWS Scandling Campus Center Renovation Brick in Architecture Bronze Award, Brick Industry Association, 2010
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin Concrete Design Award, Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Assoc., 2010
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin Best of Show, Top Project, Wisconsin Builder and The Daily Reporter, 2010
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin Dreamers and Doers Award, Appleton Downtown, Inc., 2010
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin Facility Design Award of Excellence, Association of College Unions International, 2010
Human Rights Institure, Kean University AIA NJ Design Honor Award, 2010
Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY AIA NJ Design Merit Award, 2010
Lawrence University Warch Campus Center, Wisconsin ENR Midwest: Project of the Year, 2010
Stockton College, New Campus Center Special Citation, American School & University Educational Interiors Showcase, 2010
Hamilton Public Media Commons at WHYY 3form People’s Choice Awards, First Place, Best Exterior Installation, 2010
MacDonald Moot Courtroom, Cornell University Award of Excellence, The Architectural Woodwork Institute, 2010
Robert L. Horbelt School, Barnegat, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Awards, Special Recognition, 2009
Lillian M. Dunfee School, Barnegat, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Awards, Special Recognition, 2009
AMB Liberty Logistics Center, Newark, NJ New Good Neighbor Award, NJ Business & Industry Association, 2009
Somerset Tire Service Distribution Center, Bridgewater Twp., NJ Somerset County Land Development and Planning Award, 2009
Denville Township Municipal Building, Denville Twp., NJ Brick in Architecture Gold Award, Brick Industry Association, 2008
iPort 12 with Panattoni and P/A Associates, Carteret, NJ 45th Annual New Jersey Concrete Awards, Merit Award, 2008
New Jersey City University, Business Incubator, Jersey City, NJ New Jersey Business & Industry Association, New Good Neighbor Award, 2007
Rutgers University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Piscataway, NJ AIA NJ Honor Award, 2007
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY NY State Contractors Association Award, 2006; Ithaca Pride of Ownership Awards, 2006; AIA NJ, Built Honor Award, 2004; AIA Philadelphia, Merit Award, 2006
Kean University, Center for Academic Success, Union, NJ AIA NJ Honor Award, 2006
Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania, meta-Metasequoia Viewing Structure AIA NJ Merit Award, 2006
Princeton University, Aaron Burr Hall, Princeton, NJ Historical Society of Princeton Preservation Award, 2006
New Jersey City University, West Campus Redevelopment, Jersey City, NJ New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award, 2006
New Jersey City University, Charter School, Jersey City, NJ
AIA Committee on Architecture for Education, Merit Award, 2005
Mercedes-Benz Parts Distribution Center, Washington Township, NJ New Jersey Business & Industry Association, New Good Neighbor Award, 2005
Cranbury Business Park, Building 5, Cranbury, NJ 42nd Annual New Jersey Concrete Awards, Honorable Mention, 2005
New Jersey City University, Charter School, Jersey City AIA NJ Merit Award-Built, 2004
New Jersey City University, West Campus Redevelopment, Jersey City, NJ New Jersey Future Smart Growth Award, 2004
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY AIA NJ Honor Award-Built, 2004
Princeton Township Municipal Building, Princeton, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Award, Grand Award & Best of Municipal/Community, 2003
Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Award, Special Recognition, 2002
School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY AIA Philadelphia, Merit Award, 2002
Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Award, Special Recognition, 2002
ProLogis Business Park, Buildings 2 and 3, Cranbury, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Award, Honorable Mention, 2001
New College Store, Ursinus College, Collegeville, PA New Jersey Society of Architects, Gold Medal, 2001
Zimmerli Art Museum, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ New Jersey Golden Trowel Award, Honorable Mention, 2001
Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ AIA NJ, Silver Award for Excellence in Architecture, 2001
Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, NJ New Jersey Society of Architects, Silver Medal, 2000
Princeton Township Municipal Building, Princeton, NJ Municipal Complex Design Competition, First Place Award, 1997
Individual Awards
Pamela Lucas Rew, FAIA Elevated to AIA National College of Fellows, 2015
Kyle Rendall, AIA AIA New Jersey Young Architect of the Year, 2015
Alicia Weaver, AIA, LEED AP BD+C AIA New Jersey Intern Architect of the Year, 2015
Jason Chmura, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Curbed Groundbreakers Award, 2015 AIA New Jersey Young Architect of the Year, 2014
Nicole Hollenbeck, LEED AP AIA New Jersey Intern Architect of the Year, 2014
Merilee Meacock, AIA, PP, LEED AP AIA New Jersey, Architect of the Year, 2014 NJBIZ Best 50 Women in Business, 2012 AIA New Jersey, Young Architect of the Year, 2003
Edmund Klimek, AIA Real Estate New Jersey, Architects Building NJ’s Future, 2009
Scot Murdoch, AIA Real Estate New Jersey, 40 under 40, 2008
Allan W. Kehrt, FAIA, LEED-AP AIA NJ Architect of the Year, 2006
Scot Murdoch, AIA AIA NJ Young Architect of the Year, 2004
Firm Awards
AIA New Jersey Firm of the Year, 2013
AIA New Jersey Firm of the Year, 2009
The Calais Foundation Making a Difference Award, 2008
AIA New Jersey Firm of the Year, 2005
AIA New Jersey Firm of the Year, 2002
New York
163 W 23rd Street, 5th Floor New York, NY10011 (Map)
The KSS Bike Program consists of three vintage bikes which were purchased from the Visiting Nurses Association of Somerset Hills’ biannual Rummage Sale. It’s a small way for each of us to be more sustainable, reducing greenhouse gas emissions if we have to run out for lunch or make an errand (not to mention a great way to get active during the workday!). They are available to all employees for recreational use and I look forward to riding to lunch with everyone.
