Taylor & Company Public Relations

06/17/2026

In restaurant development + design, Michael Poris, AIA, founding principal of McIntosh Poris Architects, and Tarrah Beebe, AIA, a senior associate at KFA Architecture, share how their firms design restaurant exteriors to build atmosphere and a sense of the experience to be had inside.

“Curb appeal is going to determine if somebody wants to come in or not,” says Michael. “It could be a nostalgic feel that’s really authentic, or maybe it looks exciting and like a place you want to be.”

“The primary thing is people,” says Tarrah. “I want to be able to see people coming in and out of the space. That will create a sense of buzz. Outdoor dining and transparent storefronts allow you to see the activity going on inside.”

Learn more in the Restaurant Development + Design piece by Peter Fabris: https://rddmag.com/design/4696-curb-appeal-why-exteriors-matter-more-than-ever

📷 Benny Chan Fotoworks (Bel Air Bar and Grill), Jim Simmons (The Exchange), and Justin Maconochie (Vinsetta Garage)

06/16/2026

CO Architects contributed to the top 10 trends in outpatient surgery centers (OSCs) in Building Design + Construction's Healthcare Annual Report. One of these trends is optimizing and improving workflow. Gina Chang, AIA, a principal at CO Architects, discusses the use of operational computer simulations to test workflow assumptions.

These simulations use AI-driven agents, such as in the case of UCI Health - Irvine, which utilized a custom gaming-engine-enabled software. Actual operating data validated the simulation results: in the first six months, the ORs at UCI Health's OSC achieved an admirable 76% usage rate.

Learn more about OSC trends here: https://mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=865290&p=28&view=issueViewer

📷 Tom Bonner (UCI Health photo), courtesy CO Architects (simulation video)

06/12/2026

Tune into the "Business of Architecture" podcast to listen to John Arnold, AIA, partner at KFA Architecture, talk with Enoch Sears about how rising from junior staff to firm leader shaped his focus on people, culture, and stability.

You’ll also hear about how KFA approaches staffing and finances to safeguard from market shifts, and how John sees his role as helping people leave the firm as "whole humans."

Listen here: https://youtu.be/5RbhqZDU4pA?si=PkuDB7sYHNpZa30s

06/11/2026

Featured in Education Snapshots: Williams Blackstock Architects (WBA) adaptively reused a historic 1914 Birmingham, AL, building to create spaces for learning, collaboration, and community engagement for two of Auburn University’s colleges.

Exterior terracotta, board-formed concrete, and triple-bay windows with molded spandrels were repaired and repainted in period-inspired hues. Prominent exterior updates include a contemporary double-height storefront made of cold-rolled steel (a tribute to Birmingham’s industrial roots) with a floating canopy that creates an inviting entrance.

A three-story Auburn University LED marquee sign is mounted between the window bays, echoing the building’s former neon branding. In addition to maintaining heritage, reusing the existing structure—and exposing original materials such as the lobby’s central colonnade and brick walls—reduced costs, waste, and environmental impact.

Learn more in Education Snapshots: https://educationsnapshots.com/projects/393382/auburn-university-remote-birmingham-campus/

📷 Nick McGinn, Noel Chang-Roberts

General Contractor: Stone Building Company
Structural Engineer: Tucker-Jones Engineers Associated
Civil Engineer: Dynamic Civil Solutions
MEP Engineer: ENFRA (formerly Bernhard)
Electrical Engineer: GW Electric
Metal Fabrication: Bradford Custom Metal (formerly Bradford & Hines)
Environmental Graphics: Alabama Graphics

Williams Blackstock Architects (WBA) adaptively reused a historic 1914 Birmingham, AL, building to create spaces for learning, collaboration, and community engagement for two of Auburn […]

06/10/2026

Project Spotlight (in-progress): University of Pennsylvania (Penn) Physical Sciences Building, located in Philadelphia, designed by CO Architects and EwingCole.

The new Physical Sciences Building includes 265,000 square feet of new construction along with the renovation and modernization of 85,000 square feet of existing space. The resulting complex will serve as a vibrant nexus for Penn’s Departments of Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, and Earth and Environmental Science.

“CO’s design vision prioritizes openness, daylight, and connectivity to inspire the next generation of scientists,” said James Simeo, FAIA, Principal at CO Architects. “By integrating sustainable systems, biophilic elements, and adaptable and flexible laboratory planning modules, the building will support frontier research while creating an inviting environment that encourages collaboration across disciplines and with the broader campus community.”

Learn more: https://taylor-pr.com/university-of-pennsylvania-unveils-vision-for-transformative-physical-sciences-complex/

Renderings courtesy CO Architects.

06/09/2026

According to former HOK CEO Patrick MacLeamy, FAIA, "Architects must become relevant by rescuing what good design really means and what good service means."

He continues, “Good design is not superficial. It’s not about style or the latest colors. It's about buildings that work really well, that serve their clients’ needs.”

Discover more of Patrick’s advice for architects navigating today’s economic climate, along with his perspective on the current state of the profession in Archinect: https://archinect.com/features/article/150545552/architects-are-lost-as-a-profession-former-hok-ceo-patrick-macleamy-speaks-out

Almost two years ago, in September 2024, Archinect spoke with former HOK CEO and Chairman Patrick MacLeamy for advice on how architects could navigate through economic downturns. Back then, high interest rates, inflation, and post-pandemic construction costs all contributed to concerns from...

06/05/2026

For World Environment Day, we’re spotlighting projects that have achieved LEED certification. LEED is the most widely recognized green building rating system in the world. It serves as a globally recognized symbol of sustainability leadership.

Innovation Curve by Form4 Architecture:
Located in Stanford Research Park, Innovation Curve Technology Park comprises four buildings and features a curved metal facade. Designed by Form4 Architecture, the peaks and valleys of sweeping metal curves serve as architectural metaphors for the highs and lows of exploratory research and development. The building has LEED Platinum certification, as it incorporates additional sustainable elements such as automated shade infrastructure, high-performance cool roofs, and more.

📍 Palo Alto, CA
📷 John Sutton, Richard Barnes

Cal Poly Student Services Building by CO Architects:
CO Architects incorporated biomimicry when designing the Cal Poly Pomona Student Services Building (SSB). The building's undulating roof collects rainwater to irrigate the xeriscape. The roof also overhangs the complex and helps provide extra shading and cooling, much like a tortoise shell. The SSB became the first Cal Poly Pomona facility to garner LEED Platinum certification.

📍 Pomona, CA
📷 Bill Timmerman

Larkin Place by KFA:
KFA created Larkin Place to reflect a shared goal of stable, long-term housing that supports residents while contributing positively to the Claremont community. The project transforms an underutilized site, formerly owned by the neighboring Pilgrim Place senior living community, into long-term housing paired with on-site services for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Larkin Place is LEED Gold-certified.

📍 Claremont, CA
📷 Juan Tallo

06/04/2026

ICYMI, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Hope Plaza is featured in The Architect's Newspaper.

Designed by CO Architects, the project maximized patient comfort to promote wellness through biophilic design. A void that cuts through the massing of the building recalls the meandering shape of a river snaking through a canyon wall. Similarly, anodized metal panels give the illusion of a sunset amid the mountainous landscape.

“Biophilic design comes down to the merging of big ideas and nuances, which requires attention and sensitivity,” shared CO Architects. “Getting the buy-in from construction partners was paramount to success.”

Taylor & Company pitched the project to The Architect’s Newspaper for its “Facades+” section. Ex*****on included completing the media outlet’s project Q&A with CO’s design team. We submitted this questionnaire with a selection of façade images for both the outpatient building and kinetic-façade parking garage.

Read the full piece by Bernard Pollara: https://www.archpaper.com/2026/03/co-architects-hope-plaza-metal-panels/

📷: Tom Bonner (exterior), Halkin Mason (interior)

Associate Architect/Planning, Interior Designer: EwingCole
General Contractor: DPR Construction
Landscape Architect: MIG
MEP Design-Builder: ACCO
Structural/Civil Engineer: KPFF
Lighting Designer: CSI/WSP (formerly tk1sc)

06/03/2026

John Arnold, AIA, is featured in Arroyo Monthly, highlighting KFA Architecture’s work across the San Gabriel Valley. In the profile, he reflects on his path into architecture and the firm’s impact in delivering more than 1,000 housing units throughout the region. He also discusses KFA’s role in preserving Paul R. Williams, FAIA’s home in Los Angeles, among other projects.

In describing the firm’s ethos, he notes, “KFA has never been ego driven,” he said. “We’ve never been centered around one architectural visionary. I think we’re all visionaries. We like to listen to our clients and to our staff. We like to listen to our sites, and just see what is appropriate for the sites. I feel lucky that I found KFA because it’s people oriented.”

Learn more in Arroyo Monthly: https://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&pubid=697a535c-ab2d-4a07-b939-d3b877ee330c

06/02/2026

Matt Foley, AIA, Principal/COO at Williams Blackstock Architects (WBA), toured Auburn’s recently opened Birmingham campus with news anchor Sarah Verser in a segment for WBRC Channel 6 in Birmingham, AL.

In 2018, Auburn University acquired the landmark 1914 Hood-McPherson Building and commissioned WBA to convert the abandoned structure into an award-winning urban campus.

The architecture team repurposed the six-story, 44,000-square-foot building, which had housed furniture for nearly 80 years, into classrooms for Auburn’s College of Architecture, Design, and Construction (CADC) and Raymond J. Harbert College of Business.

Watch the segment on WBRC: https://www.wbrc.com/2026/05/18/auburn-brings-business-architecture-programs-downtown-birmingham/

📷 Nick McGinn

General Contractor: Stone Building Company
Structural Engineer: Tucker-Jones Engineers Associated
Civil Engineer: Dynamic Civil Solutions
MEP Engineer: ENFRA (formerly Bernhard)
Electrical Engineer: GW Electric
Metal Fabrication: Bradford Custom Metal (formerly Bradford & Hines)
Environmental Graphics: Alabama Graphics