Underlying this philosophy is the conviction that with a thorough understanding of each building type’s requirements, we could realize the true potential of any project and enrich the quality of life of its users as well as the communities in which they are located.

Our Beliefs
Despite the unique needs of each building type supported by the firm, Perkins Eastman’s approach to design remains steadfastly committed to several common beliefs:

• The built environment makes a significant difference in the quality of life of the people who live, work, and interact in the building.
  
  
• Design excellence is achieved by a talented team led by a principal-in-charge. The principal-in-charge, often drawing upon the vast expertise from other principals, shapes the design solution differently for each project.
  
  
• Design excellence is enhanced by research, an interest in the unique issues of each building type, and a commitment to designing a space using technology and innovation that benefits the end-user as well as the planet.

Our Process
Architecturally speaking, the term “process” refers to the steps involved in developing a design—a solution to the problem. At Perkins Eastman, process casts a much wider net and precedes the project by redefining the problem then following a deductive path that begins with research into the general issues of a building type: the unique needs of the client and the people who will use it; the possibilities for innovation; technological advancements and sustainable design principles; and both the limitations and opportunities provided by the site and context. This process assumes that the challenge of the project is often discovering how to go beyond the conventional solution. What results is a true synthesis of programmatic requirements, context, and innovative design that is sensitively integrated in its physical, cultural, and natural environments.

Research In Practice
Research has shown that physical environments can impact quality of life, job performance, the healing process, the ability to learn, and many other psychological and physical experiences. Perkins Eastman’s research teams have developed methodologies to improve the knowledge and capabilities of our planners, architects, and designers. From a long-standing commitment to advancing best practices in the field of architecture, the firm conducts and applies research across our practice areas including senior living, education, and healthcare so that our designers and clients can make more informed decisions during the design process.

Complementary Building Types
On the basis of these beliefs, Perkins Eastman initially focused on a finite group of complementary building types. Reflecting the founding principals' personal interests, these building types were also selected because knowledge gained in one had the potential to inform the issues relevant to another. Ranging from hotels to hospitals, housing to office buildings, educational to science and technology facilities, these building types are indicative of the firm's commitment to bringing its research-oriented design process to bear on a limitless range of projects.

Firm Structure and Expertise
Perkins Eastman's organizational structure accommodates the different operating and design styles of each of the firm's principals, who work together to critique, strengthen, and reinforce each other's projects. The range of design vocabularies employed for these building types illustrates the diversity of the firm's principals and clients. In this way, the firm leverages its continually growing body of research and industry expertise to provide clients with unique solutions that are thoughtful, well designed, and uncompromised.