Co-Founder of Kohn Pedersen Fox, A. Eugene (Gene) Kohn Dies At 92

A. Eugene (Gene) Kohn, co-founder of the global architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, died at 92. He founded Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in 1976 with William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox. After decades of practice, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates became one of the most influential architectural firms in the world thanks to Gene always championing hope, maintaining his positive outlook, and staying focused on the next challenge.

A. Eugene Kohn, Photo source by KPF

Gene's views and spirit to his commitment to something he built. As KPF President James von Klemperer put it,

"Gene was universally respected in the community for his ability to achieve consensus."

"His seemingly limitless interest in other human beings gave him powerful insights into the social aspect of building programs and larger urban agendas. Without his easy charm and focused intensity, such notable projects as Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, the World Bank in Washington DC, One Vanderbilt in New York, and the reinvigoration of Covent Garden in London would not have realized their full success." He said.

333 Wacker Drive, Photo source by KPF

Gene was leaner of Louis Kahn, who was interested in the history and use of the geometry of a building. This was the forerunner of his career as an architect. As a result, he has a strong instinct about his point of view when learning about architecture. His sensitivity to the building and social context was Gene's provision in building the KPF with William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox.

In building a firm with his two friends, Gene once stated that Bill and Shelley "liked the idea of creating something bigger than the three of us that would live longer than any of us." It was this vision that finally made the three architects last until KPF was so influential until now.

Shelley Fox, Bill Pedersen, Gene Kohn, Photo source by KPF

According to his persistence and spirit under Gene's leadership, KPF is the youngest practice recognized by the AIA Architecture Firm Award (1990). In addition, KPF has designed and completed high-profile projects such as 333 Wacker Drive (Chicago); Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Petersen Automotive Museum (Los Angeles); Headquarters for Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati); World Bank (Washington); IBM (Armonk); Unilever (London); and DZ Bank (Frankfurt).

DZ Bank HQ, Photo source by KPF

A long struggle during his career paid off beautifully for Gene. Through his several works, Gene received numerous accolades and accolades, including The National Building Museum Chairman's Award, The Skyscraper Museum Award, and the Wharton Real Estate Center's Lifetime Achievement Award. In fact, earlier this year, Gene was awarded the Freedom of the City of London and wore the Honorary Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects (WCCA), which is in recognition of his contribution to architecture. In addition, Gene was also named a Life Trustee of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) as the first architect to receive the award.

Not only receiving various awards during his career at KPF, but Gene also appreciated other architects by establishing the annual A. Eugene Kohn/KPF Fellowship to fund research on low-carbon design and other activities at the ULI Randall Lewis Center for Sustainability in Real Estate.

Hudson Yards, Photo source by KPF

In addition to contributing to the world of design, Gene also played an active role in developing architecture education by publishing his memoir 'The World by Design: The Story of a Global Architecture Firm' in 2019, co-authored by Clifford Pearson. 

The book explains how Gene helped build one of the world's most successful architectural firms, offering inspiring lessons on business leadership and design innovation that can be applied in many areas. In addition, Gene also taught at Harvard Business School for more than ten years and at Harvard Graduate School of Design for four years. He also served as a Trustee for the University of Pennsylvania, became Superintendent for its School of Design, and was a Member of the Advisory Board of the Wharton Real Estate Center.