Scalpel architect sets up shop in Berlin, Singapore and San Francisco

KPF president James von Klemperer

KPF president James von Klemperer

Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) is opening offices in Berlin, Singapore and San Francisco, adding to the New York firm’s existing seven bases.

The Scalpel architect said its Berlin office, on Potsdamer Platz, would “service a vibrant market in Germany and Europe”, that included a recently won commission for a prominent gateway building in Düsseldorf.

A new base in San Francisco will cover the firm’s west coast business, from San Diego in southern California to Silicon Valley in the north of the state and Vancouver in Canada. The practice said it had a “robust portfolio” of west coast projects, including technology headquarters, academic and research buildings, housing and transit schemes.

KPF said its Singapore office was being opened “on the heels” of winning the commission to design Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 as part of a bid team that also includes Heatherwick Studio. The office will also service current and future work in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

The Scalpel by Kohn Pedersen Fox

Computer-generated image of KPF’s 52 Lime Street, better known as The Scalpel, in context

Company president James von Klemperer said the new offices were the result of many years of practice in the areas they served and would “bolster the reach” of KPF’s existing New York and London operations.

“As a firm, we’re excited to contribute innovative ideas to cities in continental Europe, the west coast of America and across south-east Asia and look forward to being part of their respective futures,” he said.

In addition to its New York headquarters and London studio, KPF also has offices in Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi.