by: AIA New York
Lloyd Sigal, FAIA, is a principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, which he joined in 1988. Sigal has worked to elevate the profession and educate the next generation of architects through leadership on exceptionally complex, award-winning projects that have reshaped global practice. Among them, for the past year, he has managed the master plan for the West Yard of Hudson Yards, one of he biggest projects in the world, including KPF projects and collaborations with internationally-recognized architects, 65 in-house architects, and over 100 consultants. He has guided and inspired fellow architects as he manages KPF’s operations on the West Coast, Mexico, South America, China, and projects across the United States. He has shared his knowledge with clients, civic groups and professional organizations and educated through hands-on involvement and mentorship everywhere he has worked. He has been active in the AIA, Urban Land Institute, and the Association for the Improvement of American Infrastructure, among other organizations.
In 2018, the Jury of Fellows of the AIA elevated Sigal to the College of Fellows in the second category of Fellowship, which recognizes architects who have made efforts “To advance the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training, and practice,” according to the organization’s definition. Now among the AIA membership’s three percent distinguished with Fellowship and honorary Fellowship, Sigal was recognized at the New Fellows Reception hosted by AIA New York and at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Conference on Architecture in New York City.
Q: What is your proudest achievement as an architect?
A: Over the years, my work has ranged from small buildings to mega projects, located locally and globally. Each has presented unique challenges, which have often provided great architectural opportunities. My proudest achievement was winning a National AIA Honor Award for one of my smallest projects, Centra Metropark in New Jersey, which was a LEED Platinum building transformation designed for a very modest budget and through an intense collaboration with our client and structural engineer.
Q: What is your earliest memory of experiencing architecture?
A: Since my father was an architect (and later a developer) I was exposed to architecture throughout my childhood, spending time in his office, visiting construction sites and learning how to draw on his drafting board at home while in elementary school. I grew up immersed in the world of architecture and met many architects through my father’s practice, including Gene Kohn, Bill Pedersen, and Shelly Fox, who I would later go on to work with for more than three decades.
Q: What is influencing your work the most right now?
A: Because my projects span many markets across the United States and internationally, collaboration has become a very important and rewarding aspect of my current work. This includes teaming with other architects, designers and creative engineers, depending on the nature of each project and its location. I believe these projects benefit from the exchange of ideas; we learn how to incorporate local culture, materials and techniques while sharing our experiences from other projects around the world. Recent technological developments over the last several years have pulled us even closer together, allowing us to seamlessly work together day-to-day and interact with our clients over long distances.
Q: What are you working on right now?
A: We are still deeply involved in Hudson Yards where the buildings on the East Platform are being constructed, and we are now beginning to design the West Platform, along with a cast of very talented architectural firms. Also in New York, I am working with the Port Authority on the master planning and design of the new Midtown Bus Terminal. In San Francisco and San Jose, I am leading several corporate, mixed use and residential projects which are tied to the expansion of the tech industry. In downtown Miami, I am working on a 1,048-foot-tall, mixed-use tower at Bayfront Plaza. In downtown Tampa, we are getting ready to start construction on a new residential project that is part of the Water Street development; I am excited because it will be my first large scale architectural concrete building. Plus, I have a few high profile office and mixed use towers in Shenzhen, China. As you can see, I’m very busy these days.
Q: What does being a fellow mean to you?
A: Being a Fellow acknowledges the accomplishments of my 30 year career as an Architect and what I have done to elevate and advance the profession. I found the process of creating my submission to be highly reflective, looking back on my evolution and maturation as an Architect, the quality of the work and the ways I have influenced the profession – through the work, education and mentoring and leadership. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by the Fellowship Jury.
Editors’ Note: This feature is part of a series celebrating the 28 members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York Chapter that were elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 2018, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to both the profession and society. Learn more about Fellowship here.