Headshot of Peter Knutson.

Peter Knutson

Principal, Advisory Services, New York

After studying psychology and neuroscience as an undergraduate, Peter began his professional career with a cellular neuroscience research fellowship at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development—but he spent his free time reading about cities, space, and human experience. That curiosity led him to earn his master’s degree in architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, where he discovered his passion for shaping how people engage with place. He spent several formative years in Beijing and Shanghai working alongside mentor Ma Qingyun.

Peter is focused on the long-term vision, guiding clients and teams through deep explorations of their needs and aspirations to find alignment and clarity. He thrives on complex projects where diverse groups find meaning and value within a shared experience. For Peter, success comes from curiosity—listening, observing, and asking better questions to shape better spaces.

When designing, the right idea is usually in the room, somewhere in the space between designer and client. It just takes active listening and a commitment to chasing opportunity where it desires to go.
fun fact

Peter collects music, seeking out sounds he’s never heard before. He bikes without a plan, and wanders new cities simply to get lost, often encouraging colleagues to join him on “dérives” (absurdly long walks) to explore the unknown.

Man carrying child on shoulders in front of rustic door, bonding and sunlight play, summer adventure scene.
Peter with his daughter, Penny on a ‘derive’ outside their Brooklyn home.
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