Chris Karlson

AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador
Associate Principal, Boston

Chris has always been drawn to architecture for its constant determination for change. For him, the practice of design begins with a simple but pressing question: what does the world need from us?

He believes design excellence emerges through rigorous dialogue, collaborative exploration, and a shared commitment to craft. Within the Boston studio and across our firm, Chris has been an influential force in advancing our design culture, working alongside leadership to develop new ways to empower teams, elevate discourse, and articulate the value of our work with clarity and purpose.

From world-class athletic facilities to inclusive educational environments, Chris challenges convention to deliver resilient, forward-thinking architecture. Across projects of every scale, he is committed to bringing together diverse perspectives to translate challenges into simple, impactful solutions that connect communities and create long-term value. He believes that even the most complex problems can be met with design that is thoughtful and clear.

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IMPACT
Revealing the Process Behind our Award-winning Designs

As our firm’s inaugural Ed Feiner Fellow, Chris led the development of “The Fold”, a social media series that showcases previously unseen design content through a compelling storytelling lens.

Large dome-shaped structure surrounded by palm trees, with people walking and sitting on a well-maintained pathway at sunset.
Mohammed bin Rashid Stadium
Chris was instrumental in bringing this design competition-winning vision to life, crafting a stadium that not only performs in extreme climates year-round but also energizes the surrounding environment as a dynamic destination.
Image of a tennis facility with a sleek facade, featuring large windows, outdoor seating, and people engaging in activities outside.
Columbia University, Milstein Family Tennis Center
This waterfront tennis center is the future of flood-resilient architecture, rethinking how a structure interacts with water. Chris helped craft intentional design elements that adapt to flooding, letting the water in rather than trying to keep it out.
Chris championed and formalized our Boston studio’s weekly “Design Discussions,” creating a space for regular design dialogue, critique, and knowledge sharing.
Perspective
"By reinforcing our process—to inquire, investigate, inspire, and invent—we ensure the delivery of exceptional projects."

Chris's Featured Work

Columbia University, Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center Columbia Tennis Center
Work
Columbia University, Philip & Cheryl Milstein Family Tennis Center
New York, New York
Northeastern University, Multipurpose Athletic Facility exterior of gray brick sports building on a busy city street
Work
Northeastern University, Multipurpose Athletic Facility
Boston, Massachusetts
Belmont Middle and High School
Work
Belmont Middle and High School
Belmont, Massachusetts
Phillips Academy Andover, Snyder Center
Work
Phillips Academy Andover, Snyder Center
Andover, Massachusetts
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Work
Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, Massachusetts
Malone Family Tower Malone Family Tower MMC Thumbnail
Work
Malone Family Tower
Portland, Maine