Press Releases October 22, 2026

Perkins&Will Announces New Commercial Practice Leadership in the Pacific Northwest

Chris Beza joins the firm as managing principal, bringing more than two decades of experience helping clients navigate the intersection of design, business, and the built environment.

SEATTLE—Global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will has hired Chris Beza to lead its Seattle studio’s commercial practice. In this role, Beza will focus on serving the evolving commercial real estate market, including corporate workplaces, asset repositioning, adaptive reuse, and the ongoing transformation of the Pacific Northwest’s cities.

“At a time when our region and industry are navigating significant change, we’re grateful to have Chris leading this sector,” says Todd Buchanan, managing director at Perkins&Will. “Chris sees opportunities to make a positive impact amid this change, and that’s closely aligned with our studio’s mission.”

A University of Washington alum and lifelong Seattle resident, Beza earned his Master of Architecture at The Ohio State University and has practiced in the Pacific Northwest for more than twenty years. His recent work includes projects for global organizations and real estate clients with deep local ties, including Microsoft, Amazon, Nordstrom, Oxford Properties, and the University of Washington Medical Center.

“I’m excited to be part of the Seattle studio and to get to know the people, projects, and ideas that make Perkins&Will such a great firm,” says Beza. “I hope to create opportunities for our people to do their best work by building upon strong relationships, connecting colleagues across disciplines and markets, and supporting the commercial practice’s continued growth.”

A man in a suit walks along a sidewalk under arched architecture, with large windows reflecting the sunlight.
Businessman in a tailored suit stands in an urban setting, looking thoughtfully ahead under natural light.
Chris Beza
Committed to Human Connection and Service

Commercial work can require navigating a complex matrix of organizational priorities, real estate interests, and legislative requirements. Beza has found success through a collaborative, relationship-driven approach that prioritizes connecting with clients and understanding the underlying needs that drive projects.

“Chris is attuned to the Seattle market; he innately understands our clients’ business objectives and how to deliver lasting value,” says Brad Hinthorne, Perkins&Will’s global commercial practice leader. “We look forward to the partnerships he will build and the projects he will lead, to improve our shared experience of living and working here.”

An active leader in the Pacific Northwest’s real estate and design community, Beza chairs the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) National Technology in Real Estate Product Council and co-chairs ULI’s Northwest Urban Development and Mixed-Use Product Council. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and CREDA (formerly NAIOP), where he serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee.

I strive to establish a shared sense of purpose, and create an environment where people feel empowered to contribute their best ideas. When we invest in human connection, we strengthen our work and build practices that thrive well beyond any one individual.

Chris Beza