PHILADELPHIA—Architecture and design firm Perkins&Will grows its Philadelphia studio with the addition of Matthew Krissel, an internationally recognized architect and fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Krissel’s extensive work on higher education and institutional projects will enhance the firm’s ability to serve clients in the sixth most populous city in the country.
Krissel has lived and worked in Philadelphia since 2003, when he attended the University of Pennsylvania for his master’s degree in architecture; he also holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Buffalo. Krissel has worked on national and international projects at several architecture firms in New York City and Philadelphia. His portfolio includes the Paulson Center at New York University; the Alan Magee Scaife Hall of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University; The U.S. Embassy in London; and the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.
“I was drawn to the range of work and entrepreneurial culture of Perkins&Will,” says Krissel. “The firm has a strong legacy and clear vision for the future. Joining the Philadelphia studio offers the opportunity to help grow a very talented team and continue to make an impact here and across the region.”
Perkins&Will opened its Philadelphia studio in September 2023 and has been steadily expanding its local footprint to support clients across the city and state of Pennsylvania. Recent work includes a medical office tower for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and ongoing projects for Saint Joseph’s University and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.
“Perkins&Will couldn’t be more thrilled to have Matthew joining our team,” says Laura Morris, a healthcare principal and managing director of the firm’s Philadelphia studio. “We’re looking forward to building on the relationships and design leadership that Perkins&Will and Matt have laid in the city and surrounding region.”
Planning and Urban Transformation
In addition to built work, Krissel’s expertise extends to master planning for major civic and commercial institutions such as the USA 250 Semiquincentennial, the Morris Arboretum, and the Northern Liberties Business Improvement District Streetscape in Philadelphia. Krissel leads teams to solutions in these challenging but vital projects, transforming how city residents, businesses, and visitors live, work, learn, and play within the urban context.
“Through our work—whether it’s ground-up new construction or adaptive reuse—we can re-shape our cities and improve the lives of their residents,” says Robert Clemens, managing director of the firm’s New York studio. “Matthew’s extensive experience in the tri-state area, along with his innovative thinking, will allow us to continue to raise the bar.”
In all his work, Krissel aims to create beautiful, sustainable places that improve the environment and enhance human potential. His process involves working closely with clients and project stakeholders to elevate design and clarify complex problems.
Design Leadership, Research, and Technology
Long recognized as a leader in the design field, Krissel regularly speaks and publishes nationally and internationally on architecture, design, and the intersection of technology and the built environment. He is invested in developing the next generation of design leaders as an adjunct faculty member at the Carnegie Mellon School of Architecture.
Krissel also has a professional history of contributing to firm-led research and collaborating on developing products, tools, and methods to improve the design, construction process, and outcomes. As a research-based firm, Perkins&Will has recently brought innovative products to market such as PRECEDE, an open-source public health dashboard.
“The Philadelphia region is a remarkably dynamic and diverse amalgamation of people and environment, culture and history, innovation and invention,” says Krissel. “As architects, we have a unique opportunity to improve humanity and profoundly impact our communities by redefining what is possible and making the change we seek through the democratization of exceptional design. The investment in the region combines the diversity and strength of international design practice with the benefits of deep local roots to deliver meaningful, impact-driven design.”
