Pfaffmann + Associates, founded in 1996, specializes in thoughtful, appropriate solutions to clients’ needs in the areas of architecture, workplace design, urban design and preservation. The firm combines distinguished design with collaborative skills in order to mediate the complex social, economic and civic factors that are typically encountered in design and planning projects. A commitment to sustainability and sensitivity to natural and historic contexts distinguishes our work. At the same time, Pfaffmann + Associates consistently produces solutions that achieve design excellence within tight budgets.
Since its founding, the firm has consistently received recognition for its work, including two Silver Medals (the highest honor conferred by the American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh Chapter) and two Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards. The firm employs a diverse staff, whose skills include LEED certification, historic preservation, project feasibility analysis, site development, building and zoning code compliance, interpretive design and exhibits, life cycle maintenance, lighting and streetscape design, and environmental and operations issues.
Pfaffmann + Associates comprehensively understands the facilities needs of institutions and nonprofits of all sizes and types. This understanding is distinguished by our staff’s experience in the role of both architect and owner — Rob Pfaffmann previously served as an architect in the Syracuse University Office of Facilities Planning and groundbreaking Internet start-up Lycos. Representative clients in the nonprofit sector include Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, the Heinz History Center, the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the River Life Task Force.
The firm also brings strong experience and commitment to the planning and design of corporate and research facilities, including projects for The Rubinoff Company, Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate and numerous corporate and office tenants. In the last several years Pfaffmann + Associates has completed over 375,000 square feet of office space in two signature buildings for Alcoa and NOVA Chemicals and is currently designing a 120,000 square foot office building at 2900 Sydney Street for Trammell Crow Development.
P+A has been involved in the full cycle of project development, from feasibility analysis through fundraising and onto completion, for projects such as the Heinz History Center and the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. In the course of completing two award-winning projects for the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, Pfaffmann + Associates repeatedly demonstrated its ability to devise innovative solutions to keep high-quality design on budget.
Community-based planning and design is an important component of our work. Working with neighborhood groups and diverse stakeholders, P+A has developed master plans for Lawrenceville, Millvale, the Northside, Oakland and Penn Avenue’s Bakery Row, along with new/renovated public libraries in the Hill District and Homewood.
Our firm thrives on its diverse experience in the scale and type of projects we undertake. We believe that the unique qualities of each project are a reflection of our ability to listen and collaborate to achieve our clients’ goals and those of the broader community.
