Portman Architects, the 67-year leading architectural design firm based in Atlanta, today announces the succession of Robert Halverson, AIA, NCARB, to the dual positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Halverson started his tenure at the firm formerly known as John Portman and Associates in 2007, after working in design and Senior project management at Davis Brody and Skidmore, Owings and Merrill in New York.

He is a graduate of both Yale and Syracuse University, the latter at which he sits on the advisory board at the School of Architecture. He also serves on the executive advisory board at the School of
Design at Georgia Institute of Technology. Halverson is licensed to practice in eight states. His leadership is defined by a command of design excellence and a passion to deliver high quality across the practice, with locations headquartered in both Atlanta and Shanghai.

Halverson’s appointment is supported by the Portman Architects Boards of Directors, comprised of Mickey Steinberg, Vice Chairman; Greg Botsch, Treasurer; Mason Cargill, Secretary and Outside Council; and Gordon Beckman, board member. Of his progressive work at Portman Architects, Halverson says: ”Our company has been practicing in Asia for more than 30 years and has developed a great many projects and relationships. One of the major differences between working in Asia and working in the States has to do with size of the projects in which we are involved.

Typically in Asia the projects are very large. The first project I was involved with in Korea was Incheon 151, the second tallest tower in the world at the time, a 151-story tower on reclaimed land. All clients desire great design, but not all clients think the same with regard to building systems, how these large projects will be sold independently, tenant customization, and beyond. Projects here in the states are typically smaller in scale, and equally as important with regard to design excellence and execution.” In 2020, Halverson assumes the helm of the firm’s expanding multiuse projects in development and under construction in Atlanta, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and throughout China. “The interesting challenge is bridging the gap between limitations and great design and achieving the unique iconic designs Portman Architects is famous for. Achieving the best design possible with all of our projects is always our intent with all of our clients,” he states.

From the beginning of his move to Atlanta, Halverson worked directly with John Portman on his newest designs, reviewing original drawings and details and investigating what was actually built. He maintained this working relationship with Jack Portman, the firm’s most recent chairman, both stateside and abroad. The continuity and progression of Portman Architects into 2021 and beyond is the purview that Robert Halverson assumes with these new working titles.