Brian Girard AIA

Placemaking and Urbanism

Drawing inspiration from the direct observation of places and the behavior of people, Brian’s projects emerge from the prevailing urban grain. His experience with a wide range of typologies, including residential, retail, cultural, mixed use, and urban planning has given him a deep understanding of the needs of cities. He is acutely aware that every city has a native scale, and that themes and concepts migrate from different contexts and cultures but are always grounded by the specifics of place. Projects such as Urban Star and Yiwu Xiachemeng, in China, demonstrate his ability to apply globally relevant urbanism practices to the unique contexts and needs of particular places.

Urban Star

Hangzhou, China

Yiwu Place

Yiwu, China

Floral Court

London, UK

History and Character

Brian maintains that inasmuch as a given site has a spatial context, every project also has a temporal context , and must consider local history, architectural or otherwise, to optimally realize the potential of a place. Brian’s work in Covent Garden and Milan exemplifies this approach by weaving architectural insertions into the existing urban fabric and enhancing a district’s overall character.

Covent Garden

London, UK

11-12 Floral Street

London, UK

Lorenzini 8-10-12

Milan, Italy

Industry Leadership

As a member of KPF’s recruitment committee, Brian identifies, recruits, and develops the talents of emerging and established designers to ensure that the firm maintains the exceptional standard of design for which it is known. His work has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the AIANY Design Award (Honor) and an AIA National Architecture Award.