In a wide-ranging interview with architects David Lee and Marina Bourderonnet, hosts of The Second Studio podcast, the KPF Co-Founder reflects on his formative years, journey as an architect, and various influences on his design vision.
In the interview, Bill shares his journey as a founding partner of KPF alongside Gene Kohn and Shelley Fox, and his leadership as Design Principal for many of the firm’s defining projects, including Plaza 66 in Shanghai, Hudson Yards in New York, and DZ Bank Headquarters in Frankfurt. He shares stories about the design process behind his own home and furniture, the value of mentorship, and his perspective on the future of architectural practice.
Bill reflects on formative influences, from his family’s background in building and land surveying, to the creative encouragement of early educators and the mentorship of figures such as I.M. Pei. He discusses how these experiences shaped his “gesture and response” approach, emphasizing architecture’s responsibility to respond to its context and create meaningful urban connections. In a distinct anecdote, Bill describes how his early devotion to ice hockey sparked his fascination with movement and fluidity—concepts that directly inspired the curving, refractive façade of One Jackson Square in New York.
Throughout the episode, Bill offers insights into the evolution of KPF’s design ethos, the importance of nurturing talent from within, and the firm’s evolution and expansion over nearly 50 years. He concludes by reflecting on the enduring importance of architecture that enriches the public realm and fosters connection, both as a process within the firm and as a product in cities around the world.
