The KPF Principal envisioned a “long-life system” of sustainable design rather than a skyline object or a spectacle for a recent article exploring architects’ dream projects.
For a January piece, Fast Company invited leading architects from prominent firms worldwide to share their ideal projects for the year ahead. Among those featured was KPF’s Trent Tesch, who offered a perspective that prioritizes systemic urban transformation over singular architectural statements.
“The dream project for me isn’t a skyline object or spectacle, it’s a long-life system—a project whose structure is reused, materials are upgraded and recycled rather than replaced, and performance improves over time,” Trent explained. “Where sustainable strategies aren’t hidden in basements, or rooftops, but become part of the architectural experience. A dream project would be an urban district reimagined, edited with a scalpel (rather than a sledgehammer) with its declining building stock given a new life through subtle upgrades, modest interventions, and attention to craft and building performance.”
Trent’s response reflects a broader design philosophy centered on deep engagement with the urban fabric. His portfolio at KPF spans diverse scales and programs, from the striking sculptural Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Miami to Chicago’s 1325 West Fulton Street, which leverages scale and materiality to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings. Whether designing cultural landmarks, high-performance office towers, or mixed-use developments, Trent seeks to create spaces that foster meaningful connections between people and places.
