KieranTimberlake Transitions to 100% Employee-Owned Corporation
KieranTimberlake's Office Space; Ortlieb's Bottling House. A COTE Top Ten Award winning living laboratory for research into user comfort and passive design strategies. © Sahar Coston-Hardy
We are happy to announce that KieranTimberlake has officially transitioned from a partnership to a 100% employee-owned corporation, marking a significant milestone after 40 years as a founder and partner-led firm. This evolution highlights our commitment to fostering a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive culture, ensuring the firm's future is in the hands of those who have contributed to its success.
Founded in 1984 by Stephen Kieran, FAIA, and James Timberlake, FAIA, Philadelphia-based KieranTimberlake has evolved into an internationally recognized leader in sustainable design and innovation with over 300 awards. From the outset, we have sought to address the most challenging problems of our time. We built one of the nation's first research groups within a design practice to inform our work and add value for our clients.
This next step reinforces our values, ensuring that the future of the firm is shaped by the talented individuals who have been integral to our growth. As part of this transition, KieranTimberlake will continue to be governed by a seven-person management group, representing all areas of the practice. This expanded leadership structure will provide a balanced and forward-thinking approach to guiding the firm in the years to come. Steve and James will remain engaged in design and lead the firm's strategy and vision, ensuring that the principles that have defined KieranTimberlake for four decades remain central to our work. It is a clear reflection of our belief that the strength of KieranTimberlake lies not only in our work, but in our culture and people.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our founders, employee owners, clients, and collaborators who have supported us on this incredible journey. This milestone represents not just the next chapter for KieranTimberlake, but the continued commitment to our vision of creating spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience.
KieranTimberlake
Employee-Owned Since 2025
KieranTimberlake Management Group, left to right: Principal Jon McCandlish, Finance Director David Kurowski, Senior Principal Richard Maimon, Business Strategy and Communications Director Huwayda Fakhry, Research Director Ryan Welch, Senior Principal Jason E. Smith, and Principal Marilia Rodrigues. © Sahar Coston-Hardy