Goettsch Partners Chicago Architects, GP Illinois Design Office, Architectural Studio USA
Goettsch Partners Architects
Architecture Practice Chicago – Illinois Design Firm Information + Office News
post updated October 28, 2022
Goettsch Partners Building News
28 October 2022
Guangxi China Resources Tower, Nanning, Guangxi Province, China
image © Arch-Exist
Guangxi China Resources Tower Nanning
The hotel amenity terrace on Level 71 features the world’s highest outdoor pool—at 323 meters (1,060 feet) above grade. The tower is the 18th tallest building in China, the 37th tallest in the world, and the tallest building completed to-date by GP, as well as by CR Land.
post updated August 12, 2022
Goettsch Partners Leadership appointments recognize continuing evolution of the firm
James Zheng Named Ceo And Paul De Santis Named Co-design Director At Goettsch Partners
James Goettsch, James Zheng and Paul De Santis:
photo from architecture practice
Goettsch Partners CEO News
CHICAGO – (August 11, 2022) — Global architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) announces that James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, has been named CEO, and Paul De Santis, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, joins James Goettsch, FAIA, as co-design directors for the practice. As the primary partners in the firm, the three have worked closely together for more than 17 years. Goettsch will also continue to serve as chairman while Zheng now assumes the full CEO title as well as president.
Goettsch and Zheng joined the firm in 1992 and 1995 respectively. They have shared leadership and management responsibilities since 2013 and served as co-CEOs since 2018. Zheng’s steady leadership of the firm, coupled with his emphasis on design quality and technical expertise delivered with highly personal service will continue to be the foundation of the practice. Goettsch and De Santis have both been leading the designs of major projects in the U.S. and abroad for many years. As co-design directors, they will collaborate in guiding the overall architectural philosophy of the firm while ensuring that design excellence is paramount across all assignments.
In addition to day-to-day management of the firm, Zheng has focused on strategic growth. With the firm’s established specialties in office, hospitality and mixed-use projects, Zheng concentrated on the multifamily residential sector five years ago, hiring key principal leaders and support staff to develop a market focus that now includes more than 7,000 apartments and condominiums across 13 projects and five cities. Zheng has also had recent success in expanding the firm’s reach, with the opening of a new office in Denver last month. He will continue to focus on growing that office to further serve clients in the West.
“James has been leading the firm successfully for several years now,” said Goettsch. “He is more than capable of furthering the firm’s vision and guiding its future.”
De Santis recently completed the firm’s tallest building to-date, the 403-meter-tall Guangxi China Resources Tower in Nanning, China. His work in Asia focuses on several tall and supertall buildings, with key projects in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan. His current U.S. work includes premier office, hospitality, residential and mixed-use projects in Chicago, Denver and Nashville.
“Paul emerged as a design leader in the firm very soon after joining us in 2005,” noted Goettsch. “I am pleased to formally acknowledge the shared design leadership we have been practicing for many years.”
The new appointments recognize a planned leadership and management structure and continuing evolution of the firm, dating back to its start in 1938.
James Goettsch, FAIA
Goettsch received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University and began his career in New York City. He moved to Chicago to work for CF Murphy Associates, which became Murphy/Jahn, remaining with the firm for 19 years, including five years serving as principal in charge of the New York office.
Goettsch joined Lohan Associates as a design principal in 1992 and shortly thereafter led the firm’s expansion into high-rise and international projects, over time securing work in China, Europe and the Middle East. The firm transitioned to Goettsch Partners in 2005.
Throughout his career, Goettsch has been recognized by the American Institute of Architects, other professional organizations and academic institutions with honors, as well as invitations to speak publicly on design issues. In 1988, the AIA named Goettsch a Fellow in recognition of his contributions to the profession, and in 2019, he received the Lynn S. Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Goettsch is a member of the AIA, CTBUH, and the Mies van der Rohe Society. He has served on the boards of directors for both the AIA Chicago chapter and the Chicago Architecture Center.
James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP
A native of Shanghai, Zheng studied architecture at Tongji University for two years before moving to Chicago. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Since joining the firm in 1995, he has risen to his leadership position with balanced strengths in design, management, operations and business development. He helped establish the firm’s presence in China with the opening of a representative Shanghai office in 2004, followed by a full-service office in 2009. In recognition of his wide-ranging talents and accomplishments, Mr. Zheng received the 2004 AIA Chicago Young Architect Award and was named among the Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 in 2005. He is a member of the AIA, a registered LEED Accredited Professional, a member of CTBUH and its Advisory Group, and a member of The Executives’ Club of Chicago.
Paul De Santis, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
De Santis received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1998 and joined GP in 2005. He immediately emerged as a creative talent. In 2009, he helped establish GP’s office in Shanghai, leading design teams for large, complex projects, primarily in China.
Since joining the firm, he has now worked on more than 50 projects across three continents, including major office, hospitality, residential and mixed-use developments. De Santis has led the design of several winning competition entries, and he is a frequent speaker on issues related to tall buildings, with recent presentations in Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Seoul and Shanghai. He is a member of the AIA, a registered LEED Accredited Professional, a member of CTBUH, and a member of the Urban Land Institute.
Goettsch Partners News
Goettsch Partners Architects News
Aug 29, 2018
James Goettsch and James Zheng Named co-CEOs at Goettsch Partners
Shared leadership recognizes growth and evolution of the firm
CHICAGO – (August 29, 2018) – International architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) is pleased to announce that James Goettsch, FAIA, and James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, have been named co-CEOs of the firm. In addition, Goettsch will continue as chairman, and Zheng will continue as president.
Goettsch and Zheng, principal partners in the firm, have worked closely together for more than 20 years, sharing the leadership and management of the firm since 2013. GP’s board of directors named Zheng co-CEO in recognition of his expanding responsibilities and achievements over the last five years and his ability to enhance the practice going forward. Further, the board believes that the combined efforts of Goettsch and Zheng will strengthen GP’s ability to deliver leading design and technical expertise at the highest service level.
“An established leader, James has been a critical part of the firm’s success,” said Goettsch. “The opportunity for us to collaborate even more closely brings a combined perspective that will improve the firm’s work and performance.”
In his expanded leadership role, Zheng will focus on developing a strategy for future growth and strengthening the firm’s global identity. He will continue to be directly involved in the planning and design of large-scale office, hospitality, residential and mixed-use developments worldwide, applying his expertise in design, management, operations and business development.
As chairman and co-CEO, Goettsch will continue to lead the direction and quality of the firm’s design activities, directing the design of multiple significant projects within the office and expanding the firm’s business.
About James Goettsch, FAIA
photograph courtesy of architects
Goettsch received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University and began his career in New York City. He moved to Chicago to work for CF Murphy Associates, which became Murphy/Jahn, remaining with the firm for 19 years, including five years serving as principal in charge of the New York office. Goettsch joined Lohan Associates as a design principal in 1992 and helped guide the firm’s transition to Goettsch Partners in 2005. In 1988, the American Institute of Architects named Goettsch a Fellow in recognition of his contributions to the profession.
Throughout his career, he has been recognized by the AIA, other professional organizations and academic institutions with local, regional and national design awards, as well as invitations to speak publicly on design issues. Goettsch is a member of the AIA, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, and the Mies van der Rohe Society. He has served on the boards of directors for both the AIA Chicago chapter and the Chicago Architecture Foundation.
About James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP
photo courtesy of architects
A native of Shanghai, Zheng studied architecture at Tongji University for two years before moving to Chicago. He received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Since joining the firm in 1995, he has risen to his leadership position with balanced strengths in design, management, operations and business development.
In recognition of his wide-ranging talents and accomplishments, Mr. Zheng received the 2004 AIA Chicago Young Architect Award and was named among the Crain’s Chicago Business 40 Under 40 in 2005. He is a member of the AIA, a registered LEED Accredited Professional, a member of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat and its Advisory Group, and a member of The Executives’ Club of Chicago.
Mar 9, 2018
Goettsch Partners Promotes De Santis to Partner
Promotion expands partner leadership group to six professionals
CHICAGO – (March 8, 2018) – Architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) is pleased to announce that Paul De Santis, LEED AP, has been promoted to partner. De Santis joins the firm’s five other partners, including James Goettsch, FAIA, chairman and CEO; James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, president; Michael F. Kaufman, AIA, LEED AP; Joseph Dolinar, AIA; and Lawrence C. Weldon, AIA.
Paul De Santis, Goettsch Partners:
image courtesy of architects
De Santis started at the firm in 2005 and, today, serves as a senior project designer. With 20 years of experience, he leads the design on many of the firm’s projects in the U.S. and China. Continually focused on developing the studio culture in both the Chicago and Shanghai offices, he directs designs for office, hotel and mixed-use developments.
Zurich North America Headquarters building:
photo © James Steinkamp Photography
“Paul has made significant contributions to the firm and has been a big part of our success over the last decade,” said Goettsch. “He has elevated our design and practice standards here and abroad.”
Viceroy Chicago building:
photo © James Steinkamp Photography
Since joining the firm, De Santis has helped establish the firm’s body of work, particularly in China, with key projects in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan. He excels at setting a high level of design quality within exceptionally tight timeframes. He further brings a deep respect and passion for the design process, and he is constantly challenging himself and those around him to elevate the thought and execution behind each project.
R&F Yingkai Square building:
photo © 1st Image
“Paul is a real design talent in the firm, and he has been a huge inspiration to others,” said Zheng. “I know he will continue to improve the performance and perspective of our practice as we grow.”
Nanning China Resources Tower:
image © Goettsch Partners
Nanning Resources Center Tower in Shanghai
De Santis’ recent work in the U.S. includes the LEED Platinum-certified Zurich North America Headquarters in Schaumburg, Illinois, and the first Viceroy hotel in the Midwest, located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. Recent work in China focuses on several tall and supertall buildings, including the 296-meter R&F Yinkai Square mixed-use tower, featuring the 208-key Park Hyatt Guangzhou; the 403-meter Nanning China Resources Center Tower, featuring the 336-key Shangri-La Nanning; the Greenland Optics Valley Center complex, featuring a 400-meter office tower; and the 44-story, 370-key Grand Hyatt Dalian.
Greenland Optics Valley Center:
picture © Goettsch Partners
De Santis received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and he is a registered LEED Accredited Professional.
Dec 5, 2013
AIA Chicago Firm of the Year 2013
Goettsch Partners Selected 2013 AIA Chicago Firm of the Year
Honor recognizes outstanding achievements, consistent excellence and ongoing contributions
CHICAGO – (December 4, 2013) – Architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) has been named the 2013 Firm of the Year, as conferred by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Chicago). The award is the highest honor a firm can receive from the chapter.
111 South Wacker, Chicago, Illinois, USA:
photo © James Steinkamp-Steinkamp Photography
150 North Riverside, Chicago, Illinois, USA:
photo © Goettsch Partners
Al Hilal Bank Office Tower, Abu Dhabi, UAE:
photo © Goettsch Partners
Established in 1991, the Firm of the Year Award recognizes a single firm’s outstanding achievements, consistent excellence, and ongoing contributions made to the advancement of the architectural profession. A firm’s entire history is examined, but particular attention is given to the work and achievements of the past 10 years.
Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi, UAE:
photo © Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure
“The principles and mission of GP are clearly stated and executed with unwavering conviction and consistency across every design challenge,” the jury commented. “Bold ideas reinforced by an obsessed attention to detail have been a hallmark of the firm since its inception. GP has set the bar high for this significant recognition and is well deserving of this honor.”
Grand Hyatt Chengdu at Chicony Plaza, Chengdu, China:
photo © 1st Image
Park Hyatt Guangzhou Mixed-Use Tower, Guangzhou, China:
photo © Goettsch Partners
Tianjin R&F Guangdong Tower, Tianjin, China:
photo © Goettsch Partners
With GP offices in Chicago, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, one juror specifically noted the firm’s international reach: “Without a doubt, Goettsch Partners has had a significant positive impact on our profession globally through the work of their talented principals and staff. As a result, they were a unanimous selection to be the 2013 AIA Chicago Firm of the Year.”
China Diamond Exchange Center, Shanghai, China:
image from architect
China Diamond Exchange Center, Shanghai, China:
photo © 1st Image
The award will be officially presented at the chapter’s annual meeting and holiday celebration, to be held on December 9.
Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, China:
image from architect
300 East Randolph, Chicago, Illinois, USA:
photo © James Steinkamp-Steinkamp Photography
Goettsch Partners (GP) is an innovative architecture firm with a global perspective, emphasizing a singular design approach across offices in Chicago, Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. Focused on combining exceptional design, technical expertise and unmatched service, the firm creates measurable value and environmentally responsible solutions. Services include architecture, interiors, planning and building enclosure design. Diverse projects around the world share a consistent emphasis on bringing bold design clarity to complex challenges.
Sowwah Square, Abu Dhabi, UAE:
image by architects
Jan 16, 2013
Goettsch Partners – Practice News
GOETTSCH PARTNERS APPOINTS NEW CHAIRMAN/CEO AND NEW PRESIDENT
James Goettsch elected chairman and CEO with James Zheng taking on new role as president
CHICAGO – Architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) has appointed James Goettsch, FAIA, to the role of chairman and CEO, and named James Zheng, AIA, LEED AP, the new president, effective January 1, 2013.
James Goettsch:
picture from architects
In their new roles, Goettsch and Zheng will work closely to manage the firm and to develop, expand and deliver business globally. GP’s board of directors made Zheng president in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the firm and his commitment to clients. The board further believes that having Goettsch and Zheng combine their efforts will enhance GP’s ability to provide leading design and technical expertise at the highest service level.
James Zheng:
picture from architects
“James has been a remarkable leader and a major driver of the firm’s global expansion,” said Goettsch of the appointment. “As we move forward, we are proud to have him identify and lead strategic opportunities and manage respective architectural projects around the world.”
picture from architects
Apart from his new role, Zheng serves as a partner in the firm and director of Asian operations. His responsibilities include the planning and design of large-scale office, hospitality and mixed-use developments. Through his efforts, the firm established a representative office in Shanghai in 2004, and it maintains a growing, full-service office there today staffed with local and U.S.-trained professionals.
In addition to serving as chairman and CEO, Goettsch will continue as the design director for GP. As such, he develops the firm’s talent and leads the direction and quality of design for the global practice.
GP Studio News 2012
GP Branding + Abu Dhabi Office
GOETTSCH PARTNERS RECOGNIZES GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION WITH NEW BRAND IDENTITY
Timing coincides with opening of the firm’s new Abu Dhabi office
CHICAGO – Architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP) has launched a new brand identity, which recognizes the firm’s strategic expansion from a practice working primarily in and around Chicago to one that designs globally, with projects spanning four continents and more than 40 cities. The unveiling of the new identity coincides with the opening of GP’s third global office, in Abu Dhabi.
image from architects
Through a series of ownership transitions, the history of the firm dates to 1938. With the Goettsch Partners name taking effect in 2005, the firm’s partners saw the potential of emerging cities, specifically in Asia and the Middle East, and set a course for expanding business. Positive responses from clients led the firm to establish a full-service office in Shanghai in 2009 and, now, in Abu Dhabi.
The new brand identity and updated logo debut today, reinforcing the firm’s vision of working as a consistent global practice:
Goettsch Partners
• One firm, three offices, global perspective
• Creating measurable value through exceptional design, technical expertise and unmatched service
• Producing environmentally responsible solutions
• Bringing bold clarity to complex challenges
“The new visuals reflect the firm’s evolution. As the practice grows, we continue to operate as a single firm to create innovative and intelligent forms that solve distinct challenges,” said James Goettsch, FAIA, president of Goettsch Partners architects. “Our Abu Dhabi office expands this commitment.”
image from architect
The new Goettsch Partners office in Abu Dhabi is located in Al Sila Tower, also known as Tower 1, at Sowwah Square, a large-scale mixed-use complex that was designed by GP for Mubadala Development Company. Sowwah Square is the commercial core of Al Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island, and will showcase the new headquarters building of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, along with four office towers, two hotels and interconnected retail and parking facilities.
The GP Abu Dhabi office is managed by Steven M. Nilles, FAIA, LEED AP, a partner in the firm and resident of Abu Dhabi. His team includes architects who have spent the last several years living and working in the area, along with other professionals trained at the firm’s main office in Chicago and relocating to Abu Dhabi.
“We are excited about our new Abu Dhabi home and talented team. Our goal is to provide exceptional service and apply our global design expertise throughout the region,” said Goettsch. “We are pleased to be here working on several innovative and environmentally responsive urban developments—ones that address the local context and culture and define a vibrant future.”
Goettsch Partners : news + key projects
Location: Chicago, USA
Goettsch Partners Practice Information
Goettsch Partners is a Chicago-based architecture firm that provides innovative architectural, interior, planning and building enclosure design services to clients worldwide.
Goettsch Partners architects, through a succession of ownership and name changes, is the direct descendant of the architectural practice started by Mies van der Rohe in 1938.
Goettsch Partners has a rich history of transforming complex challenges across a range of project types into singular design solutions of lasting impact and value.
In its home city, recent projects by Goettsch Partners architects include 111 South Wacker, the world’s first-ever building certified LEED-CS Gold; the in-progress, 25-story vertical addition to 300 East Randolph, the headquarters of Health Care Service Corporation and its Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois division; and, in collaboration with Ben Wood Studio Shanghai, the proposed design for the Chicago 2016 Olympic Stadium.
Overseas, work by Goettsch Partners architects includes the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Mumbai, India; Grand Hyatt international luxury hotels in São Paulo (Brazil), Mumbai (India), and Guangzhou (China); a 4.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development in Nanjing, China; the master planning and design of eight buildings in China’s burgeoning Suzhou Industrial Park, and projects in more than 13 other Chinese cities.
Architect studio information from Goettsch Partners, Jun 2008
Mies van der Rohe – origin of this US architectural firm
Buildings / photos for the Goettsch Partners Chicago page welcome
Website: www.gpchicago.com
