Michael Graves Architecture Acquires PGN Architects
Latest acquisition strengthens firm’s legacy of innovative design and enhances client collaboration while continuing to expand future acquisition strategy
PRINCETON, NJ—March 30, 2023—Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, NJ, announces the acquisition of PGN Architects (PGN), a Washington, DC-based architecture firm. Following the acquisition of Maryland-based planning, architecture, and interior design firm Waldon Studio Architects (WSA), New Jersey-based Jose Carballo Architectural Group (JCAG), and North Carolina-based architecture firm Walter Robbs Callahan & Pierce Architects, PA (Walter Robbs), this latest acquisition is another key component of a long-term strategic growth plan for MG. PGN’s expertise will support and strengthen MG’s already robust foundation, providing the team access to shared knowledge across design sectors while providing the opportunity to expand into new regions. This latest merger continues to build upon the late Michael Graves’ enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.
“When evaluating this acquisition, we immediately recognized the talent, forward-thinking design approach, and deep level of experience within the PGN team, especially in the multifamily sector with many mixed-use projects. As we learned more about each other, we realized our values aligned seamlessly, and that our collaboration would create a wonderful synergy,” explained Joe Furey, President, and CEO of MG. “We were immediately impressed with PGN’s portfolio and its team, which will ultimately lead to many new opportunities in the Washington, D.C. market and throughout the country. We believe this acquisition will further enhance our design capabilities and market sector knowledge, as well as build upon our core values of innovation, commitment to quality, and unwavering client service.”
The impactful mix of brand recognition, cultural fit, development experience, and deep relationships brought about by this acquisition is the next step in an exciting new chapter for MG that simultaneously honors the firm’s established heritage. Michael Graves, a renowned Architect who passed away in 2015, left behind a committed and talented team and an incredible legacy of innovation and design brilliance in the firm. The acquisition of PGN will allow the firm to continue strengthening its expertise, in the multifamily sector and beyond.
Under the new company structure, PGN Partners Jeff Goins and Sean Pichon will remain in leadership roles and will continue growing the practice in the Washington, DC region. Additionally, the PGN team will be thoughtfully integrated into MG’s existing organizational makeup. Joe Furey will oversee the ongoing integration and continued future acquisition strategy as part of MG’s forward-looking strategic plan. PGN is already well-known in the Washington, D.C. area and is recognized for its innovative and groundbreaking multifamily projects and work within other market sectors. Jeff Goins, Partner at PGN, stated, “Our synergy with Michael Graves Architecture was immediate and aligned perfectly with our firm’s goals for the future. We have long been known for our innovative work in the multifamily space and are excited to work closely with the MG team to bring our expertise to new projects in this area as well as new market sectors and regions.”
PGN Partner Sean Pichon added, “PGN is already prominent in Washington, D.C. We have made a name for ourselves by establishing a presence and breaking ground with our multifamily portfolio. We’re excited to bring the MG team into the multifamily conversation and in turn, use our newly expanded resources to broaden our design influence on a national level.”
In addition, Sean Pichon will be appearing on American Building, a weekly recorded podcast that opens the door to what we build in America and why we do it. Alongside host Atif Z. Qadir, AIA, an architect turned developer and startup founder, the podcast explores urgent issues related to buildings and what they can teach us about ourselves and our country. In this episode, Sean will be talking about the array of housing types that Americans call home today—from luxury residences to homeless shelters. The timeliness of this topic, as states across the country wrestle with the reality of the lack of decent housing for each individual American, dovetails perfectly with this new collaboration between PGN and Michael Graves. Michael Graves Architecture is a proud sponsor of the show, which was a finalist for the 2022 People's Choice Podcast Awards. The Podcast is co-sponsored by the real estate tech company REDIST.
For over 50 years, MG has provided clients across the globe with pioneering, humanistic solutions in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design, and branding across many market sectors, including hospitality, civic, education, workplace, and residential. Recent projects include The St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt; a Fortune 100 company headquarters at Midtown Center in Washington, D.C.; The Loutrel Hotel in Charleston, SC, and 1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suites in Morristown, NJ. Notable recent Walter Robbs projects include The Elysium, The Shaw, 818 Potomac—Sonder Hotel, Adora, The Flatiron Building, D.C., 1530 First Street, and 1111 20th Street NW.
About Michael Graves Architecture
Founded in 1964 by AIA Gold Medalist Michael Graves, Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has a unique multidisciplinary practice that offers strategic advantages to clients worldwide. MG’s work is a consequence of continually striving to learn, listening to their clients. and aiming to deliver the highest level of service possible. The firm’s clients range from Fortune 100 companies and global manufacturers to start-ups, from the government to cultural, educational, and healthcare institutions, and from real estate developers and retailers to homeowners and consumers. MG has one of the leading design practices in the world, offering services in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design. and branding, and underpins clients’ success with design strategy consulting, feasibility studies and research. For more information, visit www.michaelgraves.com.
About PGN Architects
PGN Architects, PLLC is a full service architectural firm with experience in residential and commercial planning and architecture. The firm’s professional services include predesign, concept design, construction documents, interior design, contract administration, and computer graphics. PGN Architects has successfully navigated over 100 projects through D.C. regulatory processes. In addition to a robust multifamily portfolio, the firm's experience ranges from 250 unit residential mixed-use projects to 275 acre master planning projects. For more information, visit www.pgnarchitects.com.
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March 6, 2023
Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B of the District of Columbia Votes Unanimously to Support Reeves CMC Venture Proposal for the Reeves Center Redevelopment
WASHINGTON, DC — At its first meeting for the month of March, 2023, ANC1B, representing DC’s Ward 1 community, presented its evaluation of each of the two proposals for the redevelopment of the Reeves Center and set forth its recommendations. In a unanimous decision, it voted to support the Reeves CMC Venture proposal.
The Commission carefully considered two competing proposals for housing, employment, retail and entertainment, arts and education, transportation and environment, and public space and selected the Reeves CMC proposal. Citing the U Street Arts Overlay District and the Duke Plan, the Commission indicated they would “like to see as much space as possible dedicated to purposed-built arts usage….such as Alvin Ailey and Washington Jazz Arts Institute.” The Reeves CMC plan includes studio space for Washington DC’s own Washington Jazz Arts Institute, founded to nurture young musicians – many from underserved communities -- by supporting their efforts to create music, enter music-related careers, and develop confidence and leadership skills in conjunction with music training. The Reeves CMC proposal also includes studio space for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre – in what would be its first studio space outside New York City – and the DC-based Viva School, dedicated to training the next generation of dancers, prioritizing creating opportunities for students of color.
In its recommendations, the Commission also reiterated the importance of job creation and housing, encouraging more deeply affordable housing and suggesting consideration to housing for seniors and intergenerational households. The Commission additionally mentioned the importance of parking to the community, noting the Reeves CMC proposal includes 366 parking spots, substantially more than the competing proposal.
In closing, the Commission reiterated the importance of “promoting the corridor’s rich cultural Black Broadway and civil rights legacy.”
“We’re honored to receive ANC 1B’s support for our vision and proposal for a transformed Reeves Center at 14th and U Streets,” said Michael Marshall of Michael Marshall Design. The Reeves CMC design team consists of the DC-based black and woman-owned architecture firms of Michael Marshall Design, PGN Architects and Bradley Site Design. Sean Pichon, head of PGN Architects added, “It has always been our vision to create something inspired by the past, to honor this important, historic place in our city. Our proposal has been informed and inspired by our many conversations with the members of this community, and what is important to them. To get the unanimous endorsement of ANC1B means a great deal to our team.”
Reeves CMC Venture includes CSG Urban Partners, Capri Investment Group and MRP Realty as the development team. Learn more about the Reeves CMC proposal by visiting reevescmc.com
About Michael Marshall Design
Michael Marshall Design (MMD) is a DC-based architecture and design firm, serving clients in the public and private sectors. A seasoned collective of architects, brand strategists and creative thinkers, we work across design disciplines, beyond the expected, to inspire greater engagement and impact everywhere we come together.
We are passionate about using architecture and branding to create more relevant public spaces and more dynamic experiences. An architecture firm since 1989, we have always understood the power of the built environment, and now we bring our broad-based design thinking to create greater opportunities and drive positive change in our communities. www.michaelmarshalldesign.com
About PGN Architects
PGN is a full-service architectural firm – providing pre design, planning design and construction phase services and project visualization – for clients across various markets. Founded in 2004 as a minority owned firm, PGN is located at the Eastern Market on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit www.pgnarchitects.com