Renowned Architect and Design Partner Brian Lee Joins Chicago Office of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill After 28 Years in Its San Francisco Division.

The award-winning SOM veteran moves to Chicago to complement the powerhouse team of design partners Ross Wimer, Peter Ruggiero and Leigh Breslau as high volume of projects continue to increase

CHICAGO -- Critically acclaimed architect Brian Lee, AIA, LEED([R]) accredited professional and design partner of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, joins the firm's Chicago office to complement the powerhouse team of Ross Wimer, AIA, design partner; Peter M. Ruggiero, AIA, design partner; and Leigh Breslau, AIA, design partner. The team's renowned design talent addresses the high volume of upcoming projects resulting from an ever-increasing global market. Lee, whose tenure with SOM San Francisco spans 28 years, 10 of which he served as a design partner, will bring added focus to the work in Chicago and the Midwest, as well as a broad experience to its international expertise.

"Brian is the perfect complement to Ross, Peter and Leigh, and we are thrilled he's joining forces with us here in Chicago," said Jeffrey J. McCarthy, AIA, management partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. "His hands-on approach, innovation and incredible skill are recognized and honored throughout the world, particularly in China. The tremendous strength of our Chicago team is poised to design buildings across the globe that are nothing short of spectacular."

Well-known for his sculptural, high-performance high-rise designs in both the United States and Asia, Lee is also highly regarded for his ability to integrate architecture and engineering and for creating contemporary works of architecture that are distinctly of their place and cultural context.

"I have worked with Brian over the past two decades. The innovations he has achieved in his work are fueled by his deep commitment to designing buildings that respond to their natural and built environments," said Philip Enquist, SOM planning partner. "He is continuing a strong tradition of collaboration with SOM's engineers to develop new building solutions that advance the potential of sustainable design. At the same time, he is supremely conscious of how his buildings engage their neighborhoods as well as the larger culture."

Lee's design for Jinling Tower in Nanjing, China, was awarded and featured in the 2004 Venice Biennale. His work has also received numerous awards and has been published in architectural journals in the United States, Europe and Asia. His architectural designs have elevated the level of design and craft/construction in Asia, eloquently drawing upon traditional elements while introducing some of the world's most advanced building technology.

Among his noted completed works are: Ayala Triangle headquarters tower, Philippine Stock Exchange and Roxas Triangle luxury residences in Manila, The Philippines; and Lenovo/Raycom Infotech Park, Beijing Poly Plaza and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China headquarters in Beijing, China. In addition, Lee has several buildings nearing completion in China, including Poly International Plaza in Guangzhou; China World Trade Center, Beijing; and the Jinao Tower, Nanjing. Recent domestic works include a student housing project and Medical Education Center for the University of California, as well as a headquarters and design center for KIA Motors USA.

"I consider this to be an extraordinary opportunity to be here in Chicago and look forward to bringing my experience in office, hospitality, residential, and higher education design to a thoughtful collaboration with the talented architects and engineers of this office," said Lee. "Chicago has always been known for embracing innovative architecture. I hope to contribute to this legacy."

Lee's move bolsters the long-range strategic plan for SOM Chicago, which is being led by:

William F. Baker, PE, CE, SE, FASCE, Partner in charge of Structural
 and Civil Engineering
Leigh Breslau, AIA, Design Partner, Performing Arts
George J. Efstathiou, AIA, RIBA, Management Partner
Peter Ellis, AIA, Consulting Partner, Architecture
Philip Enquist, FAIA, Partner in charge of Urban Design and Planning
Roger Frechette, PE LEED(R) AP, Director of Sustainable Engineering
Thomas Kerwin, FAIA, Management Partner
Jeffrey J. McCarthy, AIA, Management Partner
Peter M. Ruggiero, AIA, Design Partner, Architecture
Richard F. Tomlinson II, FAIA, Management Partner
Jaime Velez, IIDA, ASID, Principal, Interior Architecture
Ross Wimer, AIA, Design Partner, Architecture

For more information about Skidmore, Owings and Merrill LLP, please visit http://www.som.com/ or call 312-554-9090.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For a complete biography and headshot of Brian Lee, please contact Joanna Mineau with Treacy Marketing Group: 312-482-8900 x 3048 or [e-mail].

About SOM

Founded in 1936, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP is one of the world's leading architecture, urban design, engineering, and interior architecture firms. SOM's sophistication in building technology applications and commitment to design quality has resulted in a portfolio that features some of the most important architectural accomplishments of the 20th century. Examples include the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center in Chicago; Canary Wharf in London; the Washington Mall and Constitution Gardens in Washington, D.C.; and the Lever House in New York City. Currently, the firm maintains offices in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., London, Hong Kong and Shanghai.