Two architects' personal and professional relationship has come to define the almost familial culture of their eponymous studio—one that looks out onto Central Park and maintains a youthful vibe.
Tsien, 61, AIA, and Williams, 68, FAIA, have been working togeth…
Tsien, 61, AIA, and Williams, 68, FAIA, have been working together for more than 30 years. Williams hired Tsien in 1977; he was her first employer. Williams and Tsien formed a full partnership in 1986, five years after the practice moved into a ground-floor space on Central Park. "Within a very short period of time, I realized she was the best thing I could ever have," Williams says.
Jason Fulford
There's no bureaucracy at Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. …
There's no bureaucracy at Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects. "Of course there are layers that happen over time, but the promotional layer, the admin layer doesn't exist," Williams says.
Jason Fulford
The studio employs 30 designers, including 5 interns—people wh…
The studio employs 30 designers, including 5 interns—people who will be returning to school.
Jason Fulford
"It is a kind of homey situation," Williams says. "The fact is, …
"It is a kind of homey situation," Williams says. "The fact is, the designation is residential and commercial. We've kept it that way."
Jason Fulford
"We interview people because we want them in the studio," Tsien …
"We interview people because we want them in the studio," Tsien says. "They come understanding that."
Jason Fulford
Many of the firm's 30 employees bike to the studio, which has th…
Many of the firm's 30 employees bike to the studio, which has three showers and a full kitchen.
Jason Fulford
The studio expanded in 2000, assuming space formerly used by pho…
The studio expanded in 2000, assuming space formerly used by photographers.
Jason Fulford
Despite their recent high-profile projects, the designers say th…
Despite their recent high-profile projects, the designers say that the firm is not growing any time soon. "We don't seek more large projects and we certainly do not seek to grow more people or grow the studio," Williams says.
Jason Fulford
"Architecture in any studio is a long life and a long day and a …
"Architecture in any studio is a long life and a long day and a lot of work. We recognize that and appreciate it," Tsien says.
Jason Fulford
"To me it's not so different from the kind of studio atmosphere …
"To me it's not so different from the kind of studio atmosphere you have in school," Tsien says. "They [the staff] often come in a little late, but they stay a lot later. There's a lot of self determination."
Tsien, 61, AIA, and Williams, 68, FAIA, have been working together for more than 30 years. Williams hired Tsien in 1977; he was her first employer. Williams and Tsien formed a full partnership in 1986, five years after the practice moved into a ground-floor space on Central Park. “Within a very short period of time, I realized she was the best thing I could ever have,” Williams says.
The studio expanded in 2000, assuming space formerly used by photographers. “The designation was residential and commercial,” Williams says. “Starting in 1981, we could only get a residential mortgage, because we couldn’t prove anything.”
Many of the firm’s 30 employees bike to the studio, which has three showers and a full kitchen.“To me, it’s not so different from the kind of studio atmosphere you have in school,” Tsien says. “We interview people because we want them in the studio. They come understanding that.”
Williams and Tsien are “by far” the oldest people in the studio, though they all work in the same space. “We’re kind of like the parents,” Williams says. (Tsien strenuously disagrees.)
!["To me it's not so different from the kind of studio atmosphere you have in school," Tsien says. "They [the staff] often come in a little late, but they stay a lot later. There's a lot of self determination."](https://architectmagazine.prd.zonda.onl/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/06/tmp565-2etmp-tcm20-830496.jpg?w=245)
