KSS Architects celebrates 25th anniversary at Philadelphia office
PHILADELPHIA, PA — KSS Architects is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Philadelphia office. Opened in 2001, the office has grown into one of KSS’ most influential studios, serving as a proving ground for firm leadership and a portfolio spanning K-12 and higher education, workplace, science and technology, and community development.
The Philadelphia market has helped shape KSS’ evolution from a Princeton-based practice into a growing, multi-market firm with offices in Philadelphia, Princeton and New York. The lessons learned in Philadelphia continue to influence how KSS builds relationships, develops talent and expands into new sectors.
Philadelphia projects include the Pennovation Center at the University of Pennsylvania, WHYY’s Hamilton Public Media Commons, KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy and the LEED Gold-certified AMY at James Martin Middle School. Most recently, KSS designed Amy Gutmann Hall, Penn Engineering’s home for data science and AI and Philadelphia’s first six-story mass-timber building.
The office also has become a pipeline for firm leadership. Alicia Heinsen was promoted to Partner in May 2026, while Beth Emig, Andrew Sniderman and Mayva Donnon hold principal-level leadership roles.
“The growth of the Philadelphia office reflects a deliberate investment in developing leaders here,” said Donnon. “As we begin our next 25 years in Philadelphia, KSS remains just as committed to the people and partnerships that have defined this office.”
