From Penn to Penn: A. Eugene Kohn

Chairman and Founder of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) A. Eugene Kohn (AR’53, GAR’57) talks about his life in architecture and ongoing relationship with Penn. 

On July 4, 1976, along with William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox, Kohn founded KPF based on a commitment to design service and excellence. He has served as Partner-in-Charge of many of KPF's major domestic and international projects and is responsible for many of the firm's new commissions. As founder and principal of KPF, he has developed a global strategy and has shaped the firm into one of the world's leaders in all aspects of architectural practice.

Kohn is respected worldwide, not only for his fifty-year career as an architect, but also for his inspirational leadership qualities. He is highly regarded as an engaging public speaker and is sought after around the globe as a moderator, juror, and keynote speaker on contemporary architecture. He has lectured at numerous universities and for professional organizations and institutions across the US and around the world.

Kohn’s achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards. He received The Soane Foundation Honors and the 2010 Alumni Award of Merit by the University of Pennsylvania—the highest university-wide award presented to alumni by Penn. He has also been recognized with the Wharton Real Estate Center’s Lifetime Achievement Award, PennDesign Dean’s Medal of Achievement, the highest honor awarded by the institution, and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. He has been honored by many organizations, including the National Education Fund, the Sheltering Arms Children Service, and has been presented the Sidney L. Strauss Award from the New York Society of Architects (1996). In May of 2005 he was bestowed the Salvadori Award for Excellence in Design, and he was honored by Publicolor in 2013. He is an Executive Fellow of the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University—the first architect to be awarded the title.

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As the opening lecturer of the new year, Mr. A. Eugene Kohn will discuss two influential experiences that have come together to shape him as an adult.  First was his time as a student at Penn, both as an undergrad and grad separated by 3-years serving in the US Navy, where leadership was key to success. The second was his work as an architect, most importantly the period when he, William Pedersen and Sheldon Fox created KPF, a most unique firm, which after 40 years is one of the leading architectural firms in the world.  He will review the good as well as the crisis times in building a firm as well as many of KPF’s outstanding projects across the globe.  During the entire time Mr. Kohn has stayed involved with the University, serving on the Board of Overseers at PennDesign, as a long standing Trustee and as a sponsor of a scholarship to PennDesign.  He will speak to the value of his Penn education, the joy and gratification he has received by his continued involvement with the University and its impact on his success as an architect.