NEW YORK, NY — The New York studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins&Will announces the appointment of Mike McElderry as its new Architectural Design Director. McElderry will overlap with the current Design Director Robert Goodwin until September, when Goodwin will move into the role of Design Principal, where he will continue to lead the design of marquee projects for the firm.

With more than 15 years of experience as an architect and team leader, McElderry has helped navigate a range of complex projects collaborating with both public and private clients such as the University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business and the City of Minneapolis’ New Public Service Building, as well as The Shed at Hudson Yards. His professional process is driven by collaboration, mentorship, and an acute ability to identify and convert challenges into innovative and intelligent architectural solutions.

“This appointment comes at a period of exciting growth for the New York studio,  enhancing our ability to deliver our clients design-forward solutions,” said Bill Harris, Managing Director of Perkins&Will’s New York studio. “The studio’s commitment to design excellence is bolstered by Mike and Rob’s shared understanding of how great design can improve the lives of people and the planet. We’re excited to have both act as design leaders and mentors for our incredibly talented team.”

“Mike McElderry is joining the New York studio at a strategic time, expanding our bandwidth as we navigate a period of growth," Goodwin said. "I look forward to working alongside a designer of Mike’s caliber as we work to establish and cultivate the next generation of designers and design leadership in the studio."

McElderry has spent a large part of his career leading and designing projects in a range of sectors, including mixed-use, cultural, institutional, and commercial development. Throughout his career, McElderry has played a critical role in building consensus within and between municipal departments and the community through leading key stakeholder engagement workshops, council sessions, and public presentations. Prior to joining Perkins&Will, McElderry was the Managing Director & Lead Designer for Henning Larsen’s North American office in TriBeCa. He also worked as an Associate Principal & Senior Designer in the midtown office of Kohn Pedersen Fox.

“I’ve been lucky to work with people who have always understood the social, political, and cultural influence that can come with being an architect. Early in my career, my mentors consistently reiterated the importance of a quality public realm and human-centric design rooted in social and environmental purpose,” McElderry said. “These shared values are what drew me to Perkins&Will, where knowledge-based design, experiential qualities, and social purpose go hand-in-hand. I look forward to working alongside Rob, Bill, and the incredibly talented team in New York and abroad.”