Sam Olshin

Principal

FAIA

Sam believes that the practice of architecture is about finding the balance between the history that informs the site and the people who use it. He enjoys forging a personal connection with his clients to best understand how a building will function over its lifespan. Sam likes drawing by hand to visualize projects and communicate ideas, and believes that sketch concept drawings express the spirit and potential of a design concept.

Sam is responsible for a wide range of educational, religious and preservation projects. He has led the design of many of the firm’s award-winning projects, including YouthBuild Philiadelphia, the Academy of Music, Philadelphia Contemporary Gallery, and renovations to Lansdowne Theater. Other recent projects include work at the Loomis Chaffee School, St. Peter's School in Philadelphia, Epsicopal Academy, and Lafayette College.

Sam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Design of the Environment and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and is a Senior Visiting Studio Critic at Bryn Mawr College. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a past recipient of AIA Philadelphia’s Young Architect Award. He currently serves on the board of Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Carpenter's Company Management Committee.