40 Years of AOS Architects

“These were heady times for me - Louis Kahn had died tragically; Robert Venturi was smashing to pieces what remained of the International Style; and the nascent environmental design movement, centered on Ian McHarg, was making itself felt around the world.”

Renovations and the addition of a second floor barroom in an early 19th century roadside inn.

The start of a wonderful tradition of custom holiday cards began with this card of the Tower of St. Giles, Wrexham Parish Churh in Genbigh, Wales, UK.

Beautiful, large scale watercolor renderings done by Tony Atkin and Steve Bonitatibus and a Progressive Architecture award brought early recognition to the firm.

Firm is renamed Atkin, Voith & Associates.

Winner of PA Design Citation in 1985 and published in Progressive Architecture, USA Today and Newsweek Magazine in 1986.

One of the 5 finalists selected as a result of an international search for architects.

A beach pavilion for Seaside, FL, the planned community by Duany/Plater-Zyberk.

Charlie Evers and Jane Lawson Bell join Sam Olshin as Associates in 1990.

The firm completed multiple projects at Deerfield Academy including renovations to the Arms and Academy buildings, and an addition to the Dining Hall.

The lobby and grand staircase are designed as spaces that transition between the exterior and the interior of the building. The outside feel of these spaces is reinforced by the use of exposed steel, slate flooring, skylights, and large windows.

Sam Olshin, AIA and Jane Lawson Bell, AIA are named Principals. The firm is renamed Atkin Olshin Lawson-Bell & Associates Architects. Michael Schade and Charles Evers are named as Senior Associates.

Documentation and restoration of the historic 1875 church that was struck by lightning. The work included rebuilding of fire damaged roof and ceiling, interior restoration and paint analysis, and masonry conservation.

Tony Atkin is elevated to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Sam is honored for his teaching, volunteer work, and contributions to the profession.

Mike joined the firm in 1992, became an Associate in 1995, and a Principal in 2000. His name was added to the firm in 2007.

A new Education and Visitor's Center at Duke University with Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects.

Working with the GSE at Penn, we designed a forward looking public elementary school.

This photo of four new associates was taken in the atrium space at the Penn Alexander School. Clockwise from top: Lisa Dustin, Shawn Evans, Maria Wyant, and Donna Sink.

Santa Fe office opens with Jamie Blosser as Director.

Shawn is honored for his volunteer work with AIA Philadelphia, Friends of the Boyd, Elfreth's Alley Association, and Christ Church Philadelphia.

Tony Atkin and Joseph Rykwert publish Structure and Meaning in Human Settlements. The pathbreaking book explores the relationship between form, space, and cultural meaning in human habitation.

Preservation planning for historic Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, NM begins. Work includes surveys and rehabilitation of original pueblo structures, and preservation training for tribal members. Ongoing award-winning projects include, new and renovated housing, and a master plan for Ohkay Owingeh Museum.

Firm name changes to Atkin Olshin Schade Architects

Fahey Hall & McLane Hall obtain LEED Gold Certification. Ground-source heat pumps, grey water heat recovery, and a high-performing envelope significantly reduce energy usage in this new residence hall at Dartmouth College.

Kewa Safety Complex, Santo Domingo, NM obtains LEED Silver Certification. A police, fire, and emergency services building for the historic pueblo, with public rooms and dormitory for fire personnel.

In concert with OLIN Landscape Architects, AOS Architects designed a 442-car parking garage and sculpture garden for the distinguished Philadelphia Museum of Art. The project receives numerous accolades, including a Design Citation from Architecture Magazine for Best in American Architecture.

Community Legal Services North Philadelphia Law Center obtains LEED Gold Certification.

Paul joined the firm in 2007, became an Associate in 2015 and an Associate Principal in 2019. Paul served as President of AIA Philadelphia in 2020.

Tony Atkin passed away after a nearly two-year battle with cancer. During this time he continued to work, teach, and support those around him. His approach to architecture as a way of making places that engage people in meaningful activities continues to inspire our firm.

Shawn relocates to our Santa Fe office in 2014 as Director of Preservation and Cultural Projects. He is named a Principal in 2016 and he continues to direct the work of our Santa Fe office.

Paul becomes the third member of the firm to receive this prestigious award based on his service to the profession and future promise.

The groundbreaking exhibit “By the People” explores the challenges faced by urban, suburban and rural communities. The Owe’neh Bupingeh Preservation Plan was selected as a project that provokes change through community engagement.

Additions and renovations to Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM opened to public acclaim. The project has won multiple awards from the design and hospitality industries.

Sara joined the firm in 2005 while a student at Drexel University. She has supported many of our award winning projects including the Anne d'Harnoncourt Sculpture Garden, Brown Hall, and Temple Adath Israel.

AOS develops a mobile phone app to fulfill a longstanding need for the Zuni Tribe to have a flexible and simple system for gathering and maintaining data on housing quality across the reservation.

Our exhibit "A Future Oriented Preservation" is on display at the Global Art Affairs Foundation in Venice during the Biennale.

The revitalization of North Broad Street accelerated with the re-opening of the restored 1909 Metropolitan Opera House. The project has won awards for preservation and community engagement.

Lisa Dustin, AIA became a Principal after 27 years of leading a wide variety of project types with particular focus on projects for cultural, religious, and educational institutions. Lisa was named Associate in 2003 and promoted to Associate Principal in 2015.

The restoration of Louis Kahn's Richards Medical Research Labs obtains LEED CI Gold and multiple design and preservation awards.

Mason Lehman joined the firm in 2015 and has become an integral contributor to the success of the firm.

The firm celebrates 40 years by making a monograph reflecting on our most significant projects, highlighting our current work, and offering a glimpse of our exciting future.