Welcome to Tsao & McKown Architects, an eclectic group of accomplished individuals who share an avid preoccupation with the state of the built environment. Since 1985, over the course of a broad range of projects, we've arrived at a series of different responses to the same question: What is architecture today? If not an art object or a personality cult, then what are the possibilities? Read Less

Calvin Tsao has emerged as one of the most original voices in contemporary architecture, drawing from his own experience of diverse cultures and a lively engagement with a variety of art forms.

He is President Emeritus of The Architectural League of New York, has served as the Vice President for Design Excellence at the AIA NY Chapter, and was a member of the Visiting Committee to Harvard University's Graduate School of Design.

In 2001 Mr. Tsao was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, and in 2009 he received the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Interior Design, along with his partner Zack McKown.

A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he has taught at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and at the Parsons School of Design, and has served as guest critic and design juror at universities and institutes nationwide.

In 2012, he will serve on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy in Rome, and on the New York School of Interior Design International Advisory Board. Read Less

Zack McKown has been widely recognized for his innovations in the fields of urban design and architecture, interiors, furniture and product design.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the Design Trust for Public Space, and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

In 2001 Mr. McKown was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame, and in 2009 he received the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Interior Design, along with his partner Calvin Tsao.

He has lectured widely, and has been honored by retrospective exhibits at Harvard's Graduate School of Design and The New School University.

In 2009 helped to found desigNYC, a not-for-profit whose mission is to help community groups and other not-for-profits in need of design services connect with professional, pro-bono design services. Read Less