BOSTON—The Boston studio of Perkins&Will announced a series of internal leadership promotions, a clear indicator of the studio’s people-powered potential and optimism for the year to come.
The promotions include Patrick Cunningham to principal; Abby Gillespie to senior associate; and Michael Boone, Paul Cattaneo and Danielle Fontaine to associate.
“As we emerge from an unprecedented year, we remain committed to recognizing the individuals who meaningfully contribute to our team’s success,” says Robert Brown, principal and managing director of the Boston studio. “This new wave of leadership represents talent in a variety of markets and disciplines—a rising tide that will lift our entire studio in the months and years to come.”
Patrick Cunningham, Principal
Patrick Cunningham is an award-winning designer with a portfolio that transcends typologies; recent experience has spanned K-12 Education, Science and Technology, and Corporate and Commercial. Cunningham’s work is consistent in its commitment to clarity of concept and excellence in craft, as demonstrated by the celebrated design of the new Billerica Memorial High School, which nabbed six awards in 2020 and graced the cover of Architectural Record’s January print issue. With a deep understanding of carbon-conscious design, a history of practice-specific research, and a proven track record of regenerative projects, Cunningham leads teams with a belief that good design is sustainable design, benefitting both people and planet.
“To be leading such thoughtful, talented and diverse teams as a principal is as inspiring as it is humbling,” says Cunningham. “With that humility and inspiration, I look forward to crafting more beautiful, sustainable places in partnership with our clients.”
Abby Gillespie, Senior Associate
As director of marketing, Abby Gillespie leads the studio in communicating the value of good design to our clients. Drawing on 20 years of industry experience, she will continue to align the firm’s strengths with the needs of our current and prospective clients. Gillespie has been an integral player in the diversification of the Boston practice, seamlessly connecting new areas of expertise—like urban design and workplace strategy—to long-established typologies, helping to shape a truly interdisciplinary practice.
“As with design, we strive to be at the forefront of marketing—finding ways to connect more deeply with our clients and discovering opportunities to be their partner in innovation,” says Gillespie. “Perkins&Will values that kind of constant exploration, and I can only imagine where it will lead us in the years to come.”
Michael Boone, Paul Cattaneo, and Danielle Fontaine, Associates
Together, Michael Boone, Paul Cattaneo, and Danielle Fontaine represent emerging talent in several of our firm’s areas of expertise, including Science and Technology, Health, K-12 Education, Sports, Recreation and Entertainment, and Corporate and Commercial. They join a robust team of associates and senior associates in the Boston studio who, collectively, develop and execute strategic initiatives in partnership with Boston’s principals and associate principals.
The breadth and depth of talent represented in Boston’s leadership program signals a bright future for the studio. Despite its challenges, 2020 was marked by widespread recognition of recent projects such as Billerica Memorial High School and the Exchange. Meanwhile, in-progress design work promises to reimagine the City of Boston and the New England region; notable ongoing work includes the South of Main Development at MIT, the Carter School in the City of Boston, the Congress Street Tower at Maine Medical Center, and several million square feet of life science developments throughout Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.
