The Lois E. Toko Lecture: Billie Tsien

Billie Tsien along with her partner, Tod Williams, founded their New York City based firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects | Partners in 1986.  Their practice is committed to reflecting the values of non-profit, cultural and academic institutions toward an architecture of permanence and enduring vision.  A sense of rootedness, light, texture, detail, and most of all, experience, are at the heart of what they design. 

Some of their notable projects include the Asia Society Hong Kong, the Lefrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park and the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Their current work includes the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, the renovation of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City and the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago. 

Over the past three decades, their dedication to this work has been recognized by numerous national and international citations including the National Medal of the Arts from President Obama, the 2013 Firm of the Year Award from the American Institute of Architects, and the 2019 Premium Imperiale presented by the Japan Art Association. 

In parallel with her practice, Billie is a devoted participant in the broader cultural community with longstanding associations with many arts organizations.  She currently serves as the President of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, and has been inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, National Academy of Design, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the American Philosophical Society.  
In addition to this she maintains an active academic career and lectures worldwide.  As an educator and practitioner she is deeply committed to creating a better world through architecture.  

 

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