Brian Lee

SOM, Consulting Design Partner | Chicago, United States

About

Brian Lee believes that architecture starts with solving our client’s genuine needs, but also must strive to achieve inspirational results that transcend expectations. A fundamental question that guides his work is how a building’s aesthetics, program, and tectonics can provide meaning to those who live and work in its spaces. His hands-on design approach is focused on achieving full integration of the natural and built environment through the most innovative design forms, materials, and construction technologies.

Using these simple and essential principles, Lee has designed landmark structures of lasting value and impact around the globe. Directing this international practice — including projects in East and Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East — has honed his collaborative and design leadership skills.

Lee’s internationally published and award-winning designs include the…

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Brian Lee

CTBUH Designated Expert

CTBUH Roles

Annual Conference, Presenter (Shanghai 2012; China 2016)

Innovation Conference, Speaker (Chicago 2020)

Videos

19 September 2012

Track 1: The China Context for Tall Q & A

The Track 1 panel consisting of: Junjie Zhang, East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI); Brian Lee & William Baker, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill...

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Research

30 January 2020

Determinism, Integration, and Articulation Lead Up to a Landmark

Brian Lee, Thomas Kinzl, Inho Rhee & Ronald Johnson, SOM

Completed in 2019, the Tianjin Chow Tai Fook (CTF) Finance Centre is currently the seventh-tallest building in the world, tied with the Guangzhou CTF Finance...

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Research

01 March 2018

A Tall Building Ethos of Integration

Brian Lee, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

The last decade has seen great design opportunities for tall building construction around the globe. The best designs represent a new generation of skyscrapers that...

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You must be a CTBUH Member to view this resource.

View all

19 September 2012

Track 1: The China Context for Tall Q & A

The Track 1 panel consisting of: Junjie Zhang, East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI); Brian Lee & William Baker, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill...

19 September 2012

Considering Place in an Integrated Approach to Tall

The rapid development of Chinese cities has provided unique opportunities to create architecture that either responds to its context or, in the case of emerging...

30 January 2020

Determinism, Integration, and Articulation Lead Up to a Landmark

Brian Lee, Thomas Kinzl, Inho Rhee & Ronald Johnson, SOM

Completed in 2019, the Tianjin Chow Tai Fook (CTF) Finance Centre is currently the seventh-tallest building in the world, tied with the Guangzhou CTF Finance...

01 March 2018

A Tall Building Ethos of Integration

Brian Lee, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

The last decade has seen great design opportunities for tall building construction around the globe. The best designs represent a new generation of skyscrapers that...

17 October 2016

Next-Generation Supertall Tower Form Determinants: A Study of the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre

Brian Lee, William Baker, Inho Rhee & Ronald Johnson, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

This paper puts forth the elements of an integrated design approach to mixed-use supertall towers that is based on rationally creative strategies that encourage efficiency,...

09 October 2012

Insider’s View on Navigating Approval Process for Buildings in China

Brian Lee, SOM

Brian Lee, lead designer for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, discusses the complexities of designing buildings in China and the challenges of the approval process.

21 September 2012

Considering Place in an Integrated Approach to Tall Building Design

Brian Lee, William Baker & Luke Leung, SOM

The rapid development of modern Chinese cities has provided designers and developers with unique opportunities to create architecture that either responds to its existing context...