Acclaimed architecture and urban design firm elevates top designers and emerging leaders as it expands with major museum, academic and urban design projects globally
Reflecting its growth and global presence across a wide range of market sectors, the architecture and urban design firm Cooper Robertson has announced promotions for several key team members. According to firm leaders, these five professionals embody Cooper Robertson’s longstanding reputation for technical excellence and innovative design solutions at all scales.
The recently elevated professionals include Erin Flynn R.A., LEED A.P., an emerging firm leader with experience in cultural and museum work, who has been promoted to the position of Director of Architecture. Promotions have also been announced for Jonathan Pietro, who has been elevated to Senior Associate, and for Yuan Liang, Sam Blodgett, and Alfia White, all of whom have been promoted to the role of Associate.
“These five professionals are talented and thoughtful project leaders whose work both reflects and advances our design approach and the value we bring to projects of all sizes and types,” says Cooper Robertson managing partner Donald Clinton, AIA, MRAIC, LEED AP. “Their skill and willingness to take on expanded roles will help ensure we build on our successful record of transforming cities, creating cultural landmarks, and crafting memorable, sustainable, and resilient places.”
Cooper Robertson has also released information about the promoted individuals and their new positions:
Erin Flynn R.A., LEED A.P. to Director of Architecture
With over 20 years of experience in cultural and museum work, Erin Flynn has been instrumental as a project leader on such notable commissions as the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Fowler Museum at UCLA Planning Study, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and most recently, Gateway Arch Museum in St. Louis. In her new position, Flynn will play an important role in mentoring, developing and managing project teams while also supporting business development for Cooper Robertson’s cultural and museum practice. As the firm’s Director of Architecture, Flynn will also manage quality control and systems research, develop and advance the implementation of building technology in the firm’s work, and ensure best practices in design and management of projects. A LEED-accredited professional, Flynn is a registered architect in New York State, and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon.
Jonathan Pietro, R.A., LEED AP BD+C, to Senior Associate
A skilled designer in Cooper Robertson’s architectural practice, Pietro has experience working on a wide range of library, school and housing projects. Since joining Cooper Robertson, he has helped lead planning, design, and construction administration for such diverse institutional clients as the Studio Museum in Harlem, The New York Botanical Garden, the Gateway Arch Museum in St. Louis, Mo., and the Hammer Museum at the University of California, Los Angeles. Pietro has also collaborated on planning and design projects for academic institutions including the Lyford Cay International School in Nassau, Bahamas, and has worked on behalf of the firm with a variety of public agencies including New York City’s School Construction Authority, New York’s Department of Design and Construction, and the city’s Housing Authority, NYCHA. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urban Design from Miami University.
Yuan Liang, to Associate
Yuan Liang is an architectural and urban designer who has worked on a diverse range of projects both domestically and abroad. Since joining Cooper Robertson, she has served as a designer or project manager for many of the firm’s most prominent projects, including the Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue Streetscape in Coral Gables, Florida, the Red Hook Integrated Flood Protection Study for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Newark Riverfront Master Plan, and the Drury University Master Plan. In her urban design work she has led collaborative charrettes and presentations with clients and community members. Liang holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan.
Alfia White, to Associate
Since joining Cooper Robertson, Alfia White has served as a designer on many of the firm’s most prominent cultural projects, including the Museum of Modern Art Support Space Planning and subsequent renovation, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Programming and Facilities Plan. In her current role on the Studio Museum in Harlem project, Alfia leads the coordination between the design details and building systems for the art handling, interior public spaces and museum support areas. She holds a Masters in Architecture from Tulane University.
Sam Blodgett, to Associate
Sam Blodgett is an architectural designer who joined Cooper Robertson in 2012. He has served as a designer on many of the firm’s custom, high-end residential projects as well on master planning and architecture projects for universities, schools, and clubs, both domestically and abroad. His current work includes implementation of Phase II of Farmington Country Club’s master plan and the first Phase of a master plan at Lyford Cay International School located in the Bahamas.
“At Cooper Robertson, our process is inclusive and collaborative, and we believe the best results emerge from a variety of vantage points,” adds Clinton. “Having voices and perspectives like these in our firm is what enables us to strive for innovation and inspiration with every project.”
About Cooper Robertson
Recognized internationally for its successes in making thriving places, the award-winning design firm Cooper Robertson integrates architecture and urban design at many scales, from buildings to parks to city districts. Founded in 1979, the firm is led by a core group of diverse and accomplished professionals. Acclaimed works by the firm include large-scale urban redevelopments, major cultural and educational buildings, waterfront resiliency plans, and exceptional residences and resorts. Visit www.cooperrobertson.com