W
est Adams‑based Abramson Architects has joined forces with Chicago‑headquartered Perkins & Will, a 90‑year‑old global design firm. The merger, whose financial terms were kept confidential, will see both companies’ Los Angeles and San Diego offices merge into a single Southern California practice under the Perkins & Will name. Founder Trevor Abramson will take on the role of managing director for the new regional office.

    Abramson expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, citing Perkins & Will’s worldwide reach, research‑driven approach and robust business systems. In return, his firm brings an entrepreneurial, hands‑on ethos, a reputation for forward‑thinking design and a studio culture that pushes boundaries. Perkins & Will president Lindsey Peckinpaugh praised Abramson Architects as the ideal partner for its agility and proven success in expanding across Southern California. Abramson’s firm, which launched its Los Angeles practice in 1987 and added a San Diego office in 2023, serves commercial, cultural, health‑care and residential clients.

    The collaboration will also leverage Perkins & Will’s science and technology portfolio in San Diego, allowing Abramson Architects to deepen its foothold in the region. “Being locally embedded is essential to grasp a community’s pulse,” Abramson said. “Together, with Perkins & Will’s technical expertise and our community‑focused reach, we can broaden our design impact across diverse sectors.”

    In Los Angeles, Abramson is keen to address the housing crisis through a multifaceted strategy that expands transit‑oriented development and reduces car dependence. He stresses the importance of community‑centered design, involving residents in the process and incorporating features such as courtyards, rooftop gardens and shared spaces. Sustainability is a shared priority; Peckinpaugh noted that Perkins & Will added a chief sustainability officer three years ago, and Abramson’s adaptive‑reuse focus aligns with that mission.

    Marco Marraccini, a partner at Abramson Architects, will become design director of the new practice. “This isn’t about growing larger; it’s about amplifying our potential, widening our reach and deepening our impact on the communities we serve,” Marraccini said. “I’m excited to touch more Southern California neighborhoods while staying true to the craft of architecture.”