Pfaffmann+Associates was founded to develop a broad and diverse practice in architecture, urban design, public infrastructure, workspace design and historic preservation. We have developed a reputation for crafting innovative, cost effective designs that anticipate the needs of diverse client groups. Sustainable design and sensitivity to natural and urban context is an integral part of our work. We bring proven design skills at many scales. Our experience leading large multidisciplinary teams allows us to meet a wider range of challenges in the design and construction process.
- Rob Pfaffmann, AIA
- Erik Hokanson, AIA
2004 Awards
Honor Award for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - Alcoa Business Services Center
Award of Excellence, Open Plan, AIA Pittsburgh - Gateway Center Station
Certificate of Merit for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - Church of the Ascension
Certificate of Merit for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - Carport Pavilion
Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award, Preservation Pennsylvania & The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission - Homewood Branch, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Historic Review Commission of Pittsburgh Annual Awards - Homewood Branch Renovation, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Award of Excellence, The Pennsylvania Parking Association, Smithfield & Liberty Garage
2003 Awards
NAIOP Build-to-Suit Award
Alcoa Business Service Center
2002 Awards
NAIOP Build-to-Suit Award - NOVA Chemicals US Operations Center
Illumination Design Award, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America - Ft. Duquesne & Sixth Garage
Award of Merit, The Pennsylvania Parking Association, Shiloh Street Parking Plaza
2001 Awards
Silver Award for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - Ft. Duquesne & Sixth Garage
Award of Excellence, The Pennsylvania Parking Association - Ft. Duquesne & Sixth Garage
Citation Award, AIA San Fernando Valley - The Church of the Ascension (Joint Venture with John Sergio Fisher & Associates)
Special Recognition, Golden Trowel Awards, International Masonry Institute - The Church of the Ascension
2000 Awards
Citation of Merit for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - River Lofts
Citation of Merit for Design Excellence, AIA Pittsburgh - Buhl Hall Renovation & Addition, Chatham College (Affiliated Architect)
1999 Awards
Historic Review Commission of Pittsburgh Annual Awards
Beatty House Renovation, Chatham College
Pfaffmann + Associates plans to add staff thoughts and opinions on a variety of subjects in the future concerning, architecture, preservation, the profession and the City of Pittsburgh. Check back to read our latest thoughts!
The text provided here is the intellectual property of Pfaffmann + Associates and cannot be copied or reproduced through any method without the written consent of the author and Pfaffmann + Associates.
Colleges and Institutions
The Buhl Foundation
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute*
Chatham College*
The Church of the Ascension
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Indiana University of Pennsylvania*
University of Pittsburgh*
Senator John Heinz Regional History Center* & Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life*
South Park Library
Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Public Agencies
City of Pittsburgh Department of City Planning* & Engineering and Construction
Parking Authority of the City of Pittsburgh*
Port Authority of Allegheny County
Borough of Millvale
Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh
Community Development and Non-profit Organizations
Community Design Center
East Liberty Development Corporation
Friends of the Riverfront
Lawrenceville Corporation
Mount Washington Community Development Corporation*
Northside Leadership Conference*
Oakland Planning & Development
PennFuture
Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture
Pittsburgh Voyager
Preservation Pittsburgh
Riverlife Taskforce*
10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania
Corporations
Alcoa
Benedum Trees Association
Cerebellum
Computer Research
Lycos, Inc.*
Microbac Laboratories
NOVA Chemicals
Palmo, Inc.
Siemens/US Filter
Vision Systems
Developers
Colliers Penn Real Estate*
DiCicco Contracting Company*
Forest City
JRA Development Group*
The Rubinoff Company*
Rugby Realty
Standard Properties
Trammel Crow
Walnut Capital
*Multiple Projects
About the Firm
Pfaffmann + Associates was founded in 1996 to build upon our clients organizational needs and vision. With broad experience in architecture, workspace design and historic preservation, the firm has developed a reputation for crafting innovative, cost effective designs that anticipate the needs of diverse client groups.
A commitment to sustainable practices and sensitivity to natural and urban context informs our work.
Proven project management skills and experience with current building technologies, allow us to meet the many challenges of the design implementation and construction process.
About the Principals
Rob Pfaffmann, AIA
Mr. Pfaffmann began his career as a planner at Syracuse University, where he gained diverse experience in many academic building types. His insights about the relationship between growing institutions and design, building technology, and preservation are extensive.
Prior to founding P+A, Mr. Pfaffmann had a lead design & management role as Senior Associate at the Pittsburgh office of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. He has been responsible for the design of a number of the region's most prominent award-winning research projects from conceptualization to design and construction. Projects range from the Pittsburgh Regional History Center to a new office building for ALCOA. At BCJ he was responsible for the Software Engineering Institute, a $25 million Oceanography Research Building for the University of Washington, an experimental building performance facility known as the Intelligent Workplace at Carnegie Mellon's historic Margaret Morrison Hall, and a Biotechnology Laboratory for the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, Mr. Pfaffmann has taught 4th Year Design Studio, Systems Integration at Carnegie Mellon University Department of Architecture.
Erik W. Hokanson, AIA
In 1997 Mr. Hokanson joined P+A, continuing a professional relationship with Mr. Pfaffmann that had begun at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Mr. Hokanson has lead the design and management of projects ranging from residential to large-scale commercial and institutional projects. His emphases on craft and detailing have resulted in award winning projects that are responsive budget, site and project circumstance.
While at P+A he has managed the Powdermill Nature Reserve (current), Gateway Center Station for the Port Authority of Allegheny County project (current), the renovation of the Homewood Branch Library (2003), the new ALCOA Business Services Center (2003), the NOVA Chemical US Operations Center (2001), the Church of the Ascension (2001), and 800 Waterfront Drive on Washington’s Landing (1999). Mr. Hokanson received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in 1992. He received an AIA Kansas Un-built Architecture Design Award in 1991 and an Honorable Mention in the International Design Competition for a Public Space in Atlanta for the Summer Olympics in 1996. Currently, Mr. Hokanson is an adjunct professor for fourth year design studio at Carnegie Mellon University Department of Architecture.
Contact
Suite 800
Benedum Trees Building
223 Fourth Avenue
Pittsburgh PA, 15222
Voice (412) 471.2470
Fax (412) 471.2472
E-Mail
Rob Pfaffmann (Principal) ()
Erik Hokanson (Principal) ()
Lisa Haabestad (Office Manager) ()
ALCOA US Business Services Center
Rubinoff Company (2002)
2004 AIA Pittsburgh Honor Award for Design Excellence
This 235,000 square foot office building for ALCOA and the Rubinoff Company provides new public spaces that open to the riverfront park and the Pittsburgh skyline. Features include ground floor retail and restaurant space and a 100-car underground parking garage.
Pittsburgh Regional History Center
Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
The History Center is an adaptive reuse of the former Chautauqua Lake Ice Company warehouse. The 160,000 square foot initial phase was developed by Mr. Pfaffmann and Mr. Hokanson while employed with BCJ. Pfaffmann + Associates later designed an additional 13,000 square foot special collections gallery, a new signage system, a child-friendly Kidsburgh exhibit, and a new changing exhibits gallery.
NOVA Chemicals US Operations Center
Nova Chemicals (2001)
This 150,000 square foot office building features a state of the art conference center on the first floor to serve visitors and employees. It includes a 150-seat auditorium, training rooms, 120-seat café and 3,000-sf fitness facility. All of these spaces open to a walled garden featuring a native Western Pennsylvania planting theme.
Ft Duquesne & Sixth Street Garage
2001 AIA Pittsburgh Silver Award
Pittsburgh Parking Authority (2001)
This project upgraded the design and function of an outdated 1950's garage to coincide with the opening of PNC Park (it sits in the outfield view corridor of the Park). The project embraces the original 1950's and 60's facades and enhances their style by adding special lighting and coloration to the long abused structures.
Church of the Ascension
2004 AIA Pittsburgh Certificate of Merit for Design Excellence
Church of Ascension (2001)
A renovation and expansion of a 1907 English Gothic church in the East End of Pittsburgh. The project includes a new 24,000 square foot addition containing classrooms, and offices and a multipurpose parish hall.
Mt. Washington Deck
Pittsburgh Parking Authority
This project added a parking deck to an existing surface lot on very steep sloped site. The deck features a special stair that allows pedestrian access to a new supermarket and senior center. A special feature that calls attention to the stair, is a steel canopy nicknamed "the tree" because of its branch like column and intertwining brace support.
800 Waterfront Drive
The Rubinoff Company (1999)
This 35,000 square foot building is the last structure in the office zone of Washington's Landing. It includes a third floor "office loft", which features views of the Allegheny River.
Carport Pavilion
2004 AIA Pittsburgh Certificate of Merit for Design Excellence
Oakmont, Pennsylvania (2004)
Located along Pittsburgh's Allegheny River, the Carport is an addition to a private residence. The design frames and accentuates a spectacular view of the river and the historic Jonathan Hulton Bridge. Its exposed wood structure supports a simple sloped roof. Two "floating" wood skinned storage units provide screening and enclosure for automobiles.
Smithfield Liberty Garage
Client (YEAR)
Lawrenceville Plans
(YEAR)
Plan, ,Riverfront plan, Kayak Rack.
Northside Neighborhoods & Gateways
(YEAR)
Mount Washington Commercial District
(1997)
A neighborhood community development corporation commissioned P+A to inventory and analyze existing buildings in two commercial districts and provide plans and strategies to manage future development. Issues addressed included encouraging neighborhood-serving retail stores; accommodating destination commercial development and finding reuse alternatives for under used retail buildings.
Pittsburgh Urban Lighting Standards
(1997)
P+A completed the development of new urban lighting standards for Downtown Pittsburgh, the riverfronts and neighborhood districts. P+A coordinated with public works and engineering officials as well as city planners to develop a solution that is both appropriate to historic districts as well as new planned developments.
Oakland Portal Plan
(YEAR)
Millvale Riverfront Master Plan
P+A worked with the borough of Millvale as part of the Neighborhood Planning Intitative to develop a master plan for Millvale's riverfront. The plan addressed how to use the riverfront area and how to connect the community with the riverfront across a neighboring interchange. The plan included such features as a riverfront park with festival /assembly areas to serve the community along with a variety of land and water access points along a recreational trail.
Farmers Market Studies
(YEAR)
Homewood Library
2004 Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Award
Carnegie Branch (2003)
This historic branch of the library in Pittsburgh received a facility-wide renovation. Work included installation of a new elevator, new finishes, new furniture, code improvements, and an upgraded auditorium. Circulation and visitation has dramatically increased.
Getty Grants
University of Pittsburgh & Chatham College (YEAR)
Pittsburgh Adaptive Reuse Code Study
1998
The "Sliver Building Code Guide"examines Downtown Pittsburgh's Class B and C building stock, proposing ways to help building owners reduce the cost of occupancy of underutilized or vacant upper floors. Four case studies identify and analyze reuse issues for typical downtown building types. Additional recommendations for checklists and decision flow charts will assist architects and owners evaluate their development and construction options more effectively. The project is part of a comprehensive city-sponsored Pittsburgh Downtown Plan process.
Chatham College
1998 City of Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission Honor Award
Beatty Hall Renovation & Mellon Hall Elevator (1997-1999)
These projects rehabilitated two mansions on the historic Chatham College campus. The mansions were converted for office use, a former billiard room was transformed into a board room, and new climate control and life safety systems were installed. A new elevator was designed to blend in with the existing brick chimneys.
Riverloft Live-Work Study
2000 AIA Pittsburgh Open Plan Award - Unbuilt projects
P+A developed this speculative proposal to raise consciousness about the development of Pittsburgh's three rivers. The project is proposed as a prototype for a two level 9,000 sf open plan live/work loft that is built on a working river barge "foundation". Sites were identified around the city that could physically and visually support the idea.
