JOHN PORTMAN, FAIA

John Portman is Chairman of the Board for John Portman & Associates, Inc. Founder of the firm, John Portmans pioneering of the role of architect/developer, focus on the urban core, and innovation in design has made significant contributions to the field of architecture worldwide. Beginning early in his career, his keen business sense and entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to develop profitable projects to generate revenue for further work. His very first hotel, the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, with its 22-story atrium, made architectural history and won international acclaim for Portman. Best known for his urban mixed-use complexes wherein his understanding of people and their response to space translates into award-winning architecture, his impact is greatest on his hometown of Atlanta where, today, the 13-block Peachtree Center complex attests to his commitment to the downtown business district and includes many of his landmark projects. Mr. Portmans love of art is evident in all that he does. Since his first project in 1953, where he personally paid for a sculpture commission, he has been committed to incorporating art in the public realm. Today, civic pioneers throughout America and Asia look to Portman for help in major urban redevelopment efforts. From Embarcadero Center in San Francisco to Marina Square in Singapore and Shanghai Centre in China, he has taken people away from the congestion of urban life to create environments that are open and uplifting to the human spirit.

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  JOHN C. PORTMAN, III, RA

John C. (Jack) Portman, III, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of John Portman & Associates, Inc., leads international endeavors in the design, development and management of overseas projects. He directed the firm's entry into China and the initiation of projects throughout the Pacific Rim. Maintaining responsibility for international business, Mr. Portman returned to Atlanta in 1998 to oversee all operations, spearheading the firms renewed commitment to the priorities of client service, world-class design, and the creation of successful environments in which people succeed.

  GRACE ATIENZA TAN, AIA

Grace Tan, President of John Portman & Associates, Inc., is responsible for any operational policies, the yearly business planning and strategic direction of the company, professional and vendor contracts, the profitability criteria for projects and the firm, allocation of the firms human resources, and the firms marketing strategy. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Filipino, she interfaces extremely well with the firms international clients and affiliated architects in the local design institutes, and exhibits solid design and production expertise.

  ELLIS A. KATZ, RA

Ellis Katz, Executive Vice President, Director of the Hospitality Studio for John Portman & Associates, Inc., has successfully managed large-scale architectural projects in which he showed a clear understanding of the technical requirements of the project as well as a sensitivity to the design issues. His communication skills and personal demeanor make him an excellent team player. He possesses a global perspective and international awareness that inspires Portmans Hospitality Studio to integrate innovative ideas into world-class facilities.

  WALTER E. MILLER, AIA

Walter Miller, Senior Vice President, is an accomplished designer and planner for John Portman & Associates, Inc. He oversees the firm's talented architectural design team, while also serving as the Director of the Education Studio. Extensive experience in both planning and design helps Mr. Miller develop aesthetic solutions to functional problems and balance economic viability with design excellence. Recognition of his talent began during his days as a student when he was distinguished with several awards: The Lloyd Warren Fellowship, 65th Paris Prize, First Award 1978; the William Van Alen Architect Memorial Fellowship, First Honorable Mentions 1977 and 1978; and several other awards, prizes and traveling fellowships.

  GORDON BECKMAN, AIA

Gordon Beckman, Senior Vice President, works nationally and internationally on a broad range of building types, including commercial, civic, transportation, and mixed-use developments. Mr. Beckman’s work reflects his ongoing interest in and examination of the interdisciplinary connections that structure, technology, environmental concerns and transparency play in the next generation of architectural thought. Prior to joining Portman in 2007, Mr. Beckman worked 23 years for Murphy/Jahn as Senior Design Principal, leading some of the firm's most recognized national and international projects.

  WALTER N. JACKSON, RA

Walter Jackson, Vice President, Asia Pacific for John Portman & Associates Inc., is Chief Representative of John Portman & Associates Shanghai Representative Office and General Manager of Shanghai Portman Consulting Co., Ltd. Since joining Portman in 1973, much of his career has focused on the Pacific Rim. A talented architect and designer who understands and appreciates the practical business aspects of the design process, Mr. Jacksons attention to detail and the conscientious manner in which he communicates with the Atlanta office enable the Portman design team to work effectively together.

  JOHN D. NIPAVER, AIA

John Nipaver, Vice President, Production for John Portman & Associates, Inc., has over 29 years of experience designing and managing complex, multi-discipline projects that demand close interface between the different disciplines and the various building systems. His determination to communicate effectively with clients and consultants and to follow through with the necessary action has enabled him to deliver challenging projects on time, on budget and to the client's satisfaction. Mr. Nipaver is also entrusted with overseeing Portmans Quality Control Program in addition to his role on individual projects

  GREGORY A. BOTSCH, AIA, NCARB

Gregory Botsch, Vice President, Production for John Portman & Associates, Inc., is an architect who has distinguished himself with his exceptional project management and architectural skills. Mr. Botsch is responsible for the production and project delivery of the work at Portman, and he also plays a role in office management and policy. His background gives him a comprehensive understanding of the various project elements and phases that must flow smoothly together. Involved in the offices projects from design through construction, his meticulous manner and attention to detail ensure the efficient execution of the projects and quality control.

  HOUSH RAHIMZADEH, P.E.

Housh Rahimzadeh, Vice President, Structural Engineering for John Portman & Associates, Inc., specializes in design, construction-related value engineering, and structural retrofit and design investigation, in both domestic and international structural engineering. To a great extent, his experience has concentrated on high- and low-rise structures with design considerations for earthquake, hurricanes (typhoons in Asia), and soft soil foundation support for high-rise buildings. Since joining the firm in 1972, Mr. Rahimzadeh has built a strong reputation in the building industry for his ability to design the most cost-effective structural systems. His extensive design and construction experience led him to develop a new framing system called Diversakore, which incorporates existing building materials in the most cost effective approach to form the system.

  AMIR PIRANI, AIA

Amir Pirani, Director, Pre-Design & Programming Services for John Portman & Associates, Inc., has a diverse background in architectural planning, analysis and programming. He is well-known for the planning of evolving campuses and academic facilities. Using a collaborative programming approach has yielded proven results in discovering issues and opportunities resulting in comprehensive design solutions. In addition to higher education, his experience includes projects for the healthcare and hospitality industries. He is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences.

  LELL E. BARNES III, AIA, NCARB

Lell Barnes, Vice President and a Design Director for John Portman & Associates International, Inc., is based in the firms Shanghai office. Mr. Barnes has worked on projects throughout China. He has also conceptualized realized project designs in Colombo, Sri Lanka and in Mumbai, India. Mr. Barnes creative conceptual abilities and his attention to detail offer private developers and prominent public investors a cohesive integration of both financial pragmatics and cutting edge design. Mr. Barnes is very familiar with the procedures and processes required in working with local architects on projects with a wide range of codes and regulations. Always sensitive to environmental issues and the influence of local culture on the context of architecture, his ability to develop aesthetic solutions to functional problems makes him a valued member of the design team.