About Perkins&Will
Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design
firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to
transform lives. The firm is committed to creating a better, beautiful, more
equitable world through LIVING DESIGN. an approach that integrates
environmental, social, and design considerations to advance ecological
health and well-being. Interior Design named Perkins&Will a “Sustainability
Giant” in 2024; Architizer named it the world’s “Best Sustainable Firm” in
2023; and Metropolis named it “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry
leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast
Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies
in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands
That Matter—making Perkins&Will the first architecture practice in the world
to earn the distinction.
PESTLE ANALYSIS OF PERKINS&WILL
1. Political / Regulatory
- Adapting to different building codes, zoning laws, and labor regulations
across countries.
- Rising government sustainability mandates (e.g., carbon neutrality,
green building certifications).
2. Economic
- Vulnerability to economic downturns that reduce funding for large-
scale projects.
- Competition with global firms for cost-efficient design solutions.
3. Social
- Changing client and community demands for inclusivity, accessibility,
and wellness-oriented design.
- Increasing pressure for socially responsible design that addresses
affordable housing and urban inequity.
4. Technological
- Rapidly evolving digital design tools (BIM, AI, VR/AR) requiring constant
upgrades and staff training.
- Cybersecurity risks from handling sensitive project data across global
offices.
5. Legal
- Intellectual property issues when working in multiple international
markets.
- Exposure to contractual disputes and liability for large, complex
projects.
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6. Environmental
- Climate change impacts requiring resilient and sustainable design
strategies.
SWOT ANALYSIS OF PERKINS&WILL
Strengths
- Global presence with multiple studios worldwide.
- Strong reputation in sustainability, wellness, and research-driven
design.
- Expertise in innovative technologies (BIM, VR, AI-integrated workflows).
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary approach (architecture, interior,
planning).
- Architizer named it the world’s “Best Sustainable Firm” in 2023;
and Metropolis named it “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry
leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast
Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative
Companies in Architecture three times
Weaknesses
- High operational costs due to global expansion and R&D investments.
- Coordination challenges across international offices and large teams.
- Dependence on top design talent, making retention highly competitive.
- Risk of innovation fatigue (constantly needing to adopt new tech).
Opportunities
- Growing demand for sustainable, resilient, and wellness-focused design
worldwide.
- Expansion in emerging markets (Asia, Middle East, Africa) with
urbanization needs.
- Collaboration opportunities with governments and NGOs on affordable
housing and climate adaptation.
- Rising global awareness of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)
standards.
Threats
- Fluctuations in the global economy affecting real estate and
construction investments.
- Stricter government regulations and building codes requiring costly
compliance.
- Climate change impacts demanding constant design innovation for
resilience.
