The US State Department envisioned a new embassy in London that would serve as the centrepiece of one of America’s longest standing and most valued relationships. It also aspired to set a new paradigm in embassy design by representing the ideals of American democracy—transparency, openness, and equality—and drawing on the best of American architecture, engineering, technology, art, and culture. The challenge was to encompass these values, creating a strong sense of identity and welcome while meeting stringent requirements for security, diplomatic work, and sustainability.

Stephen Kieran
Stephen received a Bachelor of Art from Yale University, a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, and is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome, 1980-81. Along with partner James Timberlake, Stephen received the first Benjamin Latrobe Fellowship for architectural design research from the AIA College of Fellows. KieranTimberlake has received numerous design citations including the 2008 AIA Architecture Firm Award, and the 2010 Cooper-Hewitt National Design Award for Architecture. Stephen has co-authored six books on architecture, including the influential book, refabricating Architecture. In addition to his architectural practice, Stephen has held professorships at University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, Yale University, University of Michigan, and Princeton University.

Richard Maimon
Richard Maimon, FAIA, is a partner at KieranTimberlake, an award-winning architecture firm recognized for its environmental ethos, research expertise, and innovative design. In more than twenty-five years, Richard has worked to move architecture forward while creating projects that remain deeply rooted to place and culture.
Richard currently oversees New York University’s 181 Mercer. Past projects include the US Embassy in London, Washington University in St. Louis, and Dilworth Park in Philadelphia.
Richard lectures internationally on sustainability, tectonics, building within historic precincts, and the role of architecture in diplomacy.