Jeffrey Beers International announces new partners, honouring the legacy of Jeffrey Beers

Jeffrey’s visionary leadership and unparalleled dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design. As part of the Jeffrey Beers International’s succession plan, newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, AIA, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney have come together to lead the firm and celebrate Jeffrey’s enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.

In a shared statement from the Partners, “Jeffrey’s impact on our studio, the architecture and design industry, and countless communities around the world is immeasurable. We are coming together to support the firm’s continued growth – our collaboration not only harmonises our diverse design approaches and deep market insights but also underscores our shared ethos and dedication to upholding Jeffrey’s distinctive aesthetic, devotion to design excellence, and genuine kindness for everyone he worked with.”

As part of his succession planning, Jeffrey acknowledged the invaluable insights of Michael, Nora and Tim who are deeply rooted in the firm’s ethos, all having worked alongside him for over 20 years. This strategic decision marked the culmination of extensive and deliberate decisions, reflecting a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring the firm’s sustained growth and resilience. Moreover, the succession plan involves close collaboration between the Partners and Chief Operating Officer Julia Choi and Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Ashey.

“Jeffrey’s legacy is a testament to his visionary spirit and unwavering dedication to design. As we navigate this transition, we find strength in unity. Alongside the new Partners, our studio is committed to upholding Jeffrey’s vision, weaving creativity, innovation, and kindness into every design to ensure JBI continues to shape the world with excellence,” comments Julia Choi and Jeffrey Ashey.

Michael, renowned for his excellence in hospitality and entertainment design, brings over three decades of transformative architectural projects and meticulous attention to detail. Nora brings a wealth of experience crafting some of the most iconic projects recognised around the world, weaving creativity and artistry into the work. With his ability to build connections and cultivate collaborations, Tim rounds out the leadership team with a proven track record in the hospitality, luxury residential, and commercial sectors.

From left to right: Michael Pandolfi, AIA, Nora Liu-Kanter, and Tim Rooney

Jeffrey Beers was not just a leader; he was a guiding light whose distinctive work brought emotion to modernism. His journey through architecture, from studying at the Rhode Island School of Design to learning from masters like Dale Chihuly, Oscar Niemeyer, and I. M. Pei, shaped his unique vision. In 1986, he founded Jeffrey Beers International, making his impact on New York’s vibrant restaurant scene and expanding his influence on hotels, resorts, and residences worldwide. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeffrey Beers was a man of many passions. From sculpting with molten glass to sailing the Atlantic, he embraced life with fervour and creativity. He was also an active member of the community, serving on the board of Allen-Stevenson School and Urban Glass, a New York non-profit organisation for nearly four decades. His legacy is not only in the structures he designed but also in the memories he created and the lives he touched.

Partner and Architect Michael Pandolfi joined JBI in 2000 and his deliberate, precise, and thoughtful approach to design has been a significant asset in growing the studio’s hospitality and entertainment portfolios. He has been the lead on a number of impressively large projects ranging from the 200,000 square foot vibrant entertainment centre, Texas Live!, the dramatic Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, and most recently Sun Princess, Princess Cruise’s newest and largest ship ever built.

Partner Nora Liu-Kanter’s work marries technical precision and creative inspiration. Over 20 years, she has been a leading force behind JBI’s most iconic work, including the beloved and timeless luxury resort, The Cove at Atlantis Bahamas; the studio’s first residential tower, One West End in New York; and most recently BONDST Hudson Yards restaurant. Nora has completed dozens of projects during her time at JBI, leading countless teams, and helping grow the next generation of designers for the industry.

Partner Tim Rooney is a focused leader and gifted communicator, whose balanced approach to client relationships has helped grow JBI’s luxury residential, commercial and mixed-use portfolios over the past 20 years. His leadership was instrumental for the planning and design of Jay-Z’s Roc Nation multiple award-winning offices, subtly balanced the studio’s design spirit with Boston’s culture for the $950 million development Echelon Seaport, and oversaw the $1.6 billion Atlantis Sanya in Hainan, China with 2.55 million square-feet spread across 153 acres. Most recently completed a 22,000 square-foot residential estate for one of JBI’s private VIP clients.

Together, Michael, Nora, and Tim embody the spirit of JBI and excellence that defined Jeffrey Beers’ legacy. As the firm embarks on this new chapter, they remain committed to pushing the boundaries of architecture and design, ensuring that Jeffrey’s vision continues to inspire generations to come.

Main image courtesy of Jeffrey Beers International