Business Details
45 Years
experience
TAI + LEE Architects | Innovative Design Solutions in Pittsburgh
Founded in 1981, TAI + LEE has established itself as a leader in innovative architectural design, serving clients across residential, commercial, and sustainable projects. Our firm combines over four decades of experience with a commitment to urban revitalization, adaptive reuse, and cutting-edge sustainable practices. Led by principal Yoko Tai and consulting principal Steve Lee, our team delivers full-service architectural solutions while maintaining direct client engagement from project inception to completion. Our Pittsburgh-based office exemplifies our dedication to sustainable design through features like recycled materials, daylighting, and energy-efficient systems.Recognized with awards for excellence in housing and commercial design, we prioritize MBE/WBE collaboration and community development. Our expertise spans historic preservation, new construction, and high-performance building strategies, supported by advanced digital tools for visualization and project management. With a focus on quality control and client trust, we tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each project while advancing environmental responsibility.
Services
Residential Infill
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
New Construction
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of architectural expertise in urban revitalization and sustainable design
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals with academic leadership in sustainable design
- We maintain direct principal involvement in every project from concept to completion
- Our firm pioneered energy-efficient building standards for Pennsylvania government projects
- We specialize in integrating historic preservation with modern functional requirements
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- Minority & Woman Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE)
Services
Residential Infill
Designing context-sensitive infill housing that preserves historic streetscapes while meeting modern needs. Our approach integrates community input with zoning regulations to create affordable, sustainable neighborhoods. Projects include Crawford Square and Fineview Crest developments.
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Transforming existing structures into functional commercial spaces while maintaining historical integrity. Notable projects include Birmingham Place factory conversion and West Penn Recreation Center renovation. We balance preservation with modern energy-efficient systems.
Sustainable Design
Implementing energy-efficient strategies through LEED assessment, computer simulation, and life cycle analysis. Our office demonstrates sustainable practices with recycled materials, daylighting, and adaptable spaces. Steve Lee's academic work informs our high-performance building solutions.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in restoring National Historic Register buildings and creating historically accurate new structures. Award-winning work includes Citizens Industrial Finance Corporation rehabilitation and South Side's Birmingham Place, combining traditional techniques with modern functionality.
New Construction
Creating innovative residential and commercial buildings from concept to occupancy. Projects range from single-family homes like Nunnery Hill to large-scale developments like Voskamp Village, emphasizing contextual integration and sustainable materials.
People
Yoko Tai
Owner & Principal Architect
With over 40 years of experience, Yoko Tai leads TAI + LEE's design vision, ensuring principal-level involvement in every project. Her expertise spans urban revitalization and sustainable architecture, supported by a talented team of professionals and consultants.
Stephen R. Lee
Consulting Principal
Co-founder Steve Lee serves as Consulting Principal and Head of Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture. A LEED AP professional, he directs sustainable design research and has shaped Pennsylvania's energy-efficient building standards through academic and policy work.
Questions
What architectural services does TAI + LEE offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and sustainable design services including new construction, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and LEED-certified building solutions.
How does TAI + LEE approach sustainable design?
Our sustainable approach integrates energy modeling, life cycle costing, and recycled materials, informed by principal Steve Lee's academic research and state-level policy work.
What experience does the firm have with historic projects?
We've received multiple awards for historic restoration work, including projects listed on the National Historic Register and Pittsburgh's Birmingham Place development.
Do you work with community organizations?
Yes, we collaborate with local CBOs on neighborhood revitalization projects and helped develop design guidelines for Pittsburgh's Murray Avenue district.
Is TAI + LEE certified as a minority-owned business?
Yes, we're registered as a Minority & Woman Business Enterprise and actively promote MBE/WBE participation in community development projects.
