A Firm Rooted in Craft and Innovation

Founded in 1965 by Peter Bohlin, BCJ has grown into a multidisciplinary practice with offices across the United States. The firm’s approach is defined by its commitment to creating designs that connect people to their surroundings while addressing the unique needs of each project.

BCJ’s work is characterized by its sensitivity to site, materiality, and scale, resulting in architecture that feels timeless yet modern.

Signature Design Philosophy

1. Site-Specific Design
   BCJ emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to the natural and built environments of its projects. This site-specific approach ensures that each building enhances its surroundings while offering a unique user experience.

2. Human-Centered Spaces
   The firm prioritizes the human experience, designing spaces that foster comfort, creativity, and connection. Whether for work, leisure, or living, BCJ’s buildings inspire a sense of belonging.

3. Integration of Nature
   Many BCJ projects celebrate the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces, often incorporating natural materials, expansive windows, and elements that invite the landscape into the design.

4. Excellence in Craftsmanship
   Known for its attention to detail, BCJ works closely with artisans and builders to ensure that every element of its projects is executed with precision and care.

Notable Projects

• Apple Stores (Global): BCJ has collaborated with Apple to design its iconic retail stores, including the glass cube in New York City’s Fifth Avenue and the Apple Park Visitor Center in Cupertino, California. These designs are celebrated for their simplicity, transparency, and integration with their surroundings.

• Fallingwater Visitor Center (Mill Run, Pennsylvania): Designed to complement Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the center exemplifies BCJ’s ability to honor architectural heritage while creating functional spaces.

• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Headquarters (Seattle, Washington): This LEED Platinum-certified campus demonstrates BCJ’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, with a focus on collaboration and environmental stewardship.

• House on the Coast (Pacific Northwest): A stunning private residence that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, showcasing BCJ’s expertise in designing spaces deeply connected to nature.

Sustainability and Innovation

Sustainability is at the heart of BCJ’s practice. The firm integrates energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and environmentally conscious design strategies into its projects. Many BCJ buildings have achieved LEED certification, reflecting their commitment to creating architecture that benefits both people and the planet.

Awards and Recognition

BCJ has received numerous accolades for its work, including the prestigious AIA Architecture Firm Award. The firm’s projects frequently garner national and international recognition, cementing its reputation as a leader in thoughtful, innovative design.

Leadership and Legacy

Under the guidance of Peter Bohlin and a team of accomplished partners, BCJ has maintained its commitment to excellence and innovation. The firm’s collaborative approach ensures that each project benefits from a diversity of perspectives and expertise.

Future Outlook

As BCJ continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to its core principles of craftsmanship, sustainability, and human-centered design. With an ever-expanding portfolio of impactful projects, the firm is poised to shape the future of architecture while staying true to its roots.

Conclusion

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is more than an architectural firm—it is a practice that designs with purpose and soul. By harmonizing the needs of people, places, and the planet, BCJ has created a body of work that is as inspiring as it is enduring. From iconic landmarks to serene retreats, BCJ’s architecture resonates deeply, proving that great design has the power to elevate life itself.