Business Details
45 Years
experience
Trusted Pittsburgh Architects for Innovative Design
Founded in 1981 by Yoko Tai and Steve Lee, TAI + LEE has established itself as a progressive architectural firm with a focus on innovation and comprehensive expertise across diverse project types. Our firm specializes in urban design, neighborhood revitalization, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design, supported by over three decades of experience and numerous industry awards. We prioritize direct principal involvement in every project, ensuring consistent communication, meticulous project management, and rigorous quality control.Our commitment to sustainable practices is demonstrated through our LEED assessments, computer simulations, and life cycle costing, alongside our leadership in energy-efficient design. As a certified Minority & Woman Business Enterprise, we actively collaborate with qualified MBE/WBE partners to advance community development initiatives.
Services
Residential Infill
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
Urban Revitalization
LEED Assessment
Community Development
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in urban design and sustainable architecture.
- Our team includes certified experts in LEED assessment and high-performance design.
- We maintain direct principal involvement in every project from concept to completion.
- We are a certified Minority & Woman Business Enterprise committed to community partnerships.
- Our work integrates advanced technology for visualization, simulation, and project management.
Associations and certifications
- Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
Services
Residential Infill
We design context-sensitive infill housing that integrates with historic neighborhoods. Our approach balances modern functionality with streetscape preservation through collaboration with community organizations. Projects include masterplanning, zoning code revisions, and affordable housing solutions tailored to local needs.
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
We transform existing commercial structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. Our expertise includes facade renovations, interior reconfigurations, and zoning compliance. Notable projects include retail complexes, banking facilities, and award-winning 40,000 sq ft factory conversions.
Sustainable Design
We implement energy-efficient strategies using LEED assessments, computer simulations, and life cycle costing. Our sustainable approach incorporates recycled materials, daylighting, and bio-based content. The firm's leadership includes pioneers in Pennsylvania's high-performance building standards development.
Historic Restoration
We specialize in restoring National Historic Register properties with period-accurate materials and methods. Our work includes both structural rehabilitation and new construction within historic districts, recognized through multiple preservation awards for projects like Birmingham Place and Citizens Industrial Finance Corporation.
Urban Revitalization
We partner with community organizations to create comprehensive revitalization plans. Services include streetscape guidelines, zoning analysis, and mixed-use development strategies that enhance urban fabric while addressing modern functional requirements.
People
Yoko Tai
Owner & Principal
Yoko Tai leads TAI + LEE with expertise in urban design and sustainable architecture. She oversees all projects from concept to completion, ensuring quality control and client satisfaction through direct involvement.
Steve Lee
Co-Founder & Consulting Principal
Steve Lee, Professor & Head of Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture, contributes specialized knowledge in sustainable design. He directed Pennsylvania's high-performance building standards and leads the Master of Science in Sustainable Design program.
Questions
What architectural services does TAI + LEE offer?
We provide residential, commercial, and sustainable design services including infill housing, adaptive reuse, historic restoration, and urban revitalization projects.
How long has TAI + LEE been in business?
The firm has operated continuously since 1981, with over 40 years of experience in Pittsburgh's architectural landscape.
Are TAI + LEE architects certified in sustainable design?
Yes, we conduct LEED assessments and specialize in high-performance sustainable design through advanced computer simulations and life cycle costing.
Does TAI + LEE work with community organizations?
We actively collaborate with community-based organizations on neighborhood revitalization projects and zoning code improvements.
Is TAI + LEE a certified MBE/WBE firm?
Yes, we are a registered Minority & Woman Business Enterprise and prioritize MBE/WBE participation in community projects.
