John P. Reed, AIA
Design Principal
For me, architecture is literally the prism from which I view the world. It is a constantly exciting and ever-fluctuating medium which challenges me every single day. The unique capacity that we have as designers to change, influence and improve the daily lives of the people who occupy our buildings is a profound responsibility. I also value the simple notion that if I do my job well by designing sustainable and thoughtful buildings that preserve today’s dwindling natural resources, that I can possibly make the planet a better place for my children.
The work of John Reed is predicated on a process of intensive dialogue and collaboration. His work is driven by a passionate belief that architecture is primarily about ideas. That by studying each project’s specific physical, social and cultural contexts, a timeless architecture of honesty and beauty can be created. Every project John touches is uniquely conceived within the specifics of how it will be used and experienced.
John believes that great architecture is truly a humanist act and that our buildings are built, first and foremost, to serve our clients’ needs and for the people that inhabit them. He works in all scales and locales – urban design, civic, academic, residential and commercial – adhering to a modernist design approach of functionality and elegant simplicity.
Prior to joining CannonDesign, John ran his own design firm in New York City and served in partnership positions at high-profile firms in both Boston and London. His academic experience includes appointments at Harvard University, Syracuse University, and the New York Institute of Technology, and his work has received numerous awards for design excellence and innovation. A voracious reader, active athlete and avid photographer, John works his body and mind with aerobic intensity, which helps to clear his mind and mentally process design challenges in his work. In the very best way, he is truly never at rest.
