Helen PierceAIA

Design Director

San Jose, California

Helen Pierce has developed innovative design strategies for community and educational clients across the U.S. for more than 30 years. She believes in the power of design informed by research and the understanding of place. Since the start of her career she has focused on integrated, sustainable solutions including off-grid, net-zero and LEED platinum projects. Helen’s broad range of experience and her collaborative nature facilitates leading complex projects that meet the diverse and demanding needs of clients.

An active member of San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research (SPUR), she is passionate about understanding how design adds value to our communities. Helen has taught, lectured and juried throughout her career and has had work published and exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Analytical by nature, Helen originally studied engineering before obtaining an Architecture degree from Drexel University in Philadelphia. Her ability to design meaningful spaces has resulted in placing in and winning national and international design competitions and over 20 local, state and regional AIA design awards for a wide variety of project types including higher education, K-12, sport and recreation, civic, cultural, retail and corporate.