Business Details
45 Years
experience
Innovative Architectural Solutions in Pittsburgh
Founded in 1981 by Yoko Tai and Steve Lee, TAI + LEE has established itself as a progressive architectural firm with a proven track record in diverse project types. Our team combines over three decades of experience in urban design, neighborhood revitalization, and sustainable practices to deliver innovative solutions tailored to each client's needs. Recognized for award-winning work in housing, commercial design, and historic preservation, we maintain direct principal involvement from project inception through completion.Our commitment to sustainable design is demonstrated through LEED assessments, energy-efficient strategies, and a LEED-certified office space in Pittsburgh's Polish Hill neighborhood. As a registered Minority & Woman Business Enterprise, we actively support community development through collaborative partnerships with local organizations and qualified MBE/WBE firms.
Services
Residential Infill
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
Community Planning
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of architectural experience in Pittsburgh's urban landscape
- Award-winning expertise in historic preservation and sustainable design
- Direct principal involvement from project conception to completion
- LEED-certified professionals with energy-efficient building expertise
- Established partnerships with local community organizations for infill projects
Associations and certifications
- Minority Business Enterprise
- Woman Business Enterprise
Services
Residential Infill
Designing context-sensitive infill housing that preserves historic streetscapes while meeting modern living standards. Our team collaborates with community organizations to create affordable housing solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing neighborhoods. Projects include masterplanning, zoning code revisions, and full architectural services for single-family and multi-unit developments.
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Transforming historic and underutilized commercial structures into functional modern spaces while maintaining architectural integrity. We specialize in facade renovations, interior reconfigurations, and zoning compliance for retail, office, and mixed-use developments. Our award-winning work includes large-scale factory conversions and streetfront revitalization programs.
Sustainable Design
Implementing energy-efficient solutions through LEED assessments, computer simulations, and life cycle costing. Our sustainable approach incorporates recycled materials, daylighting strategies, and advanced environmental systems. The firm's principals have pioneered sustainable practices in Pittsburgh through academic research and high-performance building certifications.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in National Historic Register projects with award-winning restoration techniques. We maintain historical accuracy while integrating modern functionality through meticulous material selection and code-compliant adaptations. Recognized for preserving architectural heritage in Pittsburgh's historic districts through both rehabilitation and new construction.
Community Planning
Collaborating with community-based organizations to create comprehensive development plans. Services include zoning analysis, streetscape guidelines, and participatory design processes that address local needs. Our work establishes precedents for urban integration through context-sensitive design solutions in Pittsburgh's evolving neighborhoods.
People
Yoko Tai
Owner & Principal
With over 40 years of architectural experience, Yoko Tai leads TAI + LEE's design vision. Her expertise in urban revitalization and sustainable practices has shaped Pittsburgh's built environment through numerous award-winning projects.
Steve Lee
Consulting Principal
Co-founder Steve Lee brings academic leadership as Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture head. His sustainable design research and LEED-certified projects have established regional standards for high-performance buildings.
Questions
What architectural services does TAI + LEE offer?
We provide residential and commercial design, historic preservation, sustainable architecture, and community planning services with principal-led project management.
Do you specialize in historic building renovations?
Yes, we have award-winning experience in National Historic Register projects and adaptive reuse of heritage structures while maintaining architectural integrity.
Are your designs environmentally sustainable?
Our LEED-certified team implements energy-efficient strategies through material selection, daylighting, and computer-optimized systems for all project types.
How do you approach community development projects?
We collaborate with local organizations through participatory design processes to create context-sensitive solutions that address neighborhood-specific needs and zoning requirements.
Can you handle both small and large-scale projects?
Our firm successfully manages projects from single-family infill housing to 40,000 sq ft commercial renovations while maintaining consistent principal involvement.
