Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pittsburgh Architects for Modern & Historic Projects
Founded in 1981 by Yoko Tai and Steve Lee, TAI + LEE has established itself as a leader in architectural innovation across residential, commercial, and sustainable design. Our firm combines over three decades of experience with a commitment to urban revitalization, adaptive reuse, and environmentally conscious practices. We specialize in creating context-sensitive solutions that align with neighborhood identities while meeting modern functional needs. Our team maintains direct principal involvement throughout every project phase, ensuring consistent communication and quality control. Recognized for award-winning work in historic preservation and sustainable design, we integrate advanced technologies like LEED assessment and computer simulation to optimize building performance.As a certified Minority & Woman Business Enterprise, we actively support inclusive community development through collaborative partnerships. Our Pittsburgh-based practice has reshaped neighborhoods through infill housing, commercial renovations, and landmark restorations, including projects like the Crawford Square homes and Birmingham Place revitalization. We prioritize client collaboration, delivering tailored architectural services supported by a network of engineering consultants. Our new office in Polish Hill exemplifies our dedication to sustainable materials, daylighting, and adaptable spaces. With expertise in zoning code revisions and streetscape guidelines, we help communities balance growth with heritage preservation.
Services
Residential Infill
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
Urban Planning
LEED Assessment
Zoning Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of architectural expertise in Pittsburgh's urban landscape
- Certified MBE/WBE firm with community development commitment
- Direct principal involvement from project conception to completion
- Award-winning sustainable design and historic preservation capabilities
- Proven success in zoning code revisions and neighborhood revitalization
Associations and certifications
- Minority Business Enterprise
- Woman Business Enterprise
Services
Residential Infill
Designing context-sensitive infill housing that preserves historic streetscapes while meeting modern needs. We collaborate with community organizations to create affordable, neighborhood-integrated developments. Our work includes zoning code revisions to improve urban fabric compatibility.
Commercial Adaptive Re-Use
Transforming historic structures into functional commercial spaces through adaptive reuse strategies. Projects range from small storefront renovations to large-scale factory conversions like Birmingham Place, balancing preservation with contemporary requirements.
Sustainable Design
Implementing energy-efficient solutions using LEED assessment and life cycle analysis. Our sustainable approach incorporates recycled materials, daylighting, and bio-based content to create environmentally responsible buildings aligned with Pittsburgh's climate goals.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in National Historic Register projects with award-winning restoration techniques. We maintain architectural integrity while modernizing systems, as demonstrated in the Citizens Industrial Finance Corporation rehabilitation and Birmingham Place preservation.
Urban Planning
Developing comprehensive plans for community-driven development, including streetscape guidelines and zoning strategies. Our work with Pittsburgh neighborhoods ensures balanced growth that respects local character and resident needs.
People
Yoko Tai
Owner & Principal Architect
Founder of TAI + LEE with 40+ years of experience in urban design and sustainable architecture. Leads all projects from concept to completion while mentoring emerging professionals in Pittsburgh's architectural community.
Steve Lee
Co-Founder & Consulting Principal
Professor and Head of Carnegie Mellon's School of Architecture. Provides technical expertise in sustainable design and high-performance buildings, drawing from academic research and industry leadership roles.
Questions
What architectural services does TAI + LEE offer?
We specialize in residential infill, commercial adaptive reuse, sustainable design, historic restoration, and urban planning projects across Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.
How does TAI + LEE approach sustainable design?
We integrate LEED assessment, life cycle analysis, and recycled materials to create energy-efficient buildings. Our Polish Hill office demonstrates our commitment through daylighting and bio-based materials.
What experience do you have with historic buildings?
We've received multiple awards for National Historic Register projects, including the Citizens Industrial Finance Corporation rehabilitation and Birmingham Place preservation in Pittsburgh's South Side.
How do you work with communities on development projects?
We collaborate with local organizations to create zoning guidelines and streetscape standards that balance modern needs with neighborhood character, as seen in our Greenfield and Fineview projects.
Are you certified as a minority/woman-owned business?
Yes, we're a registered Minority & Woman Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) committed to inclusive community development through qualified business partnerships.
What makes your firm unique?
Direct principal involvement throughout projects, 40+ years of Pittsburgh-specific expertise, and a proven track record in both sustainable innovation and historic preservation set us apart.
