The 50 Masters of Design 2026

James von Klemperer is an internationally recognized architect and a senior design leader at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), one of the world’s leading architecture firms. With a career spanning several decades, he has been closely associated with a wide range of large-scale projects that have contributed to shaping contemporary skylines across major global cities.

Based in New York, von Klemperer has played a key role within KPF as President and Design Principal, contributing to projects across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His work is often connected to high-rise and mixed-use developments, where architectural clarity and urban integration are central to the design approach.

Among the projects associated with von Klemperer is Hudson Yards in New York, one of the largest private real estate developments in the United States, where KPF contributed to the design of several key towers. He is also linked to the Shanghai World Financial Center, a landmark skyscraper that has become a defining feature of Shanghai’s skyline, known for its distinctive form and structural innovation.

In the Middle East, von Klemperer has been associated with projects such as Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, a high-profile hospitality development that reflects a contemporary approach to luxury architecture. His involvement in projects across the region highlights KPF’s role in delivering large-scale developments that respond to both market demand and urban context.

His work is characterized by a focus on proportion, materiality, and the relationship between buildings and their surroundings. Rather than relying on expressive or highly sculptural forms, von Klemperer’s projects often emphasize balance and coherence within the urban fabric. This approach allows developments to integrate effectively into their environments while maintaining a strong architectural presence.

Throughout his career, James von Klemperer has contributed to projects that reflect the evolving nature of global cities, particularly in the context of rapid urban growth and increasing demand for high-density developments. His work continues to be associated with major international projects that combine architectural design with large-scale planning considerations.