Overview

Ballinger was one of the first firms in the country to merge the disciplines of architecture and engineering into a professional practice.  Our single office in Philadelphia houses a staff of over 200 people, comprising three architectural studios, two multi-disciplinary engineering studios, and an interiors studio. 

Ballinger has made interdisciplinary design excellence the centerpiece of our firm culture, and today, we are nationally recognized leaders in academic, research, healthcare, and corporate planning and design.   Building on a strong legacy of innovation, Ballinger is committed to the thoughtful integration of technology, a deep knowledge of our building types, and exceptional client service. 

We take pride in designing elegant places that contribute to the intellectual enrichment, research discovery, and medical advancements that drive our economies, and we diligently push for solutions that tread lightly on our environment.  Our work has been celebrated and recognized with numerous regional and national awards, and publications.

Approach

We endeavor to create buildings that respond to the needs, values, and contexts of the people who occupy them, and the institutions, cities and landscapes to which they belong.   We seek to design enduring buildings of purpose and imagination.

We believe in the power of collaboration, and we savor the opportunities to work with clients who share our passion for discovery. Ballinger’s interdisciplinary design teams partner with our clients in a patient search to frame a vision for each project - a vision which honors the unique missions, cultures, and imagery of our clients, and inspires the collective team to develop ideas that rise above expectation.

Located in a single office, our integrated teams are led by principals who actively participate in the design and delivery of the work of the practice.  Our desire to create buildings of ideas, craft and innovation is reinforced by our strength of expertise and commitment to quality.  We believe that every project has the ability to better our communal lives. 

History

Founded in Philadelphia in 1878, the firm’s hallmark has been our unique ability to adapt to an evolutionary economy and to create innovative building concepts which accommodate and integrate pioneering, new technologies.  From the design of the Super Span saw-tooth roof truss that redefined manufacturing space, to a TWA terminal that marked the inauguration of air travel, to the first computer room housing the ENIAC and, the advancements in research, healthcare and education environments of our recent history, the firm has focused its expertise to address the global issues of the present day. 

With a solid foundation built upon projects of technical complexity, Ballinger has progressed into a nationally recognized design firm. Our intentionally diverse market presence has provided stability and longevity in an ever-changing industry. We remain true to the client-focused approach that is the legacy of the firm, but the spirit of innovation that served as the basis of our establishment continues to drive our practice as we embrace the challenges of the 21st century.