Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) Founder and CEO, Architect Jeffrey Beers, passed away on March 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Connie, and his two sons, Justin and Oliver. He was 67 years old. Beers’ visionary leadership and unparalleled dedication have left an indelible mark on the world of architecture and design. As part of the firm’s succession plan, newly appointed partners Michael Pandolfi, AIA; Nora Liu-Kanter; and Tim Rooney have come together to lead the firm and celebrate Beers’ legacy of creativity and innovation.
In a shared statement from the partners, “Jeffrey’s impact on our studio, the architecture and design industry, and countless communities around the world is immeasurable. We are coming together to support the firm’s continued growth—our collaboration not only harmonizes our diverse design approaches and deep market insights but also underscores our shared ethos and dedication to upholding Jeffrey’s distinctive aesthetic, devotion to design excellence, and genuine kindness for everyone he worked with.”
As part of his succession planning, Beers acknowledged the invaluable insights of Pandolfi, Liu-Kanter and Rooney who are deeply rooted in the firm’s ethos, all having worked alongside him for more than 20 years. This strategic decision marked the culmination of extensive and deliberate decisions, reflecting a comprehensive approach aimed at ensuring the firm’s sustained growth and resilience. Moreover, the succession plan involves close collaboration between the Partners and Chief Operating Officer Julia Choi and Chief Financial Officer Jeffrey Ashey.
“Jeffrey’s legacy is a testament to his visionary spirit and unwavering dedication to design. As we navigate this transition, we find strength in unity. Alongside the new Partners, our studio is committed to upholding Jeffrey’s vision, weaving creativity, innovation, and kindness into every design to ensure JBI continues to shape the world with excellence,” said Choi and Ashey in a joint statement.
Pandolfi, renowned for his excellence in hospitality and entertainment design, brings more than three decades of transformative architectural projects and meticulous attention to detail. Liu-Kanter brings a wealth of experience crafting some of the most iconic projects recognized around the world, weaving in creativity and artistry into the work. With his ability to build connections and cultivate collaborations, Rooney rounds out the leadership team with a proven track record in the hospitality, luxury residential and commercial sectors. Together, they embody the spirit of JBI and excellence that defined Jeffrey Beers’ legacy, according to the firm. As the firm embarks on this new chapter, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of architecture and design, ensuring that Beers’ vision continues to inspire generations to come.
