Bercy Chen Studio

Bercy Chen Studio LP is an architecture & urban planning firm with design/build capabilities based in Austin, Texas founded in 2001 by partners Thomas Bercy and Calvin Chen. Bercy Chen Studio LP is committed to collaborating with clients in identifying design solutions and planning strategies to create innovative designs based on environmentally sustainable and financially viable business models in both the public and private sector. Having experience as a design/build operation, the firm's first hand knowledge of construction & finance is crucial in ensuring successful project implementation. The firm is a member of the City of Austin's Green Building Program and USGBC with certified 3 Star projects. Thomas is from Belgium and Calvin is from Taiwan by way of Australia; the partners' European and Asian backgrounds form a design philosophy of unique perspectives. The work is influenced by vernacular precedents from various cultures- whether Islamic, Indian, African or pre-columbian, while maintaining respect for the particular contemporary contextual conditions. Due to this unique approach, the work has received national and international attention. Bercy Chen Studio won the prestigious "Emerging Voices" prize from the Architectural League of New York in 2006. Every year the League selects 7 of the most innovative designers from Europe and North America for this award. In the same year the firm was profiled in Architectural Record's December 2006 "Design Vanguard" award issue, selected as one of top 10 emerging design firms in the world. Despite their international achievements, Calvin & Thomas remain active participants of the local community. Calvin serves on the City of Austin's Design Commission and participated on several initiatives, including the "Create Austin" Cultural Masterplanning project. Both he and Thomas serve on the board of advisors for the Austin Museum of Art. In 2012 the firm announced an expansion into Mexico, with David Potes at the helm of Bercy Chen Studio's offices in Monterrey.