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Injecting Contemporary Design into Old Baltimore Structures: A Conversation with Kuo Pao Lian of PI.KL Studio

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Nov 14, 2022 • 40m

Engage your mind with 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where host Rob Lee guides the way on an enthralling discussion with Kuo Pao Lian, the Co-Owner and President of PI.KL Studio, an architecture firm in Baltimore. As an architect and designer, he specializes in revitalizing historic Baltimore structures with contemporary design, a passion he's pursued since founding PI.KL Studio in 2010. Together with his wife Pavlina, also an architect, they've successfully transformed various spaces, including commercial, residential, cultural, and multifamily buildings. Kuo Pao's expertise shines through his commitment to blending modern aesthetics with architectural heritage.


About PI.KL Studio

PI.KL Studio is a full-service minority and woman-owned firm, MBE certified by Baltimore City, engaging in design, development, and construction on various scales. We provide full architectural design services from pre-design to construction documentation and administration.

In this episode, we delve into:

  • Revitalizing Baltimore's Heritage: Exploring PI.KL Studio's Fusion of Contemporary Design and Historic Architecture.
  • From Vision to Reality: How PI.KL Studio Weaves Client Intent, Budget, and Building Legacy into Design.
  • Crafting Timeless Architecture: Unpacking the Synthesis of History, Context, and Collaboration in Building Design.
  • Decoding Architectural Failures: Tracing the Trail of Miscommunication in Creating Unsuccessful Structures.
  • Architectural Aspirations: Journeying through Kuo Pao's Ambitions for Museums, Hospitals, Schools, and Urban Libraries.

 

Kuo shares his background and journey into design and architecture. He discusses the process of injecting contemporary design into old Baltimore structures and the importance of respecting the history and context of the buildings. Kuo Pao also highlights some of PI.KL Studio's notable projects include the transformation of an old auto body shop into a food hall in Remington and the redevelopment of Broadway Market. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication in the design process and shares his vision for future projects, including cultural institutions and urban libraries.

Mentioned in this episode:

PI.KL Studio

 



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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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