Robert A. M. Stern

Robert Stern is one of the most famous and internationally acclaimed modern architects. His works stretch from Nashville to New York to Spain and Japan and are not limited in style or use. Not only has he designed planned communities, but he has also designed exquisite private residences, retail stores, offices, libraries, courthouses, hotels and resorts (including many Disney properties). Stern, undoubtedly, is an incredible leader; besides being an architect, teacher, and writer, he is also the Dean of the Yale School of Architecture as well as the founder and Senior Partner of Robert A. M. Stern Architects. The firms homepage (http://www.ramsa.com/) states "Our firm's practice is premised on the belief that the public is entitled to buildings that do not, by their very being, threaten the aesthetic and cultural values of the buildings around them." This, undoubtedly is mainly Stern's belief and shows his economic leadership archetype. Recognizing that each building has contextual significance and stating their desire not to alter the surrounding area implies his respect for individual efforts to procure as much success as possible while still ensuring his own economic success through the creation and sale of a product. His buildings do show his individual style and beliefs, but by not taking away from the cultural values in the surrounding area he recognizes the importance community and environment play in identity formation. Though not threatening in style, Stern is definitely a competitive force in the architecture market with an extensive and diverse resume and unbeatable reputation. His organization has evolved into a high functioning and effective team to produce incredible, unique designs that still contain "continuity of tradition" and attempt to "create order" which leads to their continued appeal and success. Overall, Stern has created a highly successful organization as well as achieved incredible personal success.