Kemper Arena
Kansas City, Missouri
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We never stop changing / Learn more about our evolution and legacy projects
Legacy / Through the years
Jahn’s evolution is rooted in history and propelled by vision. Originating in the practice of Charles F. Murphy, Sr., who began his career in the offices of Daniel H. Burnham, the firm rose to global prominence in the 20th century under the leadership of Helmut Jahn, FAIA. That spirit of innovation and responsibility continues today under the direction of Evan Jahn, Assoc. AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP ND, Philip Castillo, FAIA, and Scott Seyer, AIA, LEED AP.
As the studio moves forward, we embrace a broad spectrum of expertise and ambition. We design buildings while advancing research, develop sustainable campuses while exploring new construction methods and advise public institutions while strengthening communities. Our work reflects a belief in architecture that is both visionary and pragmatic, innovative yet timeless, responsive to its time while built to last.
This forward-looking ethos is reflected in our evolving identity – Jahn – an open framework that honors our legacy while inviting new ideas towards a bold future.
1967
Helmut Jahn joins the firm of C.F. Murphy Associates after completing his studies at IIT, to work directly with Gene Summers on the new McCormick Place Lakeside Center.
1973
Helmut Jahn is elevated to Executive Vice President and Director of Planning and Design.
1974
The Kemper Arena, the first building designed by Helmut Jahn at C.F. Murphy Associates, is completed.
1980
The Xerox Center, Helmut Jahn's first high-rise structure, is completed at 55 West Monroe Street in Chicago.
1981
C.F. Murphy Associates is renamed to Murphy/Jahn.
1984
Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is completed.
1985
James R. Thompson Center
1987
Construction completed on One Liberty Place, Philadelphia's first skyscraper.
1990
Helmut Jahn is named one of the "Ten Most Influential Living American Architects" by the AIA
1991
The MesseTurm skyscraper in Frankfurt, Germany is completed, becoming Europe's tallest building for the next seven years.
1997
The Munich Airport Center is finished, creating a new covered plaza, business center, and a gateway to Munich.
2000
The Sony Center opens, creating a virtual "City within the City" at the historic Potsdamer Platz in Berlin.
2003
Construction of the groundbreaking Post Tower in Bonn, Germany is completed; utilizing an advanced double-skin glass façade, decentralized convectors, and natural ventilation to maximize occupant comfort and environmental efficiency.
2006
Becoming the largest airport in Southeast Asia, the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok Thailand opens. Through a close collaboration with Werner Sobek and Matthias Schuler, a sophisticated, intelligent solution to the complex problems of the tropical climate was realized.
2011
The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library at the University of Chicago is completed. The space, constructed with minimal visible elements, consolidates the university's collection of books underground in a climate controlled automatic retrieval system while reserving the inspiring, luminous space underneath the elliptical glass shell for student and visitor use.
2012
Helmut Jahn receives both the AIA Chicago and the CTBUH Lifetime Achievement Awards.
2012
Murphy/Jahn renamed JAHN.
2017
TK Elevator Test Tower completed.
2021
Helmut Jahn passes away on May 8th in Compton Hills, IL after being hit while riding his bicycle. Evan Jahn becomes President of the firm.
2021
Modernization of the MesseTurm Lobby is completed, updating this historic building to better suit the needs of today's office clients. The ground floor lobby walls were extended outward to create additional area required for new amenities, and are constructed from the largest pieces of curved, insulated glazing in the world; with a glass roof connecting back to the tower.
2022
JAHN renamed to Jahn/.
2023
The Pritzker Military Archives Center in Sturtevant, Wisconsin is completed.
Legacy / Projects
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Auraria Library
Denver, Colorado
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Michigan City Public Library
Michigan City, Indiana
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Rust‑Oleum Headquarters
Vernon Hills, Illinois
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Argonne Program Support Facility
Lemont, Illinois
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La Lumiere School Marsch Gymnasium
La Porte, Indiana
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Ivy Tech Community College
East Chicago, Indiana
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James R. Thompson Center
Chicago, Illinois
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