Robert Simons, AIA
Principal
Robert M. Simons, AIA, has devoted most of his professional career to the improved development of multi-use public and private institutional buildings. As key Principal of MVE Institutional, Simons leads the firm's design practices in creating learning and living environments that seek to improve the quality of local communities while enhancing the experience of all participants. With the creation of MVE Institutional and these goals in mind, Simons focuses on new higher education and K-12 facilities, expansion and modernization programs as well as planning and architecture for student housing, civic, recreation, cultural, community, public safety and commercial spaces.
In his over 25 years of experience working in the building industry, Simons has found that many municipalities can make better use of publicly owned land, especially underutilized or surplus properties in congested cities. He believes that better planning and architecture can often unlock the assets to make better cities and neighborhoods, while boosting city revenues. "Working on a civic project, an architect has the chance to enhance the lives of thousands of people, perhaps everyday in every facility," says Simons. "The goal is not only to make an enduring, functional and beautiful civic project, but to create a space that enriches people's lives, perhaps by adding spaces for people to congregate spontaneously, enjoy views, or learn in settings that are comfortable and inspiring."
Simons' successful project portfolio includes such noteworthy projects as King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science developed by the Los Angeles Unified School District in South Central Los Angeles. The school has gained industry-wide recognition as one of the most outstanding campus projects in the State of California, and its success is further evidenced by 98% of the schools graduating students who move on to attend four-year educational institutions. In addition, Simons' designed have received recognition from industry organizations such as the Coalition of Adequate Student Housing (CASH) and American Institute of Architects California Council (AIACC).