About SoMD architects

 

Philosophy 

Studio of Metropolitan Design Architects believes in

  • Clarity, simplicity and efficiency guided by integrity.

  • Innovation, knowledge and care for the environment.

  • Good design is an investment and a way to help organizations meet their objectives.

  • Well-designed buildings improve communication flow, productivity and help an organization attract and retain its most important assets – people.

  • The design should address its contexts and convey the client’s image and values.

  • Design Matters.

Leadership

Elie-Antoine Atallah, NCARB
Principal

Syracuse University, Bachelor of Architecture
Harvard University, Graduate School of Design

Elie-Antoine Atallah founded  Studio of Metropolitan Design in 1991. His experience as architect is extensive and diverse.

He held a faculty position at Philadelphia University from 1995 to 1999 and at The Boston Architectural College from 1986 to 1988. He lectured at the University of Arkansas. He frequently serves as guest critic at several schools of architecture around the country.

Elie-Antoine is a member of the chair of advisory board at the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania.  Elie-Antoine is an active member of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. He is serving on the University of Pennsylvania Volunteer Advisory  Committee for the Capital Campaign. Elie-Antoine is an ex-officio board member of the American Institute of Architects of the Philadelphia Chapter and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Chapter, a member of SCUP (Society for College and University Planning).

He served as a trustee of the Woodmere Art Museum. He served on the board of directors of the Coalition of Commercial Real Estate Association and the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. He is the former Chair of the Housing Committee for the East Mount Airy Neighbors and former member of the Community Design Collaborative and Central Germantown Council.

Elie-Antoine was appointed in 2016 by Governor Wolf to the Selection Committee of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services.

His work has been exhibited at the Lubin House Gallery, New York, NY; Lowe Gallery, Syracuse, NY; AIA Architectural Showcase, The Court at King of Prussia and the Young Architects Forum, Philadelphia, PA, AIA Philadelphia Gallery, and The National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon.  His drawings and sketches have been acquired by the University of Pennsylvania Architectural Archive as part of their collection.

Mr. Atallah is a registered architect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and other states. He is NCARB certified.

Awards

  • American Institute of Architects

  • CCREA 2002/ AIA

  • Philadelphia 100

  • 40 Under 40, Philadelphia Business Journal

Several projects designed by Mr. Atallah have received American Institute of Architects design awards.