Tod Williams and Billie Tsien founded their New York architecture office in 1986. Their studio focuses on work for schools, museums, and not-for-profits. Their practice is committed to reflecting the values of non-profit, cultural and academic institutions toward an architecture of enduring vision. Creating a sense of place defined by light, texture, detail, and most of all, experience, is at the heart of their designs. Some of their notable projects include The Asia Society Hong Kong Center, Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, and the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Their work has been recognized by numerous citations including the Praemium Imperiale from the Japan Art Association, National Medal of the Arts from President Obama and the 2013 AIA Architecture Firm Award. In parallel with their practice, Tod and Billie maintain active academic careers and lecture worldwide.