Architect Richard Meier Steps Back From His Firm In The Wake Of Sexual Harassment Claims

Richard Meier

Pritzker Prize-wining architect Richard Meier is stepping back from leading the firm he founded, seven months after sexual harassment allegations against him were made public.

Meier, who founded Richard Meier & Partners in 1963, will continue to be “available to colleagues and clients who seek his vast experience and counsel,” the firm said Tuesday, The Real Deal reports.

Managing Principal Bernhard Karpf will now lead the company. When the New York Times published the accusations of five women in March, Meier took a six-month leave of absence.

“It is an honor to lead this talented team as we build upon the body of work we have created over a half-century,” Karpf said in a statement, according to TRD.

Two women who worked at the firm said Meier had exposed himself to them when they had been sent to his New York City apartment.

A third woman said he grabbed her underwear through her dress during a work party, another said Meier had her undress at his home so she could be photographed and a fifth woman, who did not work at the firm, accused the architect of forcing her onto a bed and lying on top of her in the 1980s. Meier has publicly apologized to the women.

When the allegations became public, the firm was working on Sheldon Solow’s 656 First Ave. and a tower at GID Development’s One Waterline Square.

CORRECTION OCT. 10, 2:15 E.T: Richard Meier will continue to be involved with his firm. An earlier version misstated the nature of the change. This story has been updated.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's New York Newsletters
Related Stories

Kroenke Announces $135M Renovation For Denver's Ball Arena

Iconic Jersey Shore Property Hits The Market For $85M As Redevelopment Play

Bisnow's 2026 DEI Data Series

Lincoln Property's New Pennsylvania Head On What Types Of Deals He's Targeting

NYC Lawmakers Consider Mandating Lease Extensions For Retailers

NYC Pushes To Use Opportunity Zone 2.0 For Mamdani's Housing Goals

Philly's Busy Summer Created Momentum. Can The City Turn It Into Long-Term Growth?

Where Capital Meets Opportunity: Navigating The Next Wave Of CRE Financing At Bisnow’s Event On Sept. 30

Discussing Strategic Capital Stack Structuring At Bisnow's Sept. 30 National Finance Event

Bally's Lines Up $560M Loan For Bronx Casino: The N.Y. Deal Sheet

Data Center Spills 5,000 Gallons Of Fuel Into New Jersey River

Historic Brooklyn Hotel To Be Turned Into Ritz-Carlton-Branded Condos