TAO + LEE: Designing with Purpose and Building Community

Architecture firm brings exceptional design to St. Louis for 30 years

Reported by STL Partnership

In 1995, Peter Tao and Helen Lee decided to begin their architecture and design company, Tao & Lee Associates, in St. Louis. At the time, they were overseas in London, living abroad, working for large corporate firms and starting their family. After some reflection, they made the choice to return home to the U.S. and get back to their roots doing their own designs versus working for others. And, importantly, for the opportunity for their children to grow up with grandparents, something Peter & Helen did not have the opportunity due to immigration circumstances.

St. Louis became that starting point. Though they considered Los Angeles and New York, the amount of competition, especially when starting a business from scratch, confirmed their choice. In the end, St. Louis had more opportunities for starting a successful small business. Read on.