JOHN R. CLIFFORD, founding principal
Founder and principal of S9 Architecture, John Clifford understands that excellent design is key to delivering long-term value for the client and the community by creating new social and economic opportunities. His 25-year expertise in urban planning and strategic development gives him a solid perspective on how and what works to improve the quality of urban life.
John believes pushing design possibilities to the next level on each site yields better development and better cities, as well as unique product. A veteran of large-scale projects in the mixed-use, office, and retail sectors, John also brings extensive client-side knowledge about real estate financials, tenant and landlord programs, and operational issues to the table, where his analytical approach prioritizes informed investment and optimized returns.
John has particular authority in the urban retail sector; and successfully led transformative projects in Atlanta, where Ponce City Market and 725 Ponce are giving new life to the city, and in Brooklyn, with Admirals Row, Industry City, and The Breeze contributing to the transformation of the borough.
John’s work has been featured in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal as well as design publications such as Architectural Record, C3 Magazine, Dezeen, and Oculus. His projects in urban areas have been recognized with both global and local awards from the Urban Land Institute, as well as the American Institute of Architects, the New York City Public Design Commission, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and the Municipal Art Society of New York.
A member of the Urban Land Institute and the Urban Design Forum, John is an alumnus of the Georgia Institute of Technology.