AO Taps Doug Pearl as Principal of its Mixed-Use Studio

Doug Pearl has been named principal of AO’s mixed-use studio. Pearl comes to AO with more than 23 years of architecture and commercial real estate development experience with a vision to further advance AO’s mixed-use capabilities including retail repositioning and industrial mixed use.

“We have been experiencing an intensification of mixed-use developments across the landscape in terms of complexity, density and scale,” said Rob Budetti, managing partner at AO. “With established studio expertise in mixed-use, multifamily and commercial architecture combined with Doug’s leadership, AO is uniquely positioned to deliver enhanced integrated design offerings and collaborate with our clients to drive the future of mixed-use development.”

Previously, Pearl served as national vice president of architecture and placemaking for Regency Centers, where he oversaw projects across 23 offices for a $1.4 billion five-year real estate pipeline. Pearl directed other projects including The Village at USC, The Abbot at Harvard Square and the renovation of Radio City Music Hall early in his career.

“Having worked on the development side over the last 10 years, I approach projects with an understanding of financial goals, property operations, leasing, life cycle costs and partnerships. I know what makes a development successful,” said Pearl. “I have always appreciated AO’s relationship-first approach and culture of collaboration.”