AN INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURAL FIRM FOR EXISTING AND NEW CONSTRUCTION DESIGN
A boutique architectural firm located in Pittsburgh’s charming Bloomfield neighborhood, Cullen & Associates is known for its creative, solution-driven designs, the result of dynamic and consultative client engagement.
Listening is at the core of their approach, seamlessly woven together with the idea that every problem has multiple solutions. With this solution-focused mindset, Clients can expect to engage in a collaborative process to hone in on the design best suited to their needs.
Founded by John Cullen in 2011, the firm is driven by a deep understanding that the art of architecture is constantly changing, but timelessly rooted in history. Seen through this lens, Cullen & Associates consistently creates structures and spaces that are contextually appropriate and architecturally beautiful.
JOHN CULLEN
Principal Architect
At the tender age of 2, John Cullen’s Mom told him that he was going to be an architect. Her dream became his own and in 1986 he graduated from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture.
As a painting and sculpture minor, appreciation for beauty in the details drives his creative process. After working for one of the most significant architectural firms in Germany and one of the largest architectural firms in the US at the start of his career, he knew that he was meant to create his own company. One where client needs and dreams informed the process and where he could remain close to the art of design. In 1994 John formed an architectural partnership with a college friend which ultimately led to a sole proprietorship in 2011, Cullen & Associates, the culmination of another dream.
When John talks about architecture his respect and love for it is not limited to a particular style or era. Rather, his appreciation for and subsequent application of it is based upon its ability to transcend time. For him, it’s all about what is architecturally appropriate. Meaning, the content of a design must be informed by the context in which it exists.
This broad perspective continually aids him in client consultations. He is able to listen to the needs of a client and show them not only what they’ve asked for, but also to help them envision the possibilities for how a space can meet their needs within its architectural context. Through that process, John elevates the basic function of a space to the form of art.
AMANDA PRIANO
Architectural Associate
Amanda has had an appreciation for architecture and design for as long as she can remember. Growing up in a new home development, childhood evenings were spent sneaking through partially built homes to explore their inner workings. During the day she took clay from the ground of these construction sites and built tiny models of houses. The thrill of exploration and the wonder of creating something new remains with her to this day.
After moving to Pittsburgh, Amanda met John at their local church and came to admire the business that he was building. So, she came to him with a suggestion, “I’ve always been interested in architecture and would love to work for you.” He did not know it at the time, but in that moment, he made one of the best leadership decisions of his professional career and said, “Yes”.
17 years later, Amanda has become critical to the function of the office. Whether doing design, running projects, directing construction or coordinating engineers, she works tirelessly alongside John to bring client dreams to life. As an architectural designer, she is well versed in VectorWorks where she details existing conditions, creates schematic layouts and contractor drawings, and builds 3D renderings for clients to explore and fully understanding their projects.
Amanda is also well-versed in OneStop, the City of Pittsburgh’s construction requirements portal. Understanding the ins and outs of guiding projects through compliance and approval means that work supported by Cullen & Associates has a tendency to move more swiftly through the process.
Her inimitable work ethic, design skills, problem-solving ability, and construction knowledge are an incredible asset. With these skills, Amanda takes great pride in collaborating with clients to create the best solutions for their needs.
STEPHANIE VARGO
Stephanie is a Duquesne University graduate and has worked for John since 2000. Stephanie provides accounting and general office services.
