In 1946, Arch Rogers started solo in his Grandmother’s basement in Annapolis. He soon advertised for a draftsmen and got ex-Marine Captain Frank Taliaferro. He quickly became a partner. In 1949, they hired a student, Charlie Lamb.
1946 - 1955: The Early Years
Charlie Lamb was a gifted designer. Frank Taliaferro’s concern was client service. Arch Rogers’ focus was urban planning. The foursome was completed by George Kostritsky, Harvard professor and urban designer.
1956 - 1965: The Foundation
Kostritsky’s contributions included recruitment of future leaders. Kostritsky established the firm’s ties to academia, started active recruitment at selected universities, and initiated student internship and fellowship programs.
RTKL recognized the importance of the management of the business and recruited Harold Adams. His position, that of Practice Manager, was equal to all other leadership positions in the firm.
1966 -1975 National Practice
As the practice expanded nationally, managing the business of creativity became critical. The firm developed an organization based on studios to maintain the highest level of design and profitability. The firm organized for growth.
A multi-disciplinary approach was embraced. RTKL strategically added: Engineering Landscape Architecture Graphic Design Interior Design
The marriage of design and management paid off. The decade was marked by growth and diversification. The portfolio broadened to new communities, retail, hotels, office and healthcare. Our clients were growing and expanding and we followed them across the country.
Design and specialization served as the firm’s passport. Japan’s economic prosperity invited RTKL to the market, and the firm entered the world stage as a global leader. Today, 38% of the firm’s billings derive from work outside North America.
1993 - 1999: Going Global
Entrepreneuralism serves as the firm’s greatest asset -- the diversity, geographic spread and the experience base create many “firms in one. ”
Staff joins and stays because of the advantages inherent in specialization, geographic and market diversity and because of the firm’s stability, profitability, and opportunities for growth.