Andrew Moss, President, mossArchitects

In an interview with Invest:, Andrew Moss, president of Moss Architects, said that Pittsburgh is experiencing a period of optimism, transformation, and growth, despite rising construction costs and market uncertainties. “Pittsburgh is in a really good place right now. Despite the construction cost challenges, there’s a lot of positive momentum.”

What changes over the past year have most impacted Moss Architects, and in what ways?

One of the most positive impacts for us this past year was being named by the American Institute of Architects Pennsylvania as the recipient of their Firm Award. This award is given annually by the state chapter to one firm that stands out for its body of work, which must span at least 10 years. In our case, we’ve been in business for nearly 20 years, so it was a comprehensive recognition of our portfolio, our impact on the community where we practice, and the culture we’ve built within the firm. It was a tremendous honor, especially since we’re the first Pittsburgh firm ever to receive this award, which has traditionally gone to firms in Eastern Pennsylvania over the 12 or 13 years since its inception. We were proud to represent Pittsburgh in that way.

It’s hard to gauge the direct impact this award has had. While those in the architectural community recognize its significance, it doesn’t receive broad public attention. Nonetheless, we are as busy as ever. Our workload has remained strong this year and looks set to continue. Whether that’s due to the award is hard to say.

Beyond that, we’ve faced the ongoing challenge of managing construction costs, which seems to get more difficult every year. Clients expect us to design beautiful, functional buildings that meet their needs, but they also come to us with budgets that we’re expected to meet. The unpredictability of construction costs makes this increasingly challenging. Since the pandemic, pricing has fluctuated considerably, and factors like tariffs under the current federal administration have added uncertainty. Contractors tend to protect themselves by inflating estimates, which makes it difficult for us to manage costs during the design process. It’s far easier to plan when costs are predictable, but that’s not the environment we’re in right now.

What other market trends or design demands, such as increased interest in adaptive reuse or steel-based residential structures in Pittsburgh, are you seeing right now?

As a firm, we’ve always handled a wide variety of project types, both commercial and residential. What’s been particularly interesting lately is the substantial growth in our residential work. We’re typically a firm of 12 to 15 people, and we usually work on one or two sizable residential projects at a time. Right now, we have more than half a dozen substantial new residential projects underway. There’s definitely an increased demand for larger single-family homes, particularly just outside the city, though we continue to work on more modest residential projects within the city limits.

We also do a significant amount of commercial office work, and while that sector slowed significantly during the pandemic, it has begun to recover. We’re seeing clients recognize the importance of quality spaces for their workforce, though commercial demand hasn’t quite returned to pre-pandemic levels. Another key sector for us is hospitality, which has remained steady overall, though we’ve seen a shift toward smaller-scale projects.

What innovative approaches or materials is Moss Architects experimenting with to meet evolving client needs?

We’ve always had a strong interest in sustainable design, whether clients specifically request it or not. That includes carefully selecting products and materials, but also ensuring that homes are energy-efficient. One area we’ve been focusing on is designing very intentional building envelopes, managing moisture, air, and insulation performance effectively. We’re being thoughtful about the products and assemblies we use to achieve these goals.

For example, we have a house under construction, and we moved away from traditional wood framing in favor of masonry and metal framing. This decision was driven by both energy efficiency goals and the desire for higher-quality construction. Wood framing inherently comes with irregularities that masonry and steel avoid, allowing for truer finishes and better performance.

We’re also seeing increasingly sophisticated mechanical systems in single-family homes, including geothermal systems and, depending on the client, solar power. Even when clients aren’t ready to install solar immediately, we’re designing homes so that solar can be easily added later. 

Which projects are particularly notable in showcasing your firm’s success and culture?

It’s really about the body of work we’ve produced over the lifetime of the firm. That said, there are a few recent projects that stand out.

One is a mixed-use building near our office in Pittsburgh called Penn Atlantic, located at the corner of Penn Avenue and Atlantic Avenue. It’s a four-story building that combines gallery space, workspaces, and a residential component, all focused on the arts. Many of our projects engage with art or artists, sometimes because the client has that focus and other times because we intentionally integrate art and craftsmanship into our designs.

Another notable project is a restaurant called Pusadee’s Garden in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. The restaurant has created an environment quite unlike other spaces in the city; many people have told us that when they dine there, they feel transported — they no longer feel like they’re in Pittsburgh but in a restaurant of international caliber, like in New York. The design centers around a lush courtyard, providing a deliberate departure from the surrounding urban environment. It has garnered a lot of attention in recent years, and the food is excellent too.

What is your outlook for architecture and design in Pittsburgh’s commercial and residential sectors over the next three years?

Pittsburgh is in a really good place right now. Despite the construction cost challenges, there’s a lot of positive momentum. While Pittsburgh is an old city with a rich history, it has transformed significantly over the past 20 years. New companies are bringing new people to the city, and there’s a sense of optimism and energy, particularly among younger residents.

We’re seeing growth on both the commercial and residential sides. There’s a concerted effort to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh and attract more residential development back into the urban core, which I appreciate as an architect. Pittsburgh’s topography, with its rivers and hills, naturally limits sprawl and keeps the urban center compact, which is a good thing. The cultural district has always been a strength and continues to develop and improve, adding to the vibrancy of downtown.

Our commercial clients still want to be downtown, which is encouraging. For example, we completed a major office project for the Pittsburgh Foundation, a nonprofit that wanted a space reflecting the city’s character. Their offices overlook the rivers, cultural district, and ballpark — key elements of Pittsburgh’s identity.

We’re also seeing a shift in how people value their homes, especially after the pandemic. With many working remotely, clients are investing more in making their homes as beautiful and comfortable as possible, which has led to a noticeable increase in residential projects.

What are Moss Architects’ key goals and priorities for the coming year?

We’re not looking to scale up the team — we’ve found that our current size of around 12 to 15 people suits us well and allows us to do the kind of work we want to do. Our primary focus for the coming year is on advancing sustainability. We’re committed to educating our team and growing our expertise so that we can consistently deliver better, smarter, and more enduring buildings. Beautiful design is always a focus for us, but it’s equally important that our buildings are well-constructed and sustainable, both in terms of materials and energy efficiency. We’ve made a point of holding in-house sessions where staff share new knowledge and ensure the entire team is well-educated on sustainable practices.

What is your outlook for Pittsburgh?

My personal wish for Pittsburgh’s future is that the city continues to rediscover its rivers as an amenity for residents. Historically, as an industrial city, Pittsburgh has tended to overlook its rivers as a public resource. Over the next 10 to 20 years, the city has a huge opportunity to reclaim its riverfronts as vibrant public spaces. Organizations like Riverlife are already doing important work to reimagine these spaces, learning from other cities around the world that have successfully integrated waterfronts into the urban fabric. It’s a cultural shift, especially for long-time Pittsburghers who have viewed the rivers as industrial spaces, but we’re making progress. I hope that becomes a priority as the city continues to evolve.