Phillip Katz Project Development LLC (PKPD) founded in 1999 provides design and construction management services. PKPD has a commitment to create meaningful environments that enrich the lives of our clients and communities.

Our work recognizes the importance of the environment, the project's functional and economic demands, and the need to create functional and meaningful residential and commercial environments. Our work represents our wide knowledge of craftsmanship and techniques. This knowledge extends to the excellent relationships we maintain with artisans and craftsmen of every trade. We work closely with such craftsmen and the result is a level of quality and customization rarely found today.

Our strengths are both academic and practical; we are schooled in history & theory and well versed in modern design and construction techniques. We have extensive experience in construction management and field supervision. Our background assures our clients a result that far exceeds the level of design commonly found in contemporary residential and commercial construction.

We recognize the importance of our clients' visual and stylistic preferences. Our projects combine traditional and time-tested construction and design methods with the best available modern technology. This incorporation of classic and contemporary gives our work a timeless feel and at the same time provides the most modern conveniences.

Each client is unique and has a specific vision for their building project. Clients differ because of the values and goals with which they identify. In this age of sameness, difference and customization creates value.

Our goal is to exceed our clients' expectations. We achieve this by implementing outstanding creative solutions, delivering excellent service, and paying careful attention to every project detail.

 

In 1999 Katz received his Master of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee-School of Architecture and Urban Planning, where he graduated at the top of his class. He received his Baccalaureate in Landscape Design with honors from the College of Santa Fe in 1994. His prior academic work included attendance at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he studied the Great Books of Western Civilization. In Europe Katz studied Architecture at the Ecole Spe'ciale d'Architecture which included field study in Paris, Rome, Florence, and Venice.  He also attended The Oxford Brooks University in Oxford, England where he focused on Urban Planning. 

His graduate thesis concentrated on sacred architecture and earned the Integration of Research and Design Prize. Katz’s field research that documented natural day-lighting in modern and ancient architecturally significant buildings in Europe, titled,  “Let there Be Light: The Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Natural day-lighting in Modern and Pre-modern Architecture “received first place  at the University of California, Berkeley School of Architecture “Vital Signs’ Competition”. 

From 2001 to present Katz taught architectural design, construction, engineering, and history at The University of Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). Katz earned an award for seven years of outstanding service for his teaching at MSOE.

In 2006 and 2007 Phillip Katz Project Development LLC (PKPD) received three awards from Milwaukee Home Magazine for the firm’s residential designs. Katz has earned Beautification awards in the cities of Milwaukee and Glendale. PKPD’s residential work has been published in several Home Design magazines.

 

 

In 2008 PKPD received two Mayor’s Urban Design Awards for entertainment and education projects in the City of Milwaukee for renovations of significant historic architecture.  PKPD along with development partner, Williams Development, received a Real Estate Award from the Business Journal of Milwaukee for ‘Renovation of the Year’.  The award was for their design and development of a formerly blighted property for Lad Lake, a school for at risk youth in Milwaukee’s central city with a one hundred year tradition for excellence in education.  This project was also awarded a Brownfield Grant from t he State of Wisconsin Commerce Department for the complete environmental remediation of the site.

In 2009 PKPD received an award for the Most Environmentally Friendly Project from the Business Journal of Milwaukee for his renovation of AB Data’s corporate headquarters, the former Manpower World Headquarters.

PKPD has developed particular expertise in the design and construction of liturgical environments, specifically synagogues.  PKPD’s current project, the creation of a sanctuary and communal space for Congregation Emanu-El Bnei Jeshurun embodies extensive research in the tradition, history, laws, and culture of sacred architecture.   

Katz has led artist and architect in-residence workshops,  and has  lectured on liturgical architecture, sanctuary technology, and Jewish sacred space for the Wisconsin Society for Jewish Learning, the Jewish Community Center, the Coalition for Jewish Learning, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Marquette University real estate mentorship program (ACRE).

Katz serves on the board member of the Jewish Community Center of Milwaukee (JCC), the Milwaukee Jewish Federation (MJF), and Business Improvement District #32. Katz has served on building and planning committees for various institutions including: the Urban Ecology Center, JCC, MJF, and The Jewish Home and Care Center.  Katz is a member of the Presidents Council of the Milwaukee Children’s Hospital. Katz was listed among  ‘ Top 100 Milwaukeeans to Know ’.  Katz is a founding member of the Wisconsin Green Building Alliance.  

Phillip Katz is the founder and principal of Phillip Katz Project Development LLC (PKPD) a Milwaukee design and management practice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The core principles that guide our service:

Your project is my project.  You have ideas and plans for your project. Together we will make your dreams a reality.

I will communicate through words, graphics or whatever is needed to make sure you understand your project. Everything you receive from me will be clear and concise. 

 Your schedule is my schedule. You can trust that I will always be on top of the status of your project and making sure it stays on schedule.  

 We are a team.  While working on your project.  I will not accept other responsibilities that could affect your project.  I provide thorough and personal service.

 I believe in substance not promises. I strive to do whatever is necessary and complete my efforts on a timely basis.

 

  • Raising the Bar’ – Milwaukee Magazine February feature article. - 2010
  • Annual conference: International Jewish Presenters. NYC, NY - 2009
  • ‘Environment: Synagogues in the Garden’ The Daily Forward – 2010
  • ‘Awe Inspiring Home’: - Feature article on Sanctuary Design in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - 2009
  • Feature profile, St. Johns College Alumni Magazine. - 2009
  • Most Environmentally Friendly Project - AB Data Corporation - The Milwaukee Business Journal - 2009
  • Mayor's Urban Design Award - Lad Lake School - 2007
  • Mayor's Urban Design Award - Brocach Irish Pub - 2007
  • Best Renovation - Lad Lake School - The Milwaukee Business Journal. - 2007
  • Emanu-el: Synagagoue of the Future - Milwaukee Jewish Chronicle
  • Awarded Top Prize-Milwaukee Home Magazine-Mequon Condominium 2007
  • Awarded Silver Medal-"Milwaukee Fine Living Lakefront Retreat" 2006
  • Published-‘Zen Riverfront Condo’-Milwaukee Home Magazine 2003
  • Top Prize Research Certificate awarded to Graduate Thesis project. 1999
    University of Wisconsin: School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
  • Top Prize Winner, Graduate Division - Vital Signs Case Study Competition. 1998
    University of California - Berkeley. Project published.
  • President’s Honor Roll-College of Santa Fe:Certificate of Achievement. '94
  • Beautification Award, City of Glendale. Mayor and Beautification Committee. 1995