PIQUE is a design studio dedicated to delivering inventive and meaningful design projects steeped in the specificity of the problem, program, site and ambitions of the client. Just as the word pique is to stimulate or capture one's attention, our carefully considered designs excite an awareness in the occupant of the space they are in and the people they share it with.
A chance introduction by a mutual friend brought the original two cofounders of Pique together in 1998. Peter Jahnke was a student then, looking for summer internship possibilities. Keith Ballantyne was partner in a small architecture practice. Peter had committed to submitting on the design competition for the ex-magazzini generali area of Verona, Italy.
As workload did not allow for a more 'formal' work relationship, the two met after hours on a weekly basis to discuss the project over beer and pizza. The project won critical acclaim, receiving a second-place award and being the only project from the United States to be awarded. This project was the genesis of what has become a creative venture earmarked by mutual appreciation and respect and a desire to continually strive for creative excellence.
With the addition of Eric Meglasson and the formalization of the business in 2005, Pique continues to grow from strength to strength and receive recognition for design excellence. Having three directors in three different locations provides a broad, stable landscape from which to execute our work and objective criticism to deliver projects of the highest international standard.
