Jeffrey Beers, the founder and CEO of New York-based firm Jeffrey Beers International (JBI), passed away on March 18th at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer.
Throughout his career, Beers made a profound impact on hospitality design, the architectural industry, and countless communities around the world. His dedication to excellence, innovation, and integrity along with his creative genius and compassionate leadership shaped JBI into the renowned studio it is today.
Beers was an architect, designer, and an artist whose distinctive work instilled emotion into modernism. He studied architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) while learning glassblowing from renowned artist Dale Chihuly. He was awarded a Fulbright scholarship and traveled to Brazil to study with the legendary Oscar Niemeyer and upon his return to New York, worked for I.M. Pei.
In 1986, the formation of JBI brought Beers’ signature sensibility to some of New York’s most vibrant restaurants (including the new iteration of chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud). Beers then expanded into hotels, resorts, and residences, and worked on such projects as the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, 108 Leonard, and Hard Rock Hotel New York.
“During this difficult time, our priority remains supporting Jeffrey’s family and the JBI team as we navigate this loss,” the studio said in a statement. “We ask for your understanding, patience, and privacy as we work through this period of grief and transition.”
Beers, a Platinum Circle honoree, was recognized with HD’s 2016 Visionary Award and spoke about his passion for the industry in a 2021 podcast episode.
As part of JBI’s succession plan, Nora Liu-Kanter, Michael Pandolfi, and Tim Rooney have been selected to lead the firm as partners. Each of the newly appointed partners worked alongside Beers’ for more than 20 years.
