Famed architect Richard Meier has announced plans to take a six-month leave of absence after five women, including four former employees, accused him of sexual misconduct, according to a report in The New York Times.
“I am deeply troubled and embarrassed by the accounts of several women who were offended by my words and actions,” Meier’s said in a statement on his website. “While our recollections may differ, I sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my behavior. Effective today, I am taking a six-month leave of absence as founder and managing partner. I am leaving the company in the hands of a dedicated and outstanding senior management team, which has spent the past three decades serving our clients and building our firm’s success.”
Firm partner Michael Palladino, who also helms the practice’s Los Angeles office, will oversee all operations and projects during the next six months. James R. Crawford will assist Palladino with operations in LA, while the New York branch will be led by Vivian Lee, Reynolds Logan, Bernhard Karpf, and Dukho Yeon.
