Richard Meier is stepping down from day-to-day operations of the practice he founded, seven months after allegations surfaced that the Pritzker Prize-winner had sexually harassed five female staff. 

In March, Meier took a leave of absence after damning accounts by female staff at Richard Meier & Partners Architects were published in the New York Times. They described incidents where the architect exposed himself and another incident where he dragged a woman onto his bed.

In a statement on its website, Richard Meier & Partners Architects announced that long-standing design leader Bernhard Karpf has been promoted to managing principal of its New York headquarters in a role that will see him manage the firm and spearhead new business development. Meier will no longer handle business and administrative decisions and won’t be seen in the office.

He will, however, “remain available to colleagues and clients who seek his vast experience and counsel”.

Michael Palladino, head of the company’s Los Angeles office, who oversaw the firm’s operations and projects during Meier’s absence said:  “I appreciate and support Richard Meier’s decision to undertake this transition. Bernhard Karpf is a talented architect with 30 years of experience and is committed to the design and execution philosophy and vision of the firm. I have every confidence that with the support of the team in the New York office, this leadership transition will be seamless and successful.”