St. Louis Mosaic Project is pleased with the addition of its recent two Mosaic Ambassador Companies in the Architecture industry. TAO + LEE is the first Mosaic Ambassador Architecture Company to be joining, followed by Trivers Associates. Based in St. Louis and founded in 1995, TAO + LEE provides architectural, planning, interiors and creative design services. The founders and principals and longtime Mosaic Ambassadors, Peter Tao and Helen Lee, modeled the firm based on their extensive global experiences with projects located both domestically and internationally.
TAO + LEE has been tremendously involved in the St. Louis community. The firm recently led an effort to improve health and wellness as well as inclusion at the St. Louis Public School’s Nahed Chapman New American Academy. This is a transitional school for 500+ new immigrants and refugee children who come from different countries and speak different languages. Nahed Chapman New American Academy is one of thirty three Mosaic Ambassador Schools. In partnership with the construction industry in St. Louis, TAO + LEE envisioned, then co-led a tremendous project to create a new soccer field and social gathering space, at Nahed Chapman New American Academy as a means to build bridges for the students through sports. This was dedicated in 2016.
The firm continues to support a variety of causes and initiatives focused on immigrants and refugees, including the St. Louis Mosaic Project, where Mr. Tao is a member of the Steering Committee, the International Institute and Welcoming America. TAO + LEE will continue to mentor professionals from the international community. Mr. Tao and Ms. Lee have participated in mentorship programs such as the OCA St. Louis MAAP Program; Ms. Lee’s recent efforts helped connect an individual with employment at Caleres. The firm has stepped forward in its role in international student retention by hiring an international student with a STEM degree and will continue to mentor international students. In addition to professionals and international students, TAO + LEE will also continue to support cultural and international affinity groups.
TAO + LEE has been widely recognized for engagement efforts in the City of St. Louis and the greater St. Louis community with regards to Diversity and Inclusion. Recognitions include Business of the Year Award, Asian Business of the Year, Diverse Business Leader and has also been featured in the book Who’s Who Diversity in Color. TAO + LEE is an active sponsor of the Asian American Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis (AACC) and Organization of Chinese-Americans-Asian Pacific American Advocates (OCA St. Louis).
The St. Louis Mosaic Project was launched in 2012 in response to an economic impact report that showed St. Louis was lagging in immigrant growth and highlighted the potential economic benefits of increasing its foreign-born population. The Mosaic Project is a regional initiative that is professionally managed by St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, World Trade Center and a 27-member committee. Its goal is to transform St. Louis into the fastest growing major metropolitan area for immigration by 2020 and promote regional prosperity through immigration and innovation. Learn more at www.stlmosaicproject.org.
TAO + LEE Associates, Inc. is an award winning St. Louis based design firm providing Architectural, Planning, Interiors, and Creative Design services for a diversity of project types, sizes & applications. The firm has extensive experience in the planning, design and execution of Commercial, Cultural and Educational, Residential, Restaurants and Retail, as well as variety of other project types, which include Healthcare, Industrial, Sports-Recreation, as well as unique Creative Design projects (including Art Projects and Installations).
