Robert Steinberg

Unlike many of the world’s ‘name’ architects, Steinberg’s view of architecture is not focused on himself, but on his impact on people’s lives. He has used his opportunities and challenges to shape entire communities, and he has always gauged his success by results that can only be measured over time: are the people impacted by his work thriving? Steinberg’s passion for storytelling caused him to begin his career as a filmmaker, and among his first projects was a documentary for then- Governor Jimmy Carter. After a brief stint in Hollywood, he got his graduate degree in architecture from Berkeley and joined his father’s firm, where he eventually became President. Endlessly challenging himself and his ever-growing company, his firm took on diverse projects: in the governmental realm, such as for the Job Corp; in education, including universities for the State of California; and for national developers. Steinberg eventually created entire campuses (for the Jewish community of Palo Alto) and the most highly regarded senior complex in partnership with Stanford and Hyatt. Always seeking new horizons, Steinberg expanded the firm into China, and eventually designed industry-pioneering senior complexes there, often modeled on the gold standard of his Stanford example. He was eventually invited to lead the design of entire new cities. Today Steinberg is Chairman of Steinberg Hart. He also advises SPUR, the northern California regional urban policy think tank on planning. He is discovering ways to continue his work to guide leaders in making the right decisions on major projects and to inform all those responsible for shaping communities. Above all, he relentlessly deploys his passion for repairing the world.