Joseph Coriaty

The design of academic and museum spaces constitute a significant portion of Coriaty's portfolio. He is quoted saying that he likes "the idea of researchers and visitors alike enjoying their work in a natural setting." Regarding his work on Princeton's Firestone Library, home to over 5,000,000 volumes, he explained, "the idea is to embrace the existing building and expand the ethos as a 'laboratory of learning'." Across the country in Pasadena, California, The Walter Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology, at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, "was designed to be more than a classroom—it was intended to be an experimental learning center," Coriaty said. "As a Gold LEED certified structure, its use of natural light minimized electricity, and the idea is to bring nature in, blending space and light. Here, the introspective turns outward." So popular is the building, according to Coriaty, that researchers have a waiting list to work in the building, and classes are more popular than ever. "Natural light and air help create a pleasant environment," he said. "A pleasant environment helps researchers and students enjoy their work and thus inspire natural collaboration."

Coriaty joined Frederick Fisher and Partners in 1988, and became a Partner in 1995. He is currently the Partner-in-Charge for Frederick Fisher and Partner's academic, civic, live-work and community-oriented projects. His focus is the design of the firms’ large-scale signature academic, library, institutional, and museum projects. Coriaty's strong interest in the process of making is founded in his early years spent in Detroit, a leading car manufacturing city. His projects share a common ethos - one that balances program, beauty, efficiency, and community.

In 1978, Coriaty moved from Detroit to Santa Monica, California where he has remained to date. He married Ann Marie Fredal on December 28, 1983, in Detroit, Michigan. Together, they have two children. His personal interests include collecting art, collecting various forms of musical recordings, fine watches, and unique items that are design-oriented.

After Coriaty earned his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California in 1980, he spent the early part of his professional career at John Siebel Associate Architects in Los Angeles, California, John Carl Warnecke & Associates in Los Angeles, and Widom/Wein & Partners in Santa Monica, California. In 1983, Coriaty joined The Landau Partnership in Santa Monica, California where he worked as the Project Architect on a number of notable projects, such as Central Park at Toluca Lake in Burbank, California, and The Biltmore Tower at the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.

Coriaty received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Detroit in 1978 where he graduated magna cum laude. Coriaty went on to receive his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California in 1980. He has been a registered architect in the State of California since 1983.

Son of Joseph Said Coriaty and Therese Elaine Coriaty, Joseph Coriaty is one of six siblings. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, and spent his childhood in Riverview, Michigan, until 1965, when the Coriaty family moved to Trenton, Michigan. He attended Trenton High School, graduating in 1974.

Joseph Coriaty, FAIA, (born June 26, 1956) is an American architect. Coriaty has dedicated his career to creating buildings that integrate design excellence and place-making with 21st century technologies. His working process has elevated the architects’ role as "maker" and community leader.