Reposted from Chairman’s message, Kahn Update newsletter, Issue 3 2009. To see the complete issue, click here.

This is my final message as the leader of this wonderful organization. It’s been an honor to be associated with this great firm founded by Albert Kahn. The firm’s legacy and more importantly, its people, are what set this special place apart from all others.

Unfortunately, it is the nature of our business to be seriously impacted by business cycles. Like many others, Kahn faces huge challenges in the upcoming year, but at the same time, is poised to capitalize on huge opportunities too.

When I joined Kahn a little over 30 years ago, the firm was coming back from a very serious period. While there have been several strong and weak periods since, the current recession is posing a major test of all design firms’ stamina and resourcefulness. However, I have every confidence that Kahn will emerge from these difficult times even stronger.

Under Chuck Robinson’s leadership, the new executive team is ready to hit the ground running on January 1, 2010. For that very important reason, I have accelerated my timeframe for stepping down. While I will be retiring from the firm’s leadership at the end of 2009, I anticipate working with the firm in a continuing client support capacity.

This is the right decision and move for me, my family, but more importantly for Kahn. However, I am leaving with no regrets, as it’s been a good ride and the firm has been good to me. Plus, this is not goodbye, but rather we’ll see each other soon. Best wishes to each of you this holiday season and beyond. May 2010 be everything that we all hope and need it to be!