President
Desmone
Eric A. Booth, AIA is President of Desmone, an architecture and interior design firm with offices in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. As the first non-family owner in the firm’s history, Eric has been instrumental in shaping its future. A graduate of Cornell University’s renowned architecture program, he launched his career at a leading architecture and engineering firm in Maryland, where he advanced to Partner before relocating to Pittsburgh in 2008. At Desmone, he leads the firm’s strategic vision, operations, and growth. Under his leadership, Desmone has tripled its staff, expanded its shareholder base, and embraced principles that foster wellness and innovation.
Eric is passionate about elevating the perception of architecture by centering design on its most fundamental purpose: to serve people. This philosophy guided Desmone’s pioneering work on Pittsburgh’s first WELL Gold certified office space, a 25,000 SF addition that exemplifies wellness-focused design. His extensive experience includes adaptive reuse and conversion, multi-family housing, industrial, cultural, and hospitality projects throughout the Northeast and Appalachian region. Signature projects include the Pop District Entertainment Venue for the Warhol Museum, The Industrialist Hotel, Brewer’s Block mixed-use development, 51 Bridge Street conversion, The Tryp Hotel in Lawrenceville, and the Block E development in Pittsburgh’s Lower Hill District. Eric frequently shares his expertise through speaking engagements and panel discussions on wellness-focused design, adaptive reuse, industrial redevelopment, multifamily housing, and strategies for economic development. He is also recognized as an expert witness in cases involving building codes and life safety.
With over 25 years of service to the American Institute of Architects, Eric has held leadership roles at the local, state, and regional levels, including President of AIA Chesapeake Bay and board positions with AIA Maryland and AIA Pittsburgh. He previously served as Treasurer for AIA Pennsylvania and is currently a Champion of the Leadership Institute, a program of the Pittsburgh Architecture Foundation. Eric is also professionally involved with IAMC and NAIOP, contributing his expertise to advancing industry standards and development practices. Beyond the profession, Eric is deeply engaged in community and economic development through organizations such as the City of Pittsburgh Contextual Design Advisory Panel (CDAP), the Construction Legislative Council of Western PA, the Northside Leadership Conference, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. He is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh and an active member of his Vistage Chief Executive group.
Eric resides in Pittsburgh’s historic Deutschtown neighborhood, where he designed and built his own rowhome, and contributes to his community as a board member of the East Allegheny Community Council.