Global Architecture and Design Firm NBBJ Expands Its Presence in the Carolinas by Opening a Charlotte Office
NBBJ, named a TIME100 Most Influential Company and recognized as one of the most innovative architecture firms in the world five times by Fast Company, has intensified its commitment to the Carolinas and Southeast by opening an office in Charlotte. The office launches in support of more than three million square feet of work with Atrium Health, where NBBJ has led one of the largest prefabricated construction initiatives in history, as well as work with North Carolina Children’s and Novant Health. In addition to its local focus, the office will serve current and future clients throughout the Southeast.
“As an internationally recognized firm known for pioneering design approaches that create healthier communities and drive organizational success, we're strategically expanding to meet demand in high-growth markets," says Robert C. Mankin Jr., AIA, LEED AP, Managing Partner of NBBJ. “The Carolinas’ rapid growth as a dynamic health, science and business hub creates a critical need for forward-looking, adaptable buildings that drive positive change. This is where our expertise brings significant value to organizations—creating spaces and places that lead, rather than follow the market.”
While the Charlotte office is new, NBBJ has been active in the region for decades. Beyond its work with Atrium Health—which includes the David L. Conlan Center at Carolinas Rehabilitation, which opened in 2023; Lake Norman Hospital, which opens in July; and Carolinas Medical Center New Bed Tower & Inpatient Expansion, which opens in 2027—NBBJ has also been working with Novant Health and North Carolina Children’s, a partnership between UNC Health and Duke Health. In addition, NBBJ completed the Ashley River Tower, a landmark expansion at The Medical University of South Carolina, and Georgia Institute of Technology’s comprehensive campus plan.
The Charlotte office is led by NBBJ Partner Andy Snyder, AIA, NCARB, who oversees the firm's work with Atrium Health, and has led key projects with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, North Carolina Children’s Hospital, University of San Francisco California and Intermountain Health. An expert in design and delivery innovation, Andy’s leadership has helped Atrium save $100 million in construction costs on the first three hospitals in its expansion. He leads a growing Charlotte office focused on healthcare, science and education markets and one that is hiring for multiple roles including healthcare architects and medical planners.
“As healthcare organizations in the Carolinas face unprecedented growth and evolving care delivery models, our proven methodologies help them build facilities that enhance both operational efficiency and community health,” said NBBJ Partner Andy Snyder. “On a personal level, this region has been home to my family for generations, so leading our expansion here combines an amazing professional opportunity with deep personal investment in the community’s success.”
NBBJ’s expertise extends beyond regional healthcare projects. The firm is currently delivering some of the nation's most complex and high-profile assignments, from Massachusetts General Hospital's Phillip and Susan Ragon Building to a transformational flagship campus expansion at Oregon Health and Science University.
The firm has also shaped the physical environments where global innovation happens—designing headquarters for market-defining companies like Amazon, BlackRock and Microsoft, and leading landmark academic projects including Oxford University's Life and Mind Building, the largest expansion in the institution's storied history. This depth of experience across healthcare, corporate and academic sectors positions NBBJ to tackle the Carolinas' most ambitious architectural challenges.
