Our Story

We are an ideas-driven design firm with an empathetic process. Our work is rooted in research, making and the belief that all voices should be heard. We help clients advance health, community and the environment.

Healthy Living

Buildings and human health are inextricably linked. Drawing on neuroscience, we design to reduce stress, sharpen cognition and support well-being through nature, healthier materials, movement and spaces that balance openness, refuge and choice.

Strong Community

Awe changes how people see the world. Guided by emotional science, we use unexpected shifts in scale and immersive sensory experiences to create inclusive places that spark curiosity, strengthen human connection and foster belonging.

Environmental Stewardship

Demanding buildings deserve the highest standards. From passive cooling that lowers energy costs to geothermal systems that cut emissions, we design for performance across all buildings, even the most energy-intensive hospitals and labs.

We Design What's Next

As one of the world’s leading architecture and design firms, innovation has been a hallmark of our culture for more than 80 years and the driving force behind how we design.

NBBJ is the first to implement prefabrication extensively in a major U.S. hospital, advancing industrialized construction strategies that improve quality, reduce risk and accelerate delivery. At Atrium Health alone, standardization is being implemented across more than 10 hospitals totaling 800+ beds.

Recognized by Clients, Peers and the Business Community

Recognition from leading business publications reflects the impact of our work, while honors from our industry celebrate its quality. But our most meaningful endorsement comes from clients who choose to work with us again and again.

Clients

More than 85% of NBBJ’s business comes from repeat clients, an endorsement of the trust built through long-term partnerships.

Peers

Recipient of over 1,000 design awards, including the AIA National Honor Award and ULI Award of Excellence, and named an Interior Design “Most Admired” firm, affirming NBBJ’s design excellence.

Business

Named a six-time Fast Company “World’s Most Innovative” architecture firm and a TIME100 Most Influential Company, reflecting NBBJ’s commitment to delivering measurable outcomes for clients.

Recognized for Impact

"We've had a long history with NBBJ and part of that is they understand our culture and they get us. They understand what we're trying to do here. They value our values." —Teri Sato, Director, Corporate Real Estate, Alaska Airlines

Recognized six times by Fast Company as one of the world’s most innovative architecture firms and named a TIME100 Most Influential Company, underscoring NBBJ’s ability to translate design innovation into measurable value for clients.

A Modern Healthcare "Best in Business" award winner for leading the industry in prefabrication and standardization and helping health systems deliver high-quality care more efficiently, NBBJ partners with more than 75% of the U.S. News & World Report's 2026–27 Best Hospitals Honor Roll.

“NBBJ completely transformed the face of real estate at Moss Adams, helping us become a leader among our peers for flexible, forward-thinking workplaces. Accounting is an increasingly competitive field for talent acquisition, and our offices have been instrumental in attracting and retaining employees.” —Wade McIntyre, Moss Adams Real Estate Management

An early adopter of the AIA2030 Commitment, a signatory of the COP26 Communiqué and Amazon Climate Pledge, and a certified CarbonNeutral company, NBBJ is a sustainability leader among partners, clients and peers.

"[Ohana's] thoughtful use of form, light and materials helps to integrate nature and foster a positive atmosphere. These design elements promote healing and well-being, embodying a holistic approach to healthcare architecture." —Associate Professor Anna Gitelman, Suffolk University, in FRAME Magazine

A Vision for Change

A global firm with diverse expertise and insights, our work is united by a shared belief that design creates meaningful change. That belief comes to life through our design vision, called "Design Change"—a mindset that challenges us to advance health, strengthen community and pursue a zero-carbon future through every project. Grounded in our values and activating our purpose, this vision sets a new standard for design: one that reshapes projects, redefines our profession and creates lasting change in the world around us.

The Values We Live By

Our values bring our mission and vision to life, guiding how we show up for each other and our clients.

We are united behind a calling to design a better future for our clients, society and planet.