Seattle, WA and Cambridge, MA, March 15, 2010 - NBBJ, a global architecture and design firm, and Chan Krieger Sieniewicz, internationally-known for urban design and architecture excellence, announced today a merger of the two firms that will create an integrated team of over 700 architects, urban designers, planners and interior designers. The Chan Krieger Sieniewicz team, including its five principals, will continue in their current roles. As part of the transition to the NBBJ name, the Cambridge office will operate as Chan Krieger NBBJ.
More than three years of collaboration as the design team behind the new 530,000 square-foot Building for the Third Century at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) led to a growing interest by principals in both firms to establish a more formal and far-reaching alliance. "We were initially brought together with NBBJ when MGH suggested we team up and combine what the client saw as complementary abilities," said Alex Krieger, Founding Principal of Chan Krieger Sieniewicz and Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. "As we worked with our colleagues at NBBJ, we realized we shared the same values and studio culture, only on a different scale."
Scott Wyatt, Managing Partner of NBBJ, said "Since that introduction three years ago, we learned a lot about each other and came to realize the value we could provide to clients by combining the strengths of both organizations. NBBJ is known for our deep market experience in healthcare, education, corporate and commercial design. Chan Krieger Sieniewicz is known in Boston and internationally for its world-class depth in architecture and urban design. Integrating this experience advances what we can together offer clients, particularly on complex urban projects in the U.S. and overseas."
The merger gives NBBJ, which already operates a project office in Boston, a larger presence in New England. The Seattle-based firm has offices in several U.S. cities, including Columbus, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Seattle. Overseas offices include London, Beijing, Shanghai and Dubai.
Recognition of both firms' work includes numerous AIA design awards, awards in national and international design competitions, Progressive Architecture awards and top sustainable, real estate and business awards.
"We are excited about merging our practice with NBBJ, and see it as simply an ideal match of corresponding skills and personalities," said Larry Chan, Founding Principal of Chan Krieger Sieniewicz and president of the Boston Society of Architects. "The expertise clients are seeking today requires a deep reserve of problem-solving experience. This collaboration allows us to deliver on that need, and to work going forward with the best talent in the industry to advance the strong personal relationships we've built."
About Chan Krieger Sieniewicz - Founded in 1984, Chan Krieger Sieniewicz is built on its ability to cross the disciplines of architecture, urban design, and public space planning. It is widely regarded for its distinctive combination of pragmatic methodology, scholarship, and civic vision. CKS's work is primarily for the public, educational, and institutional sectors, particularly on projects that engage complex settings. For more information, visit www.chankrieger.com
About NBBJ - Founded in 1943, NBBJ is a global architecture, planning and design firm that helps companies and organizations create innovative places. NBBJ's client roster includes Fortune 500 companies, leading public and civic organizations worldwide and US News & World Report top hospitals. Together, NBBJ's design teams and clients have designed communities, buildings, and environments that enhance people's lives, improve businesses' bottom lines and contribute to a more sustainable and livable world. The firm consistently ranks among the country's top ten and the world's top 20 largest architectural firms. For more information, visit www.nbbj.com.
Related Stories
| Jan 30, 2014
Mayors of 10 metros unite to cut building-related climate pollution
Organizers say combined initiative could cut as much climate-change pollution as generated by 1 million cars every year, and lower energy bills by nearly $1 billion annually.
| Jan 30, 2014
See how architects at NBBJ are using computational design to calculate the best views on projects [video]
In an ideal world, every office employee would have a beautiful view from his or her desk. While no one can make that happen in real life, computational design can help architects maximize views from every angle.
| Jan 30, 2014
The evolving workplace: One designer's inspiration board
"Open office" has been a major buzzword for decades, and like any buzzword, some of the novelty has worn off. I don't believe we will abandon the open office, but I do think we need to focus on providing a dynamic mix of open and closed spaces.
| Jan 30, 2014
How reverse engineering nature can spur design innovation
It’s not enough to copy nature. Today’s designers need a deeper understanding of environmental nuance, from the biome in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What to expect in the metal building industry in 2014
Every year brings changes. This one won’t be any different. We’ll see growth in some areas, declines in others. Here’s a little preview of what we’ll be writing about 2014 when 2015 comes rolling in.
| Jan 30, 2014
What's in store for healthcare capital markets in 2014?
Despite the shake up stemming from the Affordable Care Act, 2014 will be an active year in healthcare capital markets, according to real estate experts from CBRE Healthcare.
| Jan 29, 2014
Richard Meier unveils 'urban courtyard' scheme for Mexico City towers
A grand atrium, reaching some 30 stories, highlights the contemporary, bright-white design scheme unveiled this week by Richard Meier & Partners for a new mixed-use development in Mexico City.
| Jan 29, 2014
Historic church will be part of new condo building in D.C.
Sorg Architects unveiled a design scheme for 40 condos in a six-story building, which will wrap around an existing historic church, and will itself contain four residential units.
| Jan 29, 2014
Hotel, retail, recreation sectors to lead growth in 2014
AIA's Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation’s leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 5.8% increase in 2014, led by the hotel, retail, and amusement/recreation sectors.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.