Contents
Overview
NBBJ was founded in 1943 by Floyd Naramore, William J. Bain, and Clifton A. Brady, with the goal of creating a firm that would prioritize design excellence and client satisfaction. Over the years, the firm has grown and evolved, with notable projects such as the Amazon Spheres in Seattle, designed in collaboration with Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos, and the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California, which features a unique rooftop garden designed by OLIN. NBBJ has also worked with other prominent clients, including Microsoft, Samsung, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to create buildings that are not only functional but also sustainable and aesthetically pleasing, often incorporating green spaces and energy-efficient systems, as seen in the work of landscape architects such as Peter Walker and his firm PWP Landscape Architecture.
📈 Notable Projects
One of NBBJ's most notable projects is the Amazon Spheres, a trio of glass domes in Seattle that house over 40,000 plants and a unique workspace for Amazon employees. The project was designed in collaboration with Amazon's founder Jeff Bezos and features a unique glass facade designed by Novum Structures. The Spheres have become a iconic landmark in Seattle and a symbol of the city's thriving tech industry, with companies like Zillow and Expedia also calling the city home. NBBJ has also worked on other notable projects, such as the Samsung headquarters in San Jose, California, which features a unique rooftop garden designed by SWA Group, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters in Seattle, which was designed with sustainability in mind and features a green roof designed by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol.
🌎 Sustainability & Innovation
NBBJ is committed to sustainability and innovation in their design work. The firm has developed a range of sustainable design strategies, including the use of green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems. NBBJ has also been at the forefront of innovative design technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D printing, often collaborating with companies like Autodesk and Trimble to stay at the cutting edge of design. The firm has worked with clients such as Google and Microsoft to create buildings that are not only sustainable but also technologically advanced, featuring systems designed by companies like Siemens and Honeywell. NBBJ's commitment to sustainability has earned them numerous awards and recognition within the industry, including the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Award, which they have won in collaboration with other firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Gensler.
👥 Leadership & Culture
NBBJ is led by a team of experienced architects and designers who are committed to design excellence and client satisfaction. The firm's leadership team includes notable architects such as Steve McConnell, who has worked on projects such as the Amazon Spheres, and Ryan Mullenix, who has worked on projects such as the Google headquarters. NBBJ's culture is centered around a commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and innovation, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork, often working with other firms like Perkins+Will and HOK to deliver complex projects. The firm has a strong presence on social media, with a large following on platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn, where they share their latest projects and design ideas, often featuring the work of photographers like Iwan Baan and Nic Lehoux.
Key Facts
- Year
- 1943
- Origin
- Seattle, Washington
- Category
- aesthetics
- Type
- organization
Frequently Asked Questions
What does NBBJ stand for?
NBBJ stands for Naramore, Bain, Brady, and Johansen, the names of the firm's founders.
What is NBBJ's most notable project?
NBBJ's most notable project is the Amazon Spheres in Seattle, Washington.
What is NBBJ's commitment to sustainability?
NBBJ is committed to sustainability and has developed a range of sustainable design strategies, including the use of green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems.
Who are some of NBBJ's notable clients?
NBBJ has worked with clients such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is NBBJ's design philosophy?
NBBJ's design philosophy is centered around a commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and innovation, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.