MBB Architects

By analyzing how teams use the workplace, MBB redesigned the offices of Success Academy Charter Schools to better support individual focus, small group collaboration, and large team meetings. Read about the how the design supports flexible teaming and the organization's mission in our latest post. With thanks to our client Success Academy, Zubatkin Owner Representation , Derive Engineers, PHT Lighting Design, J.T. Magen & Company Inc., Creative Office Resources, and many more. Photos © Magda Biernat

“Eliminating Forced Labor in Supply Chains: Taking Action,” was the third and final event in a series convened by the AIA New York | Center for Architecture Social Science and Architecture Committee addressing how architects and designers can source building materials more ethically.   MBB Partner Sara Grant joined distinguished panelists Pins Brown, Billie Faircloth, and moderator Melissa Marsh in discussing small and large steps toward improving human rights conditions in the procurement of architectural and construction materials.   "It really gets back to the idea of designing for people, and who is it that we're considering when we're designing,” Sara said. “Part of what my involvement in the AIANY Social Science Committee has taught me is the importance of naming our own perspective and our own prejudices that we [as architects] bring to the table. But in every way, this work is about broadening who we are designing for.”   In a globally networked supply chain, architects don’t have the ability to meet with each group involved with material production. However, Sara said, “What is realistic is making use of the resources that are out there,” including certification systems, toolkits, and allied organizations like Design for Freedom. “And then it really does become our responsibility to use those resources.” She also shared how MBB Architects supports staff members’ work on this and other social/environmental initiatives through our firm’s longstanding Initiatives Committee.   This diagram by MBB suggests how the traditional procurement process focusing on material supply chains should be integrated with a people-centric view of labor and human rights, extending from extraction and manufacturing through construction and post-occupancy.   Watch the event video here https://lnkd.in/eH-krjPG #MBBArchitects #designforfreedom #humanrights #saragrant #AIANY #centerforarchitecture

Opening of the new MBB-designed Visitor Center at Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, New York. Founding Partner Mary Burnham and John Mealy joined the arboretum community to inaugurate the light-filled pavilion. Photo by Heather Coste / New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation #mbbarchitects #BayardCuttingArboretum

Congratulations to New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and Bayard Cutting Arboretum on the opening of the new Visitor Center designed by MBB! It was an honor working with you, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects and Planners, and the entire consultant and building team on this transformative public design project. Looking forward to sharing more photos soon. #mbbarchitects #bayardcuttingarboretum

Thank you Design for Freedom by Grace Farms and Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs for this opportunity to advance our efforts around ethical sourcing to eliminate forced labor from building supply chains. Looking forward to developing this pilot project and sharing lessons learned.

Pleased to see our restoration and renovation work at Trinity Church Wall Street recognized with a 2024 Architizer A Award! As part of the site master planning dimension of this project, our team improved access across Trinity Place and added a new loggia bay — identical to the originals — to shelter a stair connecting the new bluestone terrace to the street. Thanks to the awards jury, our client, and our talented team. #mbbarchitects #architizerawards #trinitychurchwallstreet #nycarchitecture #historicpreservation

Closing out #preservationmonth with a few classic views of our firm's restoration and renovation of St. Patrick's Cathedral, the James Renwick-designed masterpiece. It was an honor to complete this ambitious master planning and rejuvenation process in collaboration with the Archdiocese, our consultant team, and StructureTone. When completed a few years ago, the project was awarded the prestigious Lucy G. Moses Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the AIA COTE Top Ten Award for sustainability upgrades including geothermal heating and cooling. Photo Credits: (1) John Baer, (2) Sarah Rosenblatt, (3) Floto Warner, (4) Elizabeth Felicella #mbbarchitects #stpatrickscathedral #nycarchitecture #preservation #historicpreservation #geothermalenergy #nyclandmarks

Thanks to The Architectural League of New York for hosting this incredible panel on Accessible Schools — a conversation with distinguished educators, advocates, and architects including MBB’s Mary Burnham, FAIA. Reaching beyond standard notions of accessibility, the panel included insightful presentations by Irina Verona and Jennifer Carpenter (Verona Carpenter Architects); Lauren Melissa Ellzey, autistic self-advocate, author, educator, and activist; Kayla Hamilton, performance maker, dancer, educator, and consultant; and Kristie Patten, professor, department of occupational therapy, NYU Steinhardt School and principal investigator, Nest Support Project. Looking forward to incorporating their insights into our design work on schools and other inclusive spaces. #AccessibleSchools #MBBArchitects

Wonderful to read a former student's reflections on the impact of the Green Roof Environmental Literacy Laboratory atop Greenwich Village School (P.S. 41) in Manhattan, which our firm had the privilege of working on more than a decade ago with Vicki Sando and others. As alum Lucy Stott writes, "It wasn’t just a roof to us: it was also a yoga center, a dance studio, an artist’s workspace, an outdoor cafeteria and even a music room. Our green roof was magical."

Thrilled to share that MBB’s project for the Carnegie Global Ethics Hub has been named a 2024 Design for Freedom Pilot Project to eliminate forced labor from building supply chains. Big thanks to Design for Freedom by Grace Farms and our client, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, for forging ahead with this important work. #mbbarchitects #designforfreedom #carnegiecouncil #ethicalbuildingmaterials