Insights + Perspectives

Western Landing, a supportive housing development in Harbor City, Los Angeles, California, has received First Place in the Green Building Multifamily category at the Modular Building Institute's (MBI) 2026 Awards of Distinction. MBH Architects served as Factory Architect of Record on the project, which was built by general contractor Bernards, with modules manufactured by Harbinger Homes (formerly Factory_OS), in partnership with developer Abode Communities.

At MBH, Environmental Graphic Design is not applied at the end of a project. It is developed as an integrated layer of architecture, interiors, and brand expression from the very beginning. The New York office mural exemplifies this approach. Treated with the same rigor, process, and budget discipline MBH brings to every external client engagement, it was never simply an internal project.

MBH Architects is proud to be ranked #4 among the largest architecture firms in the Greater Bay Area in the latest ranking published by the San Francisco Business Times. This recognition reflects the continued growth of our practice and the strength of the relationships we have built with clients, partners, and communities across the region and beyond.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, MBH hosted its first Women Principals Panel, convening the firm’s five women Principals for an open discussion about leadership, career growth, the challenges they have navigated, and the path they hope to help create for future generations.

The construction of Alameda Food Bank's new home, a 19,000-square-foot complex, reinforced the nearly 50-year-old nonprofit's fight against food insecurity in the East Bay city and beyond.

How Thoughtful Design Creates Environments That Work for Everyone Inclusive design begins with a simple premise: the built environment should work for everyone. But designing for inclusion goes beyond meeting accessibility requirements. It is about creating spaces where people of different abilities, ages, cultures, and identities feel comfortable, respected, and able to participate fully in everyday experiences. When designers consider diverse needs from the outset, the resu

At MBH, our digital building model is at the center of our design process. We use it as a multifunctional environment for analysis—where ideas can be explored, reviewed, and strengthened before they become field conditions. When we can interrogate the building clearly in 3D, we make better decisions in the real world.

Abhijat Hukoo, Principal and Managing Director of MBH Architects, India, shares how the retail design firm is focused on helping clients hit the industry’s triple bottom line: cost efficiency, top-notch design and construction, and rapid speed to market.

At MBH, leadership grows from contribution, from the people who strengthen our culture, elevate our work, and help others succeed every day. We’re proud to share that Joe Irwin and Hillary Thompson have been promoted to Principal, recognizing the lasting impact each has made across our studios, our clients, and our firm. As President and Principal Ryan McNulty shared: “Joe and Hillary exemplify the curiosity, rigor, and collaborative spirit that define MBH. Their work has

Think about the last time you walked into an unfamiliar place. Maybe you were searching for a restroom in a crowded restaurant and immediately spotted the sign that guided you without hesitation. Maybe you arrived at a new healthcare facility, checked the directory, and followed hallway signage straight to the correct suite. Or perhaps you were in a grocery store after a reorganization and relied on overhead aisle markers to find the final item on your list. In each of thes

In San Carlos, at the heart of the Bay Area’s life science corridor, MBC BioLabs’ newest and largest facility at 1030 Brittan Avenue expands a pioneering incubator model that has helped launch more than 500 biotech companies worldwide.

MBH Architects is proud to congratulate Cynthia Ortiz , RDI, on being named a 2026 Top Retail Expert Awardee by RETHINK Retail . This prestigious recognition places Cynthia among an exceptional group of technologists, analysts, innovators, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of retail through insight, collaboration, and measurable impact. The Top Retail Expert Community reflects the most respected voices in the industry, spanning physical, digital, and emerging r

MBH Architects is thrilled to announce a significant leadership transition. Effective immediately, Jason Dries-Daffner has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) , and Ryan McNulty has been appointed President . This change marks an exciting new chapter for the firm. Continuity, Vision, and Growth This transition is the result of a well-thought-out succession plan. It aims to ensure continuity, stability, and sustained growth for our 36-year-old firm. Both Jason and R

SF YIMBY | October 17, 2025 By Andrew Nelson Photo Credit: Tyler Chartier Photography New affordable housing has officially opened at 2121 Wood Street in West Oakland , Alameda County . The project team and local politicians gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting event at Prescott Station, a six-story apartment complex with over two hundred units and commercial retail space overlooking the Oakland Ballers ballpark. Turner Impact Capital was the project developer. The six-

By Cynthia Ortiz By now, with the past installments of this series, I hope it has become clear that bringing design and merchandising...

In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Davidoff of Geneva’s Madison Avenue location has long been a destination for discerning cigar enthusiasts. MBH Architects partnered with the Swiss luxury brand to reimagine its flagship store, blending luxury retail design, refined hospitality, and brand heritage into a cohesive, elevated experience.

Janie and Jack is more than a children’s clothing brand—it’s a design house rooted in story, craft, and memory-making. In partnership with the brand’s store development team, MBH Architects is supporting the rollout of a new era of boutique retail environments. These spaces express the company’s reimagined identity and support its national expansion.

From working together to creating what’s next: growing the unified retail model By Cynthia Ortiz In earlier articles from this series, we...

As retail continues to adapt and transform, the storefront window remains one of the most powerful tools for brand storytelling. More...

Prescott Station in Oakland, California, will provide 235 affordable units after nearly 10 years on hiatus, director Timothy Haley says....