Insights + Perspectives

This year’s Shop! Marketplace in New Orleans offered more than just trend spotting. It sparked real conversations about the future of retail, the importance of human connection, and the evolving role of design in customer experience.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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...

By Cynthia Ortiz Having explored the foundational elements of visual merchandising and store design, understanding their psychological...

Why Amenity-Rich Lab Design Is the Future As life sciences and research environments evolve, amenity-rich lab design is quickly becoming...

By Cynthia Ortiz Sustainability Is Not a Trend—It’s a Business Imperative Sustainable store design and visual merchandising isn't about...

When launching a laboratory design or renovation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right architect....

As life sciences continue to evolve at the forefront of innovation, the spaces where this research happens must evolve as well. At MBH...

Clear, consistent signage and strategic seasonal design changes work hand-in-hand to build lasting customer loyalty By Cynthia Ortiz In...

The design of a bank branch does far more than house transactions—it actively shapes how customers experience, trust, and engage with...

By Cynthia Hirsch Ortiz In the continuously evolving world of retail, there’s a transformative magic that occurs when store design and...

In architecture, the earliest design phases hold the most potential for impact. The ability to rapidly assess a site, test multiple...