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History

1998 - 2002

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Embarcadero Lofts win 5 Gold Nuggets
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Listed on the National Historic Register, this adaptive reuse project transformed the original art deco 1937 Coffin-Reddington Commercial Building into upscale mixed-use residential, restaurant and commercial office space. Embarcadero Lofts, as well as its two restaurants Elroy's and 301, was honored with the Grand Award for Best Renovated, Restored, or Remodeled Project, Grand Award for Best Mixed-Use Project and the Award of Merit for Best Apartment Project 4+ Stories.

1991

1991 - 1997

On Lok Dr. Gee Center Built

 

In early 1990, Michael Neumann of On Lok discovered a diamond in the rough: the abandoned Pacific Telephone building located at the corner of Bush and Larkin Streets in San Francisco. Based on information gathered from working with On Lok previously, MBH was able to understand how On Lok could evolve their mission within this four-story, 75,000 square foot facility.

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The Dr. Gee Center (now called the Gee PACE Center) opened on time and under budget allowing On Lok to continue to provide its services to the community within a physical space that was constructed exactly to its specifications. MBH put everything the young firm had into making this project a success, and it is still in operation as of today, remaining to this day one of the projects that the firm is most proud of. 

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89 - 99

2014 - 2017

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Inaugural Impact Day

 

To celebrate MBH’s 25th Anniversary, the firm dedicated itself to a day of service. For one work day, MBH employees and leadership donated its time and skills to the Alameda community, where the firm has called home since its first days.

2013

First Luxury Retail Clients

 

MBH’s reputation for delivering beautiful and unique retail experiences worldwide led to partnerships with global upscale brands including Tesla, Tiffany & Co. and Dior. Since completing flagship, shop-in-shop, and mall locations for these reknown brands, MBH invested in our luxury retail expertise and brought on more high-end retail clients to create one of a kind, chic experiences and later established its Luxury Retail Studio.

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2005

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MBH Selected to be on the Sonoma Mountain Village team

 

Sustainability is built into the core values of MBH, and no project demonstrates that clearer than MBH’s participation in Sonoma Mountain Village. The master planned community is a sustainable, mixed-use community designed to care for its residents, the community and the planet without compromising quality of life.Sonoma Mountain Village received much acclaim, including the California Governor’s Environmental & Economic Leadership Award for Comprehensive land use planning and 2008 Dwell Magazine Best of the West award.

2003 - 2004

Petrini Place with Christiani Johnson Architects

 

Petrini Place, a mixed-use development in the heart of San Francisco, was built in collaboration with Christiani Johnson Architects, CJA. This was the beginning of a strong relationship with the award-winning multi-family housing architect, Richard Christiani, that would one day allow the two firms to join together seamlessly.

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00 - 09
10 - 20

1989 - 1990

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MBH Architects opens its doors

 

MBH Architects was founded in 1989 on the notion of creating a better architectural practice. Armed with a clear vision and with backgrounds strongly influenced by solid business ideals, three ambitious architects decided to open their own firm, introducing MBH. MBH’s first large clients were retail companies that provided the young firm with a steady flow of work.

2018

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New York Office Opens

 

MBH expanded to New York City with a longtime employee blazing the relocation trail. By tapping into the talent pool of the vibrant city, MBH was able to secure skilled designers for retail and workspace clients, including Tiffany & Co., Allbirds, Gucci, WeWork and more. The team’s experience and expertise helped establish MBH as an East Coast presence in the city that never sleeps.

Mumbai Office Opens

 

MBH expanded internationally and opened an office in Mumbai, India. A licensed Architect in both the United States and India, Principal Reena Nadkarni took on the management of this new extension of the MBH brand. As the market in India grows, the combined experience and knowledge of the MBH USA and India teams will allow the firm to take on local projects for MBH’s global retail clients as well as work on projects in other sectors including hospitality and multi-family housing.

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Christiani Johnson Architects joins MBH

 

On June 4, 2018  joined the MBH family, filling the Housing Studio with experience and wisdom. The partnership between Richard “Rick” Christiani, John McNulty, and Dennis Heath formed out of collaborations on past projects such as Petrini Place in San Francisco. Rooted in the shared values of human-centered design, integrity, and sustainability, the CJA team seamlessly integrated with the existing MBH Housing

Inaugural Employee Exchange with Hyphen

 

Employees from Hyphen’s Madrid office and MBH’s Alameda office exchanged places for the month of May 2018. By immersing participants in new cultures, environments, and workflows, the program offered employees fresh perspectives and experiences to bring back to their home offices, helping to strengthen the collaborative alliance between the two firms.

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MBH exchange with Hyphen 2

2019 - 2020

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Denver Office Opens

 

With veteran employees committed to bringing MBH’s culture and knowledge to the mile-high city, the firm confidently opened its doors in this up-and-coming metropolis with Dimple Manghani serving as Principal-in-Charge. New and old employees quickly adapted MBH traditions, organizing their own Summer BBQ and Waffle Off, while participating in unique Denver experiences, visiting the city Capital, perusing the upcoming Denver Architecture exhibit at the History Colorado Center Museum, and donating to local schools.

2006 - 2012

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MBH Partners with the Good Tidings Foundation

 

Good Tidings founder Larry Harper first met American artist LeRoy Neiman in 1989 when Neiman was commissioned to paint an artwork inspired by the SF Giants for the World Series. After becoming good friends, Harper and Neiman joined forces to conceptualize the LeRoy Neiman Arts Studio, a space for underserved children to explore their creativity. In 2006, MBH Architects was tapped to design the LeRoy Neiman Arts Studio at Pier 9 in San Francisco. Since then, MBH Architects and Good Tidings, have partnered on art & music studios and recreation centers nationwide, equally supporting arts, education, athletics and dreams for youth from communities of need

2021

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Breeze of Innovation wins Urban Confluence Silicon Valley Design Competition
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In March 2021, Urban Confluence Silicon Valley announced Breeze of Innovation as the winner of the worldwide open ideas competition for an iconic landmark in Silicon Valley. MBH Architects joined the team bringing this project to fruition. The light tower, designed by Fernando Jerez and Belen Perez de Juan of SMAR Architecture Studio, was inspired by The 19th Century San Jose electric Light tower and the technological advances of the past, present, and future.

2022

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Bengaluru Office Opens
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With MBH’s roots in India established through our Mumbai team, MBH expanded with a second office location in Bengaluru. Under the leadership of a long-time MBH employee, the office welcomed its first employees and has since grown tremendously. The talented team has embraced the MBH ethos and culture, adapting old and new MBH traditions to the new city.

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