Jason Dries-Daffner Named CEO, Ryan McNulty Named President at MBH Architects

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 Ryan have played crucial roles in MBH’s success. They have shaped its trajectory and exemplified our commitment to design excellence, client service, and our people.

“As MBH continues to evolve, Jason and Ryan are the right leaders to guide the firm forward,” said Founding Principal John McNulty. “They have a deep understanding of our culture and clients, and they share an unwavering belief in MBH’s founding vision—a service-driven design practice that creates meaningful careers and lasting impact.”

Fueled by over three decades of strong client relationships and successful projects worldwide, MBH continues to adapt to meet clients’ changing needs. Rapid advancements in design and construction technology, along with shifts in client operations, make this leadership transition especially timely. The new structure enhances MBH’s ability to integrate global resources while remaining locally responsive. It unites the firm under a cohesive and forward-looking vision.

Leadership Roles Defined

As CEO, Jason Dries-Daffner will focus on strategic oversight and organizational alignment. He will partner with firm leaders to shape and execute goals across studios and offices. His responsibilities include guiding firm-wide growth in project types, services, markets, and profitability. He will also lead risk management and ensure cohesion across all operations through MBH’s integrated structure.

“I’m honored to build on John’s legacy and lead a team that believes deeply in design as a force for connection and impact,” Jason said. “Our next chapter is about deepening client partnerships, strengthening collaboration across our offices, and positioning MBH for continued innovation and success.”

As President, Ryan McNulty will oversee marketing and business development strategy. He will strengthen MBH’s visibility, partnerships, and client relationships. His focus will be on cultivating new opportunities, maintaining a strong and diversified pipeline, and ensuring MBH remains resilient and competitive in a changing industry landscape.

“MBH’s strength lies in the trust we’ve built—with our clients, our teams, and our communities,” Ryan said. “I’m excited to continue advancing that trust by expanding our reach, delivering exceptional design outcomes, and fostering relationships that define our firm.”

Stewardship for the Future

Together, Jason and Ryan, along with MBH’s Principals and Board of Directors, serve as stewards of the founding vision established by John McNulty. Their complementary strengths reflect MBH’s balanced approach: one grounded in strategic perspective and context, while the other focuses on connection and growth.

Both leaders emphasize that MBH’s greatest asset is its people. More than 200 professionals worldwide share a motivation and expertise that form what they describe as a “true force multiplier” for innovation and excellence.

Rooted in Care, Driven by Collaboration

Under this new leadership structure, MBH remains grounded in its founding principles of care, collaboration, and service. These values have guided the firm since 1989. At the same time, we embrace a forward-looking vision that continues to expand our reach and impact.

The Importance of Design Excellence

Design excellence is at the heart of what we do. It drives our projects and shapes our relationships with clients. We believe that thoughtful design can transform spaces and experiences. This belief fuels our passion for creating environments that inspire and connect people.

Embracing Innovation

Innovation is essential in today’s fast-paced world. We continuously explore new technologies and methodologies to enhance our design processes. This commitment to innovation allows us to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

Building Lasting Relationships

At MBH, we understand that strong relationships are the foundation of our success. We prioritize open communication and collaboration with our clients. By fostering these connections, we ensure that we meet their needs and exceed their expectations.

A Diverse Portfolio

Our diverse portfolio spans various sectors, including life sciences, residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail. This breadth of experience enables us to approach each project with a unique perspective. We tailor our solutions to fit the specific requirements of each client and project.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. With Jason and Ryan at the helm, MBH is well-positioned for continued growth and success. We look forward to deepening our client partnerships and expanding our impact in the architectural design industry.

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