A New Chapter of Leadership at MBH Architects
- mbharch
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Jason Dries-Daffner Named CEO, Ryan McNulty Named President
MBH Architects is proud to announce a strategic leadership transition that marks an exciting new chapter for the firm. Effective immediately, Jason Dries-Daffner has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Ryan McNulty has been appointed President.
The transition is the culmination of a thoughtful succession plan designed to ensure continuity, stability, and sustained growth for the 36-year-old firm. Both Jason and Ryan have been integral to MBH’s success, shaping its trajectory and exemplifying the firm’s enduring commitment to design excellence, client service, and people.
Continuity, Vision, and Growth
“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 more than three decades of strong client relationships and successful projects around the world, MBH continues to evolve to meet clients’ changing needs. Rapid advances in design and construction technology, coupled with shifts in client operations, make this leadership transition especially timely. The new structure strengthens MBH’s ability to integrate global resources while remaining locally responsive—uniting 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, partnering with firm leaders to shape and execute goals across studios and offices. His role includes guiding firm-wide growth in project types, services, markets, and profitability; leading risk management; and ensuring 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, strengthening 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, the other focused on connection and growth.
Both leaders emphasize that MBH’s greatest asset is its people, more than 200 professionals worldwide, whose shared motivation and expertise 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, values that have guided the firm since 1989, while embracing a forward-looking vision that continues to expand its reach and impact. The firm’s integrated approach, combining architecture, interiors, and retail design expertise, continues to drive success across markets ranging from life sciences and residential to commercial, hospitality, and retail.
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