MBB Architects Named Firm of the Year

MBB Architects has been named 2022 Firm of the Year by AIA New York State, an organization of the American Institute of Architects.

The award recognizes notable achievements in design, community service, and education. The Firm Award, also known as Architecture Firm of the Year, further acknowledges service to the profession and to the AIA. Firms considered for the award must have a history of working within New York state contributing significant projects, accomplishments, and service over a period of at least 10 years.

Service to the Profession and Community

Suzanne Mecs, Hon. AIANYS, Managing Director of AIANY, nominated MBB Architects for the Firm Award on behalf of the AIANY Honors & Awards Committee. Ms. Mecs stated in her nomination letter that “As a firm, MBB embodies the achievements in design and service to the profession and community that all New York firms should aspire to… MBB is a firm which does incredible work for its clients, its staff, and for New York. They are committed to the work they do at every facet, and we can think of no firm more worthy of this award.

A Women-Led Architecture Firm

Founded in New York City in 1998, MBB Architects is a women-owned architecture firm led by Mary Burnham, Jeffrey Murphy, and Sara Grant. MBB’s mission is to design beautiful, responsive, and meaningful environments to enrich people’s lives and shape a sustainable future. With a diverse and highly skilled team of architects and in-house directors for sustainability, interior design, and historic preservation, MBB has produced a versatile portfolio of educational, cultural, civic, and residential work recognized for its careful attention to context, scale, and materiality. Also relevant to the Firm of the Year award, MBB’s commitment to social engagement uplifts and inspires communities.

Advancing Equity and Leadership Opportunities

The Firm of the Year Award and other honors were presented by AIA New York State during a virtual ceremony on January 20th, 2022. During the award ceremony, President of AIA New York State, Illya Azaroff, FAIA, stated of MBB Architects: “As a women-owned firm, MBB is a leader in advancing equity and leadership opportunities for women and underrepresented groups within its practice, but also by participating in mentoring programs such as the Chapter’s TORCH and Civic Leadership programs, as well as with City Tech, and the Architectural League.”

“Outside of the profession,” Azaroff continued, “MBB is committed to supporting communities in New York where design can make real, positive change… It is important to recognize individuals and firms that advocate, educate and promote the profession of architecture. I applaud these individuals for what they have invested and achieved within the architecture profession and community.”

A Thriving Team Culture

MBB Partner, Sara Grant, AIA, accepted the Firm of the Year Award on behalf of the firm and Partners Mary Burnham and Jeffrey Murphy. In her remarks, Sara emphasized the firm’s thriving team culture, stating:

“As a women-owned architecture firm committed to collaboration and advancing a diverse profession, we appreciate the framing of this year’s award.  We’ve been recognized for our design work and for leadership in sustainable design, but this award is special because it recognizes the contributions of our entire team collectively, including alumni, collaborators, consultants, and clients, so our deepest thanks to everyone who has contributed. It takes a team to sustain a thriving culture. There is much work to be done in advancing equity and justice in how we practice and in the environments we design, so we see this award as not just recognition of what we’ve done to date but also as an opportunity to continue to clarify and advance our contributions to the practice.”

Thanks to our talented and hard-working team members as well as our clients and collaborators who made this award possible. We look forward to continuing our mission-driven work serving clients and communities.