Studio Culture
At MBB, we have created a collaborative studio environment where architects and designers can hone their skills, expand their knowledge and make positive contributions to the built environment and the communities we serve.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
MBB is deeply committed to fostering a diverse and equitable workplace and profession. Through outreach and recruitment, mentorship and professional advancement, we support the professional development of our entire team. The diversity of our team and our commitment to serving the needs of diverse end-users increases the relevance, equity and value of our work.
Commitment to a Just Society
As citizens and practicing architects, we are compelled to respond to the pervasive racism in our society that justifies this moment of upheaval in our country. We hear the pain and outrage of our Black and Brown colleagues and stand in solidarity with them. We commit ourselves, within our practice and within our communities, to affect the necessary change to create a just society that, consistent with our professional duty, upholds the rights and dignity of Black and Brown people. We pledge to listen and learn, to be effective allies, to amplify Black and Brown voices and to take the following actions:
We will redouble our efforts for equity, diversity and inclusion within MBB and our profession through mentorship, outreach, recruitment and promotion to increase the number of Black and Brown architects at all levels of the profession, and particularly in MBB’s leadership.
We will broaden our current financial support of institutions by giving to architecture and design programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and to organizations working toward immediate social justice, particularly those with Black and Brown leadership.
We will shift our practice to better serve communities of color through the commissions we pursue, and the pro bono work we engage in. This includes fostering deliberate design processes that celebrate community members as experts in determining their community’s future built environment.
We will increase our civic engagement by actively working for political change that prioritizes investment in buildings and services that benefit Black and Brown communities.
We will support our staff’s choices to engage their communities whether through voting, peaceful protest or involvement in civic organizations working for change.
We will provide racial bias training to our team in order to work toward a fully equitable office and contribute to a fully equitable built environment.
This is a pivotal and defining moment for our society and we recognize that making this pledge is step one. We will hold ourselves accountable through regularly re-evaluating our progress on these initiatives. Our goal is to create a just profession, a just built environment and a just society.
Community Service & Civic Engagement
MBB strives to build community within our studio and in the world at large. Offsite team outings, networking events, office happy hours, architectural site visits, NYC Bike to Work Challenge participation, and a softball team are just a few of the ways we engage our team outside of our work. MBB’s contribution to an annual Day of Service connects us to our greater New York City community.
MBB has a strong commitment to civic engagement and leadership. Our partners serve on non-profit and educational boards, and hold leadership roles at the AIA, Architecture League and Van Alen Institute. Team members serve on a variety of AIA committees, mentor City Tech students, advise on the AIA NY’s prestigious Civic Leadership program, and sit on the 2019 NYC Energy Code Advisory Committee.
Pro Bono Work
MBB Architects recently completed a project for Concrete Safaris which is a non-profit whose mission is to prepare youth in East Harlem and beyond to lead healthy lives and shape their environment through outdoor education, play, exploration and community engagement. Over the past few years, the organization has experienced significant growth and is in need of an office redesign to accommodate their expanding team. MBB partnered with OACNY to work on this project, designing the new office space while OACNY has been organizing a team of builders to fabricate and install it. The new design uses simple materials such as plywood, Homasote and linen to create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the office, and a beautiful modular storage system strategically painted with Concrete Safaris` colors.
Harold Buttrick Travel Grant
The Harold Buttrick Travel Grant was established in 2016 in the memory of MBB founding partner Harry Buttrick, FAIA.
The travel grant is awarded annually to an MBB employee, and is designed to broaden the recipient’s experience and understanding of architecture. Previous recipients have traveled to Norway, Japan and South Korea to study regional architecture.
Former designer and grant recipient Nyssa Sherazee inside the Museum of Water, Wind, and Stone, on Jeju Island, by Japanese-Korean architect Itami Jun.
Grant recipient Sanou Cisse at the Stegastein Viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsvangen and the Aurlandsfjord in Norway.
Careers
MBB’s collaborative work environment provides the support and opportunities for individuals to attain their professional and personal goals. MBB’s mentorship program promotes professional development, and there are in-house study groups to assist with ARE and LEED accreditation. In addition to full- and part-time opportunities, we also offer summer and year-long internships.
Please see below for open positions. For any employment inquires, please contact our Business Director, Maricela Salas at msalas@mbbarch.com.