Photo courtesy NBBJ
Global architecture and design firm NBBJ has acquired experience design studio ESI Design. The partnership is the largest acquisition of an experience design studio by an architecture firm.
By joining forces, NBBJ and ESI Design’s multidisciplinary team will be able to integrate digital experiences early in the design process, providing clients with more impactful and streamlined services, NBBJ said.
NBBJ and ESI Design seek to bring immersive experiences as digital centerpieces in museums, stadiums, and transportation hubs to a wider range of industries, including healthcare, education, civic, commercial real estate, and science.
Under the agreement, ESI Design becomes NBBJ’s 18th studio. As part of the acquisition, interactive design pioneer Edwin Schlossberg becomes a partner at NBBJ and will lead the ESI Design studio at NBBJ. Six ESI Design leaders will become principals at NBBJ and NBBJ will retain two offices in New York City.
“By integrating the design of architecture and dynamic digital experiences, we will create boundless opportunities to energize the places we live, work, and play to stimulate our senses and inspire discovery, learning, and impact” said Steve McConnell, FAIA, managing partner of NBBJ. “The acquisition of ESI Design brings this vision to life and increases NBBJ’s ability to serve our clients as they activate their brands, create community, inspire well-being, and thrive.”
