Business Details
50+ Years
experience
BNIM Architects: Designing Environments for a Better Future
BNIM Architects is an employee-owned design company dedicated to creating transformative, high-performance environments that enhance the human condition. Since our founding in 1970, we have pioneered sustainable design practices, shaping industry standards through leadership roles in organizations like the AIA Committee on the Environment and the U.S. Green Building Council. Our collaborative, interdisciplinary approach integrates diverse perspectives to deliver spaces that inspire change, foster community, and prioritize ecological responsibility.With a focus on human-purposed design, we combine intuitive creativity with data-driven solutions to address local and global challenges. Our employee-owned structure reinforces our commitment to shared values, ensuring every project aligns with our mission of advancing design excellence, leadership, and positive societal impact.
Services
Architecture
Sustainable Consulting
Landscape Architecture
Interiors
Planning
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We are employee-owned, ensuring shared commitment to design excellence.
- Pioneers in sustainable architecture since the 1980s with global influence.
- Collaborative process integrates diverse perspectives for holistic solutions.
- Recipient of the 2011 AIA National Architecture Firm Award and 500+ design accolades.
- Leaders in advancing green building standards like the Living Building Challenge.
Services
Architecture
BNIM Architects offers comprehensive architectural services spanning pre-design, design, and construction phases. Our approach emphasizes high-performance, sustainable buildings that enhance occupant well-being while minimizing environmental impact. We specialize in creating spaces that reflect client missions, from educational institutions to cultural landmarks, ensuring each project aligns with ecological and social responsibility standards.
Sustainable Consulting
Our sustainable consulting services focus on improving building performance, health, and productivity. We guide clients through LEED, Living Building, and Net Zero certifications, leveraging expertise in operational carbon neutrality and low-embodied carbon materials to future-proof projects against climate challenges.
Landscape Architecture
Bnims landscape architecture integrates site analysis, stormwater management, and master planning to create thriving outdoor environments. We blur boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, designing landscapes that enhance ecological resilience and community connectivity through sustainable practices.
Interiors
Our interior design services include visioning, programming, and space planning tailored to client needs. We focus on creating functional, aesthetically resonant interiors that prioritize occupant health, accessibility, and sustainability, ensuring spaces support productivity and well-being.
Planning
Bnims planning services engage stakeholders to address space needs, infrastructure, and sustainability goals. We develop master plans that enhance connectivity, reduce environmental footprints, and foster inclusive, adaptable communities through data-driven, participatory processes.
People
Laura Lesniewski
Principal, Architecture
Laura Lesniewski is a principal architect at BNIM Architects with decades of experience in sustainable design. She champions equitable, human-centered spaces and has led award-winning projects like the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art, emphasizing ecological responsibility and community impact.
Craig Scranton
Principal, Architecture
Craig Scranton, a principal at BNIM Architects, specializes in integrating sustainable practices into complex architectural projects. His work focuses on advancing net-zero energy goals and fostering resilient communities through innovative design solutions.
James Pfeiffer
Principal, Architecture
James Pfeiffer leads architectural projects at BNIM Architects, blending technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability. He has contributed to numerous award-winning designs, emphasizing collaboration and environmental stewardship in every phase of development.
Joyce Raybuck
Principal, Architecture
Joyce Raybuck is a principal at BNIM Architects with expertise in inclusive design and sustainable architecture. She plays a key role in advancing the firms climate action initiatives and has led projects recognized for their innovative approach to accessibility and ecological integration.
Kevin Nordmeyer
Principal, Architecture
Kevin Nordmeyer, a principal at BNIM Architects, focuses on net-zero housing and regenerative design. His work addresses climate resilience and affordable housing, earning recognition for advancing sustainable practices in both urban and rural contexts.
Questions
What services does BNIM offer?
BNIM provides architecture, landscape architecture, interior design, sustainable consulting, planning, and research services focused on human-centered, eco-conscious solutions.
Is BNIM involved in sustainable design?
Yes, we pioneered sustainable design since the 1980s, influencing LEED standards and the Living Building Challenge, with a 2030 net-zero energy commitment.
What awards has BNIM won?
We received the 2011 AIA National Architecture Firm Award and over 500 design, planning, and leadership accolades globally.
How does BNIM approach design projects?
Our collaborative process integrates diverse perspectives, combining intuitive creativity with data-driven metrics to create transformative, inclusive spaces.
Is BNIM employee-owned?
Yes, our employee-owned structure fosters shared responsibility, innovation, and alignment with our core values of sustainability and community impact.
