What inspired you to start your firm, and how has your vision evolved over the years? After years of working at large firms on complex projects, I saw an opportunity to build something personal and agile: a firm that could combine deep expertise with flexibility and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. In 2015, I formed Ebbrell Architecture + Design with the goal of creating a studio where highly experienced designers could collaborate closely with each other and our clients to do meaningful work. Over the years, that vision has become reality. We are a team of senior-level architects and interior designers who thrive in the space between strategy, creativity, and technical execution. Whether we’re rethinking a workplace, repositioning a building, or planning a new medical office, we’re always looking for ways to add value through thoughtful design and smart collaboration.

What skills or qualities do you believe are essential for success at your firm? The Ebbrell team is highly experienced, creating a culture of mutual respect, autonomy, and accountability. We are also people who think critically, communicate clearly, and stay calm and creative in fast-moving, real-world conditions. Our designers are both strategic and detail-oriented and love big-picture thinking just as much as solving a tricky existing condition or tangled MEP coordination. Design also takes empathy and a collaborative mindset. Our designers are not only great at their craft but also genuinely curious about our clients’ goals, business models, and cultures, allowing us to create work uniquely suited to their needs.

What trends or challenges are you seeing in the NE CRE market, and how are you adapting? There’s been a shift in how companies are using space. Hybrid work, changing workforce expectations around return to office, the rise of AI, and economic pressures are making space optimization – using space intelligently and strategically – more urgent than ever. We’ve responded by expanding our workplace strategy services, offering space usage studies, test fits, and programming that help clients make data-informed decisions before they commit to leases or renovations. We’re also seeing more interest in repositioning older buildings for new uses, something we love doing because it blends design creativity with technical complexity.

What role does collaboration play in building strong client and colleague relationships? Collaboration is the heart of our work. Internally, we thrive on open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving. Each team member brings deep expertise in different areas, so we rely on each other’s perspectives and experience to support the firm’s work as a whole. That same spirit carries through to how we work with clients and consultants. We approach every engagement not just as designers, but as strategic partners. We ask thoughtful questions, challenge assumptions when needed, and listen closely. As a result, our clients continue to trust us as partners, returning time and again to work together on new projects.