Dive Into Our Thinking.

Insights, ideas, and discoveries that guide our work. Our research highlights capture the principles, inspirations, and thoughtful explorations that shape our architecture, interiors, and brand-driven projects. From emerging trends to in-depth studies, these collections reveal how strategy, creativity, and technical rigor come together to inform every aspect of our design process.

REVERB

What’s new in the studio? REVERB is our digital platform for sharing research, insights, and perspectives from the people behind the work at smbw. Through ongoing exploration and dialogue, we aim to help our clients navigate complexity and align with the solutions that best support their goals.

Featured Articles

Supporting Big Ideas on Small Budgets

By adopting smart design and funding strategies, nonprofits can create meaningful, functional spaces that not only serve their immediate needs but also foster long-term organizational viability and community engagement.

The Mixed-Use Exterior

Richmond is a city historically characterized by its use of brick, stone, wood, and concrete in construction. Modern urban growth poses challenges to these traditions. The increased costs of materials and labor, along with the availability of new cladding options, have influenced contemporary building practices.

Brand Experience

Offices are no longer just utilitarian; they are becoming powerful tools for brand building and employee engagement. In our 2023 Corporate Spotlight, we explore the power of brand within corporate organizations.

Real Estate Strategies

As part of our Corporate Spotlight on Change Management, we take a look behind the scenes of the site selection process for workplaces

Adaptable Offices

As part of our Corporate Spotlight on Change Management, we look at how to accommodate the workplace knowns and unknowns with strategic design tactics that stretch your real estate’s value

Strategizing Change

As part of our Corporate Spotlight on Change Management, we look at how workplace planning methodology can create inclusive stakeholder experiences and streamlined project execution

1717 Innovation Center Knoll Profile

Community-Focused Concept Realized Through Immersive Planning

A Space For It All

In our Mixed-Use Spotlight, we look how tenants are looking to buildings and communities that offer an outlet for their “live-work-play” lifestyles.

The Evolution of Parking

In our Mixed-Use Spotlight, we look at the challenges and opportunities that parking structures offer, and how they’re transforming to meet the needs of a changing world

The Coliving Comeback

In our Mixed-Use Spotlight, we look at how co-living, a housing model defined by communal spaces and flexible leases, is gaining traction in urban centers across the U.S.

Automation + Adaptability

In our Mixed-Use Spotlight, we look at how smart buildings and spaces are on the rise, elevating the experience for building managers and tenants.

Corporate Design Strategies

Today’s leading companies get it. Space matters. In these articles, we take a look at strategies companies can employ for a more successful, efficient, and signature workplace.

The Future Workplace

Research shows that an overwhelming 98% of people would like to have the option to work remotely for the remainder of their careers

The Future Faculty Office

Research shows that faculty offices are typically occupied less than those for administrators — often less than half of the workweek.

Shaping Community

Design innovations in residential life projects enrich the campus experience and foster student success

Design For All

Companies that adopt best practices for hiring and supporting people with disabilities outperform their peers with higher profit margins.

Healthier By Design

Campuses can improve recruitment, retention, student engagement and overall happiness through design.

Best Practices For Safety

A sterile office workplace isn’t practical. Designing workplaces to lower the infectious viral load in workplaces is practical.

Client Chats

Luck Stone Client Chat

Luck Stone's reimagined space supports in-person collaboration and the next generation of family leadership.

Comp Recovery Client Chat

Comp Recovery’s new headquarters brings energy, flexibility, and a renewed sense of pride to the workday.

KCM Client Chat

KCM’s new headquarters fosters connection, creativity, and a culture that makes work feel like home.

Blue Sky Fund Client Chat

Blue Sky Fund’s renovated space prioritizes flexibility, with areas for large gatherings, small team discussions, and efficient equipment storage, all while reflecting the organization’s mission.

Brand Experience: Corporate Client Chat

SMBW sat down with a past corporate client to explore the influence their branded conferencing center had on their project objectives, collaboration, and culture.

Thurston Hall Client Chat

SMBW spoke with Natalie R. Addison with George Washington University to see how their new space has impacted their culture, community, and goals.

Fahrenheit Advisors Client Chat

SMBW sat down with Keith Middleton and Rich Reinecke of Fahrenheit Advisors to discuss how their new space has impacted their work, goals, and organization.

Ledbury Client Chat

SMBW sat down with Paul Tribble of Ledbury to discuss their experience with the SMBW design team and how their new space has impacted their work, goals, and organization.

Phlow Client Chat

SMBW sat down with Eric Edwards, Bob Mooney, and Kipton Currier of Phlow to see how their new space has impacted their work, goals, and organization.

Authentic Client Chat

SMBW sat down with Kendall Morris of Authentic to discuss their experience with the SMBW design team and how their new space has impacted their work, goals, and organization.

1717 Innovation Center Client Chat

SMBW sat down with Rasheeda Creighton of 1717 and Richard Wintsch and Bryan Bostic of StartUP VA to discuss how their new space has impacted their work, goals, and organization.

On the Road

The smbw team has been traveling to connect with partners and leaders across the design industry. On the Road shares the experiences, insights, and research our team gathers beyond the office, informing and elevating our work.

Featured Articles

TimberLab On The Road

smbw architectural designer Nate Swift visited TimberLab in Portland, Oregon this fall, where he explored the manufacturing facility and sat down for a chat with Senior Project Engineer, Andrew Ratzke, to better understand the fabrication process.

Teknion On The Road

Interior Designer Melinda Jeffries visited the Lévis, Quebec Teknion office, where she was able to learn from the Research and Development team's hands-on approach to solving design challenges.

Interface On The Road

Interior designers Emma Shiffert and Jesse Stallard visited Interface's manufacturing facility and offices in Georgia to gain insights into their manufacturing processes, impact within the industry, and discover how they are revolutionizing sustainability standards.

Milliken On The Road

Interior Designers Kelsey Levitt and Stephanie Wilburn visited Milliken's Corporate Headquarters to learn more about their process, products, and purpose.

NEOCON 2023: On the Road

SMBW Interior Designer Stephanie Wilburn attended NeoCon 2023 to explore the latest updates in the design industry. This experience offered key insights into the latest design innovations and an opportunity to network with industry professionals from around the world.

Davis Furniture: On The Road

SMBW visited Davis Furniture in High Point, NC to see the manufacturing process first-hand and get the inside story on their design collaborations.

Steelcase: On The Road

SMBW staff visited the Steelcase Headquarters in Grand Rapids Michigan where they toured a variety of spaces and had many valuable, impactful conversations.

OFS: On The Road

SMBW staff visited the OFS facilities in Huntingburg, IN where they toured a variety of spaces and had many valuable, impactful conversations.

USAI Lighting: On The Road

SMBW staff visited USAI Lighting's Collaboratory in SOHO where they explored personalized lighting.

Design Forward

smbw’s Design Forward brings sustainably-focused approaches to everyday design. By fostering incremental change, we help stakeholders make informed decisions that advance ecological responsibility, wellness, and resilient environments.⁠