ENR MidAtlantic Names Beyer Blinder Belle as 2026 Design Firm of the Year

For demonstrating growth and revenue success in the region, as well as innovation, creativity and a commitment to community investment, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners has been named the 2026 ENR MidAtlantic Design Firm of the Year. The international architecture firm will be recognized in the May 25 print issue of ENR East that will also include the ENR East Top Design Firm ranking.

The ENR East ranking—which includes firms doing business in Connecticut, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia—is based on total regional revenue of design services of participating companies, also including breakouts by state revenue and various design specialties and disciplines.

Beyer Blinder Belle attributes its recent success to its diversification across architecture, planning, interiors and preservation, along with expertise in both new construction and adaptive reuse. The firm, based in New York City with a staff of about 190 across four offices, says its management structure and size enables it to take on both large-scale projects and smaller interventions with equal attention. Much of its work comes from repeat clients that value its design process.

In the Mid-Atlantic, the firm is working with DAVID RUBIN Land Collective in Washington, D.C., to reimagine the future of Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the U.S. Capitol, and with Nelson Byrd Woltz on a comprehensive landscape plan for George Washington's historic Mount Vernon home in Alexandria, Va.

The designer is also leading planning and approvals for the proposed expansion of Washington's Union Station train hub to address future transportation needs while preserving the station's historic character. 

Beyer Blinder Belle has been active in office-to-residential conversions in the city, including the project at 1250 Maryland Avenue SW, which began construction in June 2025. The firm's Washington office has also extended its adaptive reuse expertise to include work at Vizcaya Village in Miami, where former support buildings are being converted into education and community space, and restoration of a historic department store in Montreal.

The firm has also been involved in senior living projects, including completion of Inspīr Embassy Row in February 2025, which converted the historic Fairfax Hotel into a senior living residence and has received multiple awards. It continues similar work with Maplewood Senior Living, including a project outside Philadelphia.

One of Beyer Blinder Belle's most notable efforts was the 16-year implementation of a master plan to revitalize Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C., including restoration, renovation and expansion of the H. Carl Moultrie Courthouse. The project received a Justice Facilities Review Award, the America Institute of Architects' highest award for civic architecture. The designer also worked on the new Irish Embassy in Washington, D.C. 

Beyond project work, Beyer Blinder Belle contributes to its communities through volunteerism, charitable donations, pro bono services and its foundation that provides scholarships and grants. Employees gain paid time to volunteer annually, and the firm maintains partnerships with local organizations, including programs supporting students in architecture, construction and engineering.

Beyer Blinder Belle has partnered with the Washington.-based Phelps Architecture, Construction, Engineering High School, where staff participate in student activities, mid-year reviews and final reviews. The firm also offers annual Youth Education Scholarship to students.

It also provides scholarships annually to Howard University and University of the District of Columbia, as well as a paid internship to the Howard University scholarship recipient. The firm has also provided past community grants to local organizations such as the River East Design Center and donates to various external organizations and committees such as Women in Architecture, the Big Green Commute, Urban Land Institute and AIA events. 

Beyer Blinder Belle ranks at No. 64 on the 2025 ENR East Design Firm ranking with $62.71 million in 2024 regional revenue. To find out where it will rank this year, and to learn more about the firm, check out the May 25 issue of ENR East.