Durham's RND Architects joins BWBR
The St. Paul design firm acquired RND, which becomes its fourth office and its first in North Carolina.
Durham-based RND Architects has been acquired by BWBR, an architecture and design firm based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the firms announced on Nov. 2, 2026. RND will now be known as BWBR, and the firms began operating together on Nov. 2.
The Durham office becomes BWBR's fourth, joining offices in St. Paul, Madison, Wisconsin, and Omaha, Nebraska. The combined firm will have about 200 employees, and BWBR says the move gives it a base to grow its science and technology, healthcare, education and public-sector work in the Research Triangle.
"What made BWBR the right partner was that they share our commitment to our employees," said Charles Nickelson, principal at RND. "This gives our people more opportunities to learn, grow and develop their careers, while allowing us to preserve the personal relationships and commitment to service that have always defined RND."
"We've had our eye on the Triangle for some time because of the tremendous growth here," said Terri Ulrick, president and CEO of BWBR. The firms say the deal was not driven by private equity investment and grew out of a search for a partner with compatible values.
About this story
By Sotwire Desk. Written by Sotwire Desk from the sources below. Not a company attestation.
Sotwire Desk. Written by a named Sotwire editor from the sources cited below. Not a company attestation. Sotwire corrects errors publicly.
Key facts
- BWBR (formerly RND Architects)
- Durham, NC
- Company news
- Desk reported
- Sotwire Desk
- BWBR, St. Paul, Minnesota
- 4, including Durham
- About 200
- Nov. 2, 2026
Key events
- RND Architects and BWBR begin operating together
Sources
- Durham-Based RND Architects Joins Forces with BWBR · BWBR · accessed 2026-11-03