BOSTON–In 2025, as Bergmeyer marks its 50th anniversary, the firm has received one of the design industry’s highest honors: Architecture Firm of the Year. This prestigious recognition by Boston Real Estate Times celebrates not only Bergmeyer’s five decades of practice, but its radical transformation into a trailblazing, omni-disciplinary design collaborative—one that is redefining how design serves people, purpose, and progress.
What began in 1975 as a traditional architecture and interiors practice has become a nationally recognized leader in experiential design, placemaking, and sustainable innovation. With offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Columbus, and a rapidly growing team of over 100 professionals, Bergmeyer continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible—by breaking down silos, elevating equity, and designing with intentional impact.
Beyond Multidisciplinary: A New Model for Design
Many firms talk about being “interdisciplinary,” but Bergmeyer lives it. From the very first meeting to final delivery, architects, interior designers, brand strategists, environmental graphic designers, and sustainability consultants work together as one seamless team.
“Many firms claim to be interdisciplinary, but in practice they remain multidisciplinary—handing off work between silos rather than integrating teams from the start,” explains President & CEO Rachel Zsembery.
“We believe in having a wide range of designers—architects, interior designers, industrial designers, strategists—at the table from the very beginning and staying involved throughout.”
This approach creates spaces that feel more connected, more human, and more aligned with the clients and communities they serve. Every Bergmeyer project is a co-creation—purpose-driven, ego-free, and laser-focused on delivering value for end users.
Certified B Corp. Employee-Owned. Fastest-Growing. Purpose-Led.
In 2024, Bergmeyer became a Certified B Corporation, joining a global movement of businesses using their platforms to drive positive change. The firm also earned recognition in 2025 as one of New England’s Fastest Growing Companies by The Boston Globe Media and Statista—a testament to its momentum and future-ready model.
“As a B Corp and employee-owned firm, we see our independence and our commitment to business as a force for good as a powerful differentiator in the years ahead,” says the firm in a statement.
“Over the next 3–5 years, we will build on five decades of success by continuing to invest in our team, deepen client partnerships, and push the boundaries of design with both purpose and creativity.”
Bergmeyer’s growth has been intentional—marked by a shift toward experiential outcomes, strategic market expansion, and a deeply inclusive culture.
Designing for Clients—and Their Clients
Bergmeyer designs with empathy and insight, always prioritizing the people who experience the spaces they create. Whether developing immersive retail flagships, next-gen workplace environments, or wellness-focused healthcare and housing, the firm never loses sight of its primary audience: the end user.
The team’s unique approach has resulted in standout work across markets:
Notable Projects
Retail
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Dick’s Sporting Goods – House of Sport Boston
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Lululemon (Seaport, San Diego, Century City)
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New Balance HQ Boston Flagship
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ONYX Boutique
Hospitality & Dining
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Pressed Café Seaport
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Daily Provisions (Seaport, Rockefeller Center, Harvard Square)
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Shake Shack – 30 Rockefeller
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Tree House Brewing Company (Tewksbury, Saratoga Springs)
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Willow & Ivy, Zurito, TRADE Boston
Housing
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Toll Brothers Apartment Living (Broad & Noble – Philly, Piper – CT, Laurent – Cambridge)
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NRP Group – Oliver on the Hudson
Academic
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Lowry Center – College of Wooster
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Ashby Hall – Boston College
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Kimball Hall – College of the Holy Cross
Workplace & Commercial
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Lexington Labs – Amenity Spaces
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500 Boylston
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Seaport East / 2 Seaport Lane
Healthcare & Wellness
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One Medical
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Bluebird Kids – Jacksonville, FL
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Habitat Health – Compton
Hospitality
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The Brant – Nantucket
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Aloft – Lexington
Q&A with Rachel Zsembery, President & CEO
(Light edits for clarity)
Boston Real Estate Times: After 50 years of designing, what is next for Bergmeyer?
Rachel Zsembery: Since our founding in 1975, Bergmeyer has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional design thinking, evolving from a conventional architecture and interiors firm into what we proudly call a “design collaborative.” Our 50-year journey reflects an unwavering commitment to innovation, our people, and creating transformative experiences that transcend market boundaries.
BRET: When and how did the transformation of Bergmeyer begin from a traditional design firm to a “Design Collaborative”?
RZ: Our most significant transformation began in 2020 when we transitioned from a traditional architecture/interior design firm into what we’ve termed a “design collaborative.” This wasn’t merely a rebranding exercise—it was a fundamental reimagining of how design firms can operate. Instead of organizing by departments or disciplines, Bergmeyer assembles cohesive, cross-functional teams tailored to each project’s unique needs.
Many firms claim to be interdisciplinary, but in practice they remain multidisciplinary—handing off work between silos rather than integrating teams from the start. We believe in having a wide range of designers—architects, interior designers, industrial designers, strategists—at the table from the very beginning and staying involved throughout.
BRET: How has Bergmeyer grown in recent years—both strategically and geographically?
RZ: Our commitment to growth has been both intentional and impactful. The firm has grown from a relatively static 65–75 employees for several years to over 100 today. This evolution has been marked by strategic geographic expansion, starting with the establishment of our Los Angeles office in 2019, followed by the opening of our Columbus location in 2022.
BRET: Why become a Certified B Corp?
RZ: In 2024, Bergmeyer earned B Corp certification, joining a global movement of companies using business as a force for good. This certification came after a two-year effort that involved changes to governance, HR policies, data systems, and accountability frameworks. It has become a real point of pride for our team. People are excited to work for and with a company that believes in using its influence to effect positive change in the world.
BRET: What is the secret formula behind Bergmeyer’s success?
RZ: At the heart of our enduring success is our people-first approach. The firm has consistently invested in cultivating unique talent and perspectives, recognizing that the growth and development of its team members is its most valuable and defensible differentiator. This commitment has fostered a culture that is genuinely connected, inclusive, and engaging—where serious work doesn’t preclude joy and fulfillment in the creative process.
BRET: What’s next in terms of design?
RZ: As we celebrate fifty years of practice in 2025, we’re not just looking back at our achievements—we’re actively designing what’s next. Our evolution from a traditional architecture firm into a multi-disciplinary design collaborative reflects our belief that reaching our full potential requires continuously envisioning our future.
Our forward-thinking approach encompasses environmental stewardship through sustainable design practices, transformative outcomes for our teams and clients, leadership in experiential placemaking and adaptive reuse, and deep engagement with local communities. With a growing presence across key markets, Bergmeyer continues to strengthen its position as an omni-disciplinary, full-service provider while maintaining the fierce independence that drives bold decisions and reinforces our unique approach.
As we design for the next 50 years, our focus remains on creating lasting positive change through cross-disciplinary collaboration that transcends traditional market boundaries. We’re committed to investing in emerging technologies and methodologies, continuing to evolve our service offerings to meet future client needs, and fostering the next generation of design leaders who will carry forward our legacy of innovation and impact.
Firm Overview
Founded: 1975
Certified B Corporation
Employee-Owned
Headquarters: Boston, with offices in Los Angeles and Columbus
Team: 100+ professionals
Services: Architecture, Interior Design, Branding, Strategy, Environmental Design, Packaging, Placemaking, Visual Merchandising, Experience Design, Naming, Sustainability Consulting, and more
Markets: Workplace, Hospitality, Retail, Housing, Academic, Wellness, Commercial, Advanced Technology R&D, Venue.
