BNIM Architects USA, Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell, American building project info

BNIM Architects Office

Contemporary American Architecture Practice: US Design Firm Information

post updated March 28, 2026

BNIM Architects – Key Projects

Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects

For BNIM Architects, sustainability is a way of life; design is an act of optimism and hope for the future. With these philosophies in mind, this US architecture firm continues to build on 37 years of history, design innovation, and environmental stewardship. BNIM is a pioneer in the design of healthy buildings and communities, having helped to develop the USGBC LEED® rating system and Living Building standards for restorative design.

New Orleans houses designed by BNIM Architects, USA:

image from Make it Right

This US architecture practice is committed to an inclusive design process, one which values close collaboration with all stakeholders, from end users, to local agencies to neighborhood groups. We excel at bringing all “voices” together, harnessing the energy and ideas of many with an integrated approach that empowers the design process and results in a solution that exceeds client and community expectations.

This United States of America architecture firm’s design solutions are inspirational, functional, and healthy for users and for the environment. With a holistic approach to issues of place, function, context and community, the architects office strives to create architecture that not only performs technologically but also stirs the imagination of its users, while reconnecting them experientially to the living world.

More architectural projects by Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell online soon

Location: 106 W. 14th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States of America

+++

USA Architects Practice Information

Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell (BNIM) – architect studio based in USA

This US architecture firm have architects offices in Kansas City, MO [Headquarters]; Des Moines, Iowa; Houston, TX and San Diego, CA

BNIM — originally known as Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell — is an influential U.S. architecture and planning practice recognized for its sustainable, collaborative, and research‑driven design.

History & Background:

Founded: 1970 (as Patty Berkebile Nelson Love) in Kansas City, Missouri, United States.

Over time this US architecture firm evolved into Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell, eventually rebranding as BNIM.

The practice name honors founding and principal partners over the years — including William Berkebile, Steve Nelson, Dennis Immenschuh, and Charles McDowell — who helped shape the firm’s direction.

BNIM is widely known for championing sustainable design practices well before green architecture became mainstream and has been a leader in low‑energy, high‑performance buildings.

Notable Projects:

BNIM has an extensive portfolio including landmark sustainable and civic architecture across the U.S. Examples include:

– Haskell Indian Nations University – Learning Center (Kansas) — a recipient of national design awards.
– Omega Center for Sustainable Living (Rhinebeck, NY) — one of the world’s first LEED Platinum water‑reuse facilities.
– Barlett & West Headquarters (Kansas) — a high‑performance office emphasizing natural systems and energy efficiency.
– Sanders Cascade Expanded Learning Center (Colorado) — community‑forward educational space.

American Architects – key US design firms

American Architecture – best buildings in the United Sttates of America

Chicago Buildings

Kansas City Architect

Missouri Architecture

+++

Architecture Studios

+++