services

Building Bureau is a bridge between governmental, conventional market-driven companies, and community groups. We deliver design and consulting services that are complementary to the private and public sectors. In addition to our services, we also conduct scholarly research for purposes of public education.

Figure | Our rendition of Victor Pestoff’s “Welfare Triangle” showing the “Third Sector” at the nexus of public and private, formal and informal, and for-profit and nonprofit entities.

We offer the following services:

design

We work with stakeholders through all phases of design — from early schematic ideas through design development and construction documents.

master planning

We provide phased planning services for future sustainable growth, resiliency, and community.

mission advocacy

We advocate for mission-driven projects, helping clients define mission, secure partnerships, and align vision with long-term goals.

feasibility studies

We focus on environment, resource stewardship, and site potential, aligning locally-available resources and construction feasibility.

material consultation

We advise on sustainable, locally available, and culturally appropriate materials from the project inception.

project management

We guide the timeline and budget and coordinate among the project team and stakeholders.

marketing & fundraising

We support our client partners through fundraising efforts to attract donors and financial backing.

collaboration

Through close collaboration with international partners, we offer a range of services that go beyond a typical architectural practice, continually learning from our partners and adapting to each project’s unique context. ■

How can an architecture firm be a nonprofit?

Building Bureau is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity. This means we exist to serve the public good—not private profit. Unlike a traditional firm, we have no owners or shareholders. All revenue goes back into our mission: delivering design services that advance equity, education, health, and environmental stewardship.

Are you allowed to charge for services?

Yes. The IRS allows nonprofits to charge fees if those services directly support their mission. Many nonprofits do this—think of nonprofit hospitals, museums, or schools. Our fees simply cover project costs and help sustain our ability to provide design services for the public benefit.

Do you compete with for-profit architecture firms?

No. Our focus is mission-driven work with public institutions, cultural organizations, and communities who often lack access to high-quality design. In fact, we often collaborate with for-profit firms, serving as partners on projects where our nonprofit mission adds value.

How is my project different if I work with you?

You receive the same level of professional service as with any architecture firm, but with added benefits:

  • Transparency | We reinvest every surplus dollar back into our public mission.

  • Alignment | Your project contributes to a larger public good.

  • Partnerships | We leverage grants, philanthropy, and collaborations to strengthen your project.

How do I know you’re accountable?

All 501(c)(3) nonprofits are overseen by an independent board of directors and must file detailed annual reports (IRS Form 990), which are public. We are held to high standards of transparency and cannot distribute profits to individuals.

Who else works this way?

We’re proud to be part of a growing field of nonprofit design practices, including MASS Design Group, GA Collaborative, and Inscape Publico — all recognized leaders in socially impactful architecture. ■