About
Our Story
At NELSON Worldwide, we have redefined design to unlock value in ways that go beyond the surface. By focusing on what matters most to our clients—impact, efficiency, and engagement—our work shapes experiences that resonate deeply and add measurable value to the built environment.
This evolution, championed by our CEO and Chairman, John “Ozzie” NELSON, Jr., has grown NELSON from a family business into a leading design firm with ten specialized practices and a national presence. Guided by a commitment to enhancing value for every client, NELSON has expanded organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the industry.
Today, our work spans diverse sectors and locations, where we leverage our collective expertise to unlock value in each space we design. Our portfolio includes groundbreaking projects such as The Battery—pioneering the first mixed-use development anchored by a Major-League Baseball stadium, Georgetown Crossroads—the nation’s first multistory warehouse, and Trilith Live—an award-winning development that exemplifies the future of urban living.
Serving over 40% of the Fortune 500, our clients include industry-leading developers and world-renowned brands. We partner with them not only to create beautiful, functional spaces but to design environments that drive their long-term goals and embody the specific value they seek.
Our CEO: Meet Ozzie
In 1987, upon graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration, John “Ozzie” Nelson, Jr. joined his father’s 15-person interior design firm.
Over the following years, he expanded the firm’s core design business, adding emerging technologies and consulting capabilities to create a compelling service delivery platform for large corporate clients. Under his direction, the firm expanded from a single discipline to its current 10 fully integrated service lines.
Serving as Chairman and CEO since 2003, Ozzie has guided the firm through more than 40 merger/-acquisitions, taking NELSON from the rank of #37 in the industry to “Top 10” with growth of more than 500 percent. Believing in leading with purpose and focusing on a culture rooted in the success of its teammates, Ozzie was named the Twin Cities Most Admired CEO in 2019 by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
Our Culture & Purpose
At NELSON Worldwide, we believe that great design begins with understanding what our clients value most. We are a collective of strategists, designers, and technical experts driven by a singular purpose: to unlock unique value for each client, aligning design solutions with their specific goals and vision.
Our culture centers on a commitment to pragmatic, results-driven design. We measure success not by transformation for its own sake, but by the tangible benefits we create—whether that’s increased efficiency, enhanced user experience, or stronger brand presence. Every project is an opportunity to help our clients realize their objectives and create spaces that work better for them and their communities.
Guided by core principles of purpose, precision, and partnership, we foster a culture that prioritizes real-world outcomes over abstract ideals. By focusing on what matters most to our clients, we deliver design that performs, adapts, and ultimately, unlocks lasting value.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At NELSON Worldwide, we view Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as essential components in delivering value-driven design. Our commitment to DEI goes beyond policies—it’s an integral part of how we operate, collaborate, and innovate. By fostering diverse perspectives and equitable practices, we’re able to unlock new insights and deliver solutions that are more resilient, relevant, and impactful for our clients and their communities.
Our DEI efforts are intentional and continuous, woven into our culture and business practices. We hold ourselves accountable to ensure that our team reflects the communities we serve, creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and empowered to contribute. Through this commitment, we aim not only to strengthen our organization but to enrich the industry as a whole, shaping spaces that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the world around us.
Together, we believe that a truly inclusive approach to design unlocks greater potential and leads to better, more meaningful outcomes.
Sustainability
At NELSON Worldwide, sustainability is fundamental to how we design and deliver impactful, future-ready spaces. As stewards of the built environment, we recognize our responsibility to create solutions that not only meet today’s needs but also preserve resources for generations to come.
Our sustainability strategy is rooted in practical, measurable goals. By supporting the AIA’s 2030 Challenge, we are committed to advancing carbon neutrality across all new builds, major renovations, and developments. This commitment allows us to help our clients achieve their environmental targets while enhancing the durability and performance of their assets.
Through thoughtful, sustainable design, we partner with clients to create healthier, more resilient spaces that serve their communities and support their long-term vision. At NELSON, sustainability is not just a practice—it’s an integral part of the value we bring to every project.
