Minneapolis, July 15, 2024— Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide has combined operations with Itasca, IL-based Cornerstone Architects, which maintains a solid core of industrial architecture responsibilities, including distribution, manufacturing, storage, cleanrooms, and cold storage. Founded in 1996, Cornerstone’s breadth of services also includes land planning, interior design, and LEED design in the office, technology, retail, and sports facilities markets. The new entity initially will be known as Cornerstone Architects, a NELSON Company.

This move aligns with NELSON’s strategic plans to grow the national footprint of its existing Industrial practice. Rooted in efficient design and optimized delivery, NELSON’s Industrial practice creates agile spaces for clients and community that pivot with changing market trends, supply chain shifts, and consumer demand. We are excited to welcome Cornerstone into the NELSON Worldwide network,” says Chairman and CEO, John “Ozzie” Nelson, Jr. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our growth strategy and strengthens our capabilities in industrial architecture. Cornerstone’s impressive portfolio and expertise in the Chicago market will not only enhance our service offerings, but it will also allow us to better serve our clients with innovative and comprehensive design solutions. We look forward to the exciting opportunities this collaboration will bring and are confident that, together, we will set new standards of excellence in the industry.”

Founded in 1977, NELSON has been one of the most aggressive integrators in the AEC industry, offering a breadth of services across the globe that transform all dimensions of the human experience, including architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. The firm creates and delivers compelling brand experiences, engaging environments, inside and out, and smart solutions across the spaces we interact with daily—where we work, shop, dine, stay, serve, live, play, and thrive. Both firms are committed to managing a seamless transition for employees and clients, who will continue to receive the same level of service and attention to detail they have come to expect from both organizations.