CALIFORNIA — July 22, 2024 — NELSON Worldwide is pleased to welcome Gregory Lehman as Design Leader, Civic & Justice. In his new role, Lehman will utilize his diverse skill set to develop NELSON’s presence in the Northern California Civic and Justice market further.

Throughout his career, Lehman has acquired expertise in various areas including architectural design, project management, budget and schedule control, sustainable design, and building positive client relationships. Inspired by leading collaborative teams with varied viewpoints to develop creative and impactful projects, he boasts experience in many verticals such as hospitality, mixed-use, and life sciences. Drawn to NELSON’s people-first culture and dynamic team, Lehman is eager to collaborate with his teammates to bring to life large-scale projects that inspire and boldly transform the human experience.

Lehman’s first brush with architecture and design was at an Iowa firm, HLKB, which won the AIA National Firm of the Year award in 2001. He has since served as lead designer and project manager at various firms in the Bay Area such as Gensler, HDR, and most recently, Flad Architects. He notes The Grinnell College Welcome Center, which won the AIA Honor Design Award, steel design, and masonry awards, and The Torrey View Development in San Diego as some of the most impactful projects in his portfolio.

PHILADELPHIA – February 27, 2023 — Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is excited to announce the addition of Karen Pelzer as Senior Project Manager, Hospitality. Karen will provide guidance and support to the hospitality team as well as champion project success.

“Karen brings with her an incredible amount of knowledge and experience in architecture and design within the hospitality industry,” notes chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “Her innate ability to shift perspectives and look at a project as both a designer and an operator is invaluable to the practice.”

Dedicated to thoughtful leadership and holistically supporting the team, Karen taps into her teaching experience at Drexel University, coaching others on how to optimize an interior environment to make “a place from space.” Karen draws inspiration from hotels and restaurants around the world, finding herself easily immersed in the slightest details and nuanced finishes, and absorbing her surroundings like a sponge.

“It is such an honor to be a part of NELSON, working alongside such an inspired team,” remarks Karen. “I firmly believe that hard work and passion for hospitality and design are the tools for success, and I am excited for all that’s to come from this new role.”

Karen has led and managed design teams for decades, including at Daroff Design and Loews Hotels, as well as helped develop the hospitality design curriculum at Drexel University where she taught restaurant design and full-service boutique hotel design studio courses to both undergraduate and graduate students. She has helped develop restaurants, hotels, resorts, and more throughout her career, including Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort as well as Loews Philadelphia Hotel, plus on-site SoleFood Restaurant. Karen has a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design as well as a Master of Science in Hospitality Management from Drexel University, and holds a NCIDQ certification. She was previously NEWH Chapter President – Atlantic City-Philadelphia Region, from 2015-2016. 

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

ALPHARETTA, GA – January 6, 2022 — Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is excited to announce the addition of Brad Ewing as Regional Practice Leader of the Civic & Justice practice. Brad will provide oversight and expertise in building upon the practice’s success, working collaboratively with national and regional leadership to create opportunities for continued growth.

“Brad brings both versatile design expertise and keen business acumen to NELSON and the Civic & Justice practice,” notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “Through his leadership and direction, the practice will continue to see success and exciting growth within and outside of the region.”

Brad is an experienced senior architect and project manager with extensive knowledge in building design and space planning. He attributes his passion for architecture and design to his upbringing and love for creating environments that evoke emotion and improve lives. Throughout his career, he has managed and designed a diverse range of projects, including retail spaces, courthouses, correctional facilities, federal buildings, healthcare facilities, aerospace and manufacturing facilities, among others. Brad has demonstrated success in building and growing practices, particularly in Civic & Justice, and brings abundant knowledge to the Southeast and the firm as a whole.

“I am excited to join a design firm known for its creativity and expertise nationwide and partner with a talented and dedicated team who share my interest in designing to empower communities,” remarks Brad. “My goal is to guide and lead our practice while having fun doing what we love, which is to create and be creative.”

As Regional Practice Leader, Brad will leverage his diverse experience and NELSON’s nationwide expertise to build and lead teams to complete thoughtfully designed Civic & Justice projects and further develop the firm as a reputable partner in the industry.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

NEW YORK — September 26, 2022 — NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, welcomes Kyle McVicker as Account Director and Studio Leader. With ten-plus years of experience in operations, project, and program management, Kyle will oversee projects from start to finish, manage the complex aspects of a build-out, and deliver tangible, innovative results.

“Kyle is adaptive, priority-focused, and communicative,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “His consideration for the long-term aspects of each project, agility within unforeseen circumstances, and the ability to pivot easily to ensure a project stays on target makes him an excellent addition to the team at NELSON.”

Kyle is passionate about understanding the client’s goals and desires for both the function and design of the project and ensuring the final product articulates this vision. Thoughtful and engaged client communication is his strong suit, and he intends to implement these skills throughout every facet of his new role. His human-centric approach to project management will integrate seamlessly with NELSON’s strive to extend beyond the final project and continue developing collaborative and long-lasting partnerships with clients.

“NELSON provides a creative method of project delivery while offering clients a new and unique end-to-end product in the market,” notes Kyle. “As someone constantly seeking new ways to challenge myself and learn within the industry, I am excited to contribute to NELSON’s mission to build long-term client relationships and deliver industry-changing projects.”

Kyle’s well-versed experience in various levels of project management prepared him for this new role. After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Baltimore, Kyle entered the design and architecture industry, which fueled his passion for project delivery. Under Kyle’s leadership as Project Manager for a WeWork PxWe product, his team delivered over one million square feet of commercial interiors for enterprise clients such as Amazon, Google, UBS, Bank of America, Toast, eZcater, and Bombas. More recently, Kyle served as the Senior Project Manager of Global Workplace and Real Estate at Rockstar Games. Kyle was responsible for building out and delivering the real estate and workplace project management team in this role.

His passion for the industry comes from witnessing the entirety of a project, from the initial architectural designs to the interior layout, to the completed build-out of the product. Inspired by the expansiveness of the industry and how teams continually create new forms of innovation, Kyle will work with the talent, resources, and skills of the NELSON team to offer clients something entirely new within the industry.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. With more than 800 teammates spread across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

ATLANTA — August 12, 2024 — NELSON Worldwide, an award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, welcomes Chris Curley, AIA, as National Practice Leader, Hospitality. In his new role, Curley will collaborate with the hospitality and mixed-use teams to secure winning projects. He will focus on business development to bring new opportunities and lead teams to land these projects. Additionally, Curley will oversee projects to ensure client satisfaction, maintain high-quality standards, and achieve project profitability.

With over 35 years of experience in architecture and interior design, Curley takes pride in his passion for quality design. For the past 20 years, he has specialized in hospitality design projects both nationally and globally. At NELSON Worldwide, Curley aims to leverage his mastery to support his teammates’ success, prioritizing service and a commitment to quality.

“Chris brings extensive knowledge and experience to our team that aligns with NELSON’s commitment to creating purpose-driven spaces,” notes John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide. “His proven track record of stellar projects and unique entrepreneurial perspective will secure new ventures and lead teams to success.”

Throughout his career, Curley has led teams across various project types from hospitality to public assembly, mixed-use, office, institutional and educational. He played a pivotal role in founding the TVS Hospitality Architecture & Interior Design practice and established an Atlanta presence for the HKS Hospitality Design Practice. Curley was a founding member of the TVS Sustainable Design Committee in 1997, driving ideas and focus on sustainable design before the advent of LEED and other rating systems. In 2012, he started his own architectural and interior design firm, which completed multiple projects in  three years of operation, including hotel renovation, corporate headquarters and retail projects.

Curley has led teams to deliver exceptional design services across various market segments worldwide. His passion for design and commitment to service have resulted in numerous client requests for his involvement in successive projects over the years.

ALPHARETTA, Georgia — August 16, 2022 — NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, welcomes back Richard Wilden as Mixed-Use Design Leader of the Alpharetta office. Rich will lead master planning and architectural design, leveraging his experience designing complex mixed-use projects and ability to conceptualize projects throughout the design phases, enhancing the capabilities of the NELSON brand.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome this level of expertise back into our firm,“ notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “We are confident that his efforts will enhance the capabilities of the firm and turn out highly successful projects.”

The seasoned architect brings over three decades of expertise in complex mixed-use design and planning, urban design, and master planning. His architectural education history in design theory has contributed to the design approach he has spearheaded throughout his career—providing real-world exposure to the constructibility, building systems technology, and business aspects of architecture. Throughout his career, Richard has honed his passion for shaping the built environment and its transformative effect of design on the human experience to create meaningful and experiential projects.

“I’ve always been drawn to NELSON’s exciting portfolio and their diverse and collaborative design approach,” says Richard. “I’m honored to rejoin the team and am looking forward to leveraging my expertise, skill sets, and unique design approach to add to the creative culture within the mixed-use team.”

Richard is actively involved in industry associations, especially in his hometown, and currently co-leads the ULI Cleveland District Council’s Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) initiative. He works directly with leading organizations and real estate professionals in addressing important development and urban planning issues.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. With more than 800 teammates spread across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is excited to announce the addition of Anne Gibson to their workplace studio. Anne will strengthen the firm’s innovative storytelling capabilities as National Practice Leader. Based in Chicago, she will work collaboratively to shape the built environment to tell stories, communicate values, and make meaningful experiences for communities.

“The way that we live and work will continue to evolve post-pandemic. The connection to culture, mission, and purpose is paramount, and the office will be a powerful tool in providing those meaningful interactions,” remarks Anne Gibson. “I am excited to help shape the future of work and couldn’t be happier to continue my journey alongside the innovative minds at NELSON.”

With over 20 years of experience, Anne has developed a deeply rooted passion for the way humans interact and work cohesively together in dynamic environments. In her new role, she will lead designers, architects, strategists, and communicators to create compelling workplaces that enhance user experience through strategic processes. An industrial designer by education, Anne has maintained a human-centered design approach throughout her career. Now, during a pivotal moment in time when businesses and communities are rethinking assumptions about workplaces, Anne will bring brand experience, as well as healthcare, hospitality, and retail design together to support a return to work that is safe, meaningful, and accommodating.

“We are honored to welcome Anne as national practice leader,” notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “Anne brings a fresh and optimistic perspective on the future of the workplace and we are looking forward to witnessing the direction she takes towards our company’s continued growth and success.”

Some of her most notable work experience was leading the interior design of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Using careful research-driven techniques, Anne shaped the design around how people actually work, learn, innovate and heal. The building embodies ‘translational medicine,’ which brings together disparate disciplines of medicine and research into an integrated approach to improving outcomes. As the first manifestation of this practice, Anne intends to bring forth this approach to the workplace to create spaces that support how different roles come together to work in an inspiring, cohesive, and productive manner.

Previously a Studio Director and a Health & Wellness and Workplace Design Director, Anne is a leader with deep expertise in the intersection of brand, experience and space in many markets at all scales across the globe. Her hybrid thinker-doer process drives unique solutions through curiosity, empathy, and experimentation while mentoring and growing those around her. She thrives in letting ideas flow and shepherding authentic solutions rooted in her client’s unique challenges and core values.

CHICAGO — July 14, 2022 — On the heels of elevating brand and creative to a c-level position with the promotion of Bevan Bloemendaal, Chief Brand and Creative Officer, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide welcomes Amanda M. Smith as Senior Director of Brand Marketing. Based in Chicago, Amanda will develop and execute a holistic marketing strategy that builds awareness for the NELSON Worldwide brand.

“As we explore the next phase of growth at NELSON, Amanda will be a critical asset in the development of a tailored brand strategy,” notes Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team and excited to see how she will infuse our culture of creativity with her philosophy, recognizing our wins and adjusting as challenges arise.”

In her new role, Amanda will lead the brand marketing team to develop strategies highlighting NELSON’s service offerings, value propositions, and differentiators across all regional markets and industries. In addition, she will work to guide the expression of the NELSON brand, keeping the company’s name top of mind through a mix of thought leadership, direct marketing, and practice-focused initiatives.

“What drew me to NELSON was its reputation for high-quality projects, desire for continued growth, and culture of creativity. As senior director of brand marketing, I look forward to further developing and sharing the NELSON story, engaging potential and existing clients, and collaborating to move the business forward,” says Amanda. “I’m excited to work with each practice to leverage their expertise and highlight the value of partnering with industry-leading talent.”

Amanda spent the last 18 years providing design-led consultation and marketing strategy for national brands, retailers, and commercial and residential design firms. As a modern marketer and creative leader, Amanda is driven by design and fueled by a love for storytelling. She offers a multidisciplinary approach that leverages creativity as a profit multiplier while striving to deliver impactful and memorable brand stories across all touchpoints.

Actively involved with several industry associations, Amanda serves on the board of the Chicago Great Lakes Chapter of the Retail Design Institute and the College of DuPage Interior Design Advisory Board. She is passionate about mentoring and fostering student talent while gaining insight from the future generation of designers.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy services. With more than 800 teammates spread across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include: Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

ATLANTA – January 31, 2023 — Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is excited to announce the advancement of John Lewis to National Practice Leader of Multifamily Architecture. John will continue to grow NELSON Worldwide’s presence in the multifamily space through innovative design concepts that transform the human experience.

“John’s breadth of experience and keen sense of direction and purpose has solidified his role as an invaluable member of NELSON’s Multifamily practice,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “His penchant for engaged leadership and commitment to client satisfaction and success will continue to enhance the firm’s presence as a key player in the industry nationwide.”

John places emphasis on transparent and effective communication, identifying it as the key to success in the multifamily industry, regardless of whether it’s internal collaboration or external client brainstorms. He views all project development processes as an opportunity for enhanced team collaboration, bonding, and learning, utilizing it as a unique motivator to provide dedicated and thoughtful leadership. Passionate about the creative process, John masterfully employs unrivaled resources to aid partners in achieving their goals and find dynamic solutions to nationwide housing shortages that span from luxury to attainable housing.

“I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such an unparalleled caliber of talent here on the Multifamily team at NELSON,” notes John. “As I advance in my role at the firm, I look forward to continuing to provide leadership to my team as we deliver quality work to our clients.”

With 25 years of industry experience, John has explored all aspects of architecture, learning to masterfully design space with comfort in mind. Before joining NELSON Worldwide as Studio Director of Multifamily Housing in 2018, John served as Director of Multifamily Housing at Wakefield Beasley & Associates. He earned his Associate of Applied Science in Architectural Engineering from Alfred State College, and later his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ohio State University.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.

LOS ANGELES – April 11, 2023 — Award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm NELSON Worldwide is thrilled to announce the relocation of its LA office to downtown Los Angeles. Located in the historic Pershing Square Building, the new office sits in a central hub of the downtown area and is highly amenitized, boasting an iconic rooftop bar and restaurant atop the building.

“We are excited to strengthen our footprint in Los Angeles and with this move, we are committed to the city and enter a new era of growth,” notes chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “NELSON’s relocation to downtown LA means we are able to expand our network of talent, clients, and opportunities given our centrality within the city limits and beyond.”

While NELSON offers flexible work options like hybrid and remote work, they still believe in the transformative power of the physical environment. Not only does the office act as a hub for collaboration, relationship building, and mentorship opportunities, it provides a way for teammates and clients to physically immerse themselves in the NELSON brand. Like NELSON’s other offices across the country, this new space will drive a deep connection to the brand’s purpose, mission, and values, in addition to highlighting the company’s diverse range of expertise.

“This relocation is another step in the growth of our SoCal team. While we are focused on the market and alignment of the sectors we serve, our team and leadership are further engaged in becoming contributors to the future of Los Angeles,” says Mark E. Levine, Regional Practice Leader and Vice President at NELSON Worldwide. “In addition to the incredible talent at NELSON, we continuously search for the brightest to join us.”

NELSON Worldwide’s new LA office is located at 448 S Hill Street, Suite 1001, Los Angeles, CA 90013 and close to the Metro Red Line and freeway entrances, as well as the Civic Center, Historic Core, Jewelry District, Fashion District, Central Library, Staples Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Ahmanson Theater, and Museum of Contemporary Art.

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About NELSON Worldwide

NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm, boldly transforming all dimensions of the human experience through architecture, interior design, graphic design, and brand strategy. With more than 700 teammates across 20 offices, the firm’s collective network provides strategic and creative solutions that positively impact where people work, serve, play, and thrive. The team combines industry knowledge, service expertise, and geographic reach to deliver projects across the country and around the world. Client partnerships across the NELSON network include Hilton, Macy’s, Comcast, Simon Property Group, Prologis, Yum! Brands, Boston Consulting Group, T-Mobile, Emory Healthcare, SAP Fieldglass, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Kroger, Hyatt, Bayer, Target, and many more.