MASS Design Group, founded with a mission to advocate for architecture that promotes justice and human dignity, believes that the influence of architecture extends far beyond individual buildings. With a diverse team of over 200 professionals, including architects, landscape architects, engineers, and researchers from around the world, the firm engages in purposeful design to support community healing, confront historical narratives, and envision future possibilities. Their philosophy integrates a One Health design strategy, focusing on the holistic relationship between human, animal, and ecological health, thereby fostering sustainable, resilient, and regenerative environments.
MASS Design Group has earned notable accolades for its innovative design initiatives, particularly in healthcare. The firm was recognized with the 2022 AIA Architecture Firm Award and named the Architecture Innovator of the Year by the Wall Street Journal in 2020. It emphasizes collaboration throughout the design process, ensuring that each project's mission is clear and that community engagement is prioritized.
Noteworthy projects include the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, which has been heralded as one of the most significant architectural works of the 21st century, and the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture, aimed at promoting climate-positive educational initiatives. Other initiatives tackle diverse challenges such as gun violence, affordable housing, and cultural memory, highlighting MASS's commitment to developing architecture that not only serves functional needs but also addresses systemic issues.
Through exhibitions, public memorials, and strategic collaborations, MASS Design Group continues to challenge conventional architectural practices, advocating for designs that instigate social change and foster inclusive communities. Their work is a testament to the belief that architecture can be a powerful medium for healing and progress, providing spaces that elevate and honor collective human experiences.