Design is the first signal of human intention. Our goal is a delightfully diverse, safe, healthy and just world, with clean air, water, soil and power—economically, equitably, ecologically and elegantly enjoyed.

Since William McDonough founded the firm in 1981, we have been engaged in expanding the industry's concept of quality. The traditional measures of cost, performance, and aesthetics are incomplete. We believe that ecological intelligence and social equity are additional measures of quality. We pursue excellence by all of these measures in our work.

William McDonough + Partners leads the design community in creating intelligent and effective architecture and community plans. We do this by delivering innovative solutions, enhancing the quality of life, and celebrating nature's abundance.

Delivering Innovative Solutions
All of our designs address practical needs. A strategy cannot be 'sustainable' in the long run if it doesn't meet immediate requirements. Our design solutions have proven to be good for the bottom line, as well as for people and the environment. By maximizing daylight, fresh air, and overhead space in the 901 Cherry, Offices for Gap Inc., the building's energy efficiency is resulting in significant operating savings.

Enhancing the Quality of Life
People and their well-being are at the center of what we do. In Chesterton, Indiana we have designed an intelligent community built around people's needs and lives. Studies have shown that the factory and offices we designed for Herman Miller have increased occupant well-being measurably, in addition to giving the company a recruiting and retention edge.

Celebrating Nature's Abundance
All of our projects celebrate nature and encourage connection to the world outside. Oberlin College's Lewis Center for Environmental Studies uses natural energy flows and biological processes to generate and optimize energy, and to process all its own waste water. The revitalized Ford Rouge Center will restore habitat and natural stormwater treatment mechanisms, integrating the facility with nature rather than trying to overcome it.