Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Durham, NC
Founded in Durham, NC in 1987, RND Architects, PA is a small firm specializing in renovation and adaptive reuse design for healthcare, higher education, and public projects. Our team of 11 professionals, including five registered architects, prioritizes sustainability and client collaboration. With over three decades of experience, we focus on solving complex challenges through thoughtful design that minimizes environmental impact. Our process emphasizes open communication, ensuring projects align with client goals, budgets, and schedules. We maintain a familial office culture that values creativity, diversity, and work-life balance.Our expertise in reusing existing materials and structures has positioned us as leaders in sustainable architecture. Clients benefit from our intimate, local approach combined with deep technical knowledge. Repeat clients account for 90% of our work, reflecting our commitment to exceeding expectations. We invite clients to actively participate in the design process, fostering refined solutions and efficient outcomes. Our philosophy centers on user-focused design, whether renovating historic spaces or creating new prototypes.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
Government Projects
Higher Education Design
Commercial Architecture
Renovation & Additions
Adaptive Reuse
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Project Management
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We specialize in renovation projects with over 30 years of focused experience.
- Our designs prioritize sustainability through material reuse and energy-efficient systems.
- We maintain a collaborative process with transparent communication throughout projects.
- 90% of our work comes from repeat clients, reflecting consistent satisfaction.
- Our team includes five registered architects with expertise in complex building systems.
Services
Healthcare Architecture
We design healthcare facilities that prioritize patient comfort and operational efficiency. Our expertise includes hospital renovations, clinics, and laboratories with complex system integrations. Projects focus on creating healing environments while meeting strict regulatory standards. Clients benefit from our 30+ years of specialized experience in medical spaces.
Government Projects
Our firm delivers code-compliant solutions for state and local government buildings. Services include judicial facilities, office complexes, and public parks. We navigate bureaucratic processes efficiently to ensure timely approvals and cost savings. Our deep understanding of public sector requirements streamlines project execution.
Higher Education Design
We create functional learning environments for universities and colleges. Projects range from library renovations to science lab additions. Our designs balance historical preservation with modern needs. Over $150 million in completed university projects demonstrates our institutional expertise.
Sustainable Design
Our practice emphasizes environmental responsibility through material reuse and energy-efficient systems. We specialize in adaptive reuse projects that reduce carbon footprints. Clients receive cost-effective solutions aligned with climate-conscious building practices. This approach has made 96% of our work involve renovations.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive oversight during construction phases. Services include document finalization, progress monitoring, and quality control. Our team ensures designs translate accurately into built environments. This phase guarantees projects meet specifications while maintaining budget and schedule integrity.
People
Charles Nickelson
Principal
Experienced architect specializing in government, higher education, and commercial projects. Over 30 years of leadership in complex architectural solutions. AIA member committed to sustainable design principles.
David Daniel
Principal
Architect and project manager focused on healthcare and government facilities. AIA member with expertise in technical design solutions. Brings strategic vision to complex public sector projects.
Rhonda Zack
Principal
Architectural leader for large-scale government and education projects. AIA and NOMA member advocating for inclusive design. Combines creative vision with technical precision for impactful solutions.
Steve Pulling
Architect
Construction administration specialist with deep understanding of building processes. AIA member ensuring design intent translates to quality construction. Provides on-site expertise for project execution.
Glenn Parks
Architect
Experienced designer for government, education, and public park projects. AIA member balancing aesthetics with functional requirements. Skilled in navigating public sector design challenges.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We focus on healthcare, government, higher education, and commercial architecture with expertise in renovations and sustainable design.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We prioritize material reuse, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive reuse projects to minimize environmental impact while maintaining functionality.
What areas do you serve?
Primarily North Carolina, including Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, with select regional projects.
How do you collaborate with clients?
We maintain open communication throughout projects, involving clients in design decisions to ensure their needs drive outcomes.
What makes your firm unique?
Combining 30+ years of renovation expertise with a small-firm collaborative approach and deep sustainability commitment sets us apart.
