Multistudio is the evolution of Gould Evans. Our diversity of thought, people, and disciplines allows us to explore place and spark possibilities of economic, social, and environmental change.
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Multistudio’s evolution from Gould Evans is a response to today's unprecedented challenges. We are committed to addressing climate change and social inequities through design work and advocacy. In our projects and internal operations, we have taken intentional, concerted steps to overlay a lens of equity and sustainability in everything we do.

We aim to engage and inspire through design. Our values are built around a culture that seeks diverse perspectives, promotes multidisciplinary collaboration, and utilizes design to positively impact the communities and clients we serve. Although we take on a variety of projects, neither size nor type dictates their importance - their impact does.

A group of employees gathering together to celebrate Multistudio's 50th anniversary.

Our Values

We nurture a culture that seeks diverse perspectives

We aim to inspire through design by promoting multidisciplinary collaboration and utilizing design to positively impact the communities and clients we serve.

Design is in everything we do

We believe design is at the core of everything we do—from daily operations to project execution. Beyond aesthetics, successful design prioritizes health and well-being, minimizes environmental impact, and remains adaptable to future change.

Humbly engage many

We recognize that diverse input leads to more enduring, equitable designs for broader communities. By actively seeking multiple perspectives and experiences, we push each design beyond what we could achieve alone.

Practice thoughtfully and thoroughly

Every project’s unique context—geographical, social, cultural, and economic—guides how we pursue its potential. Collaboration beyond our expertise is essential to uncovering the many layers of each project and delivering purposeful solutions.

Make possibility a reality

We see inherent possibility in every project. Through our multidisciplinary design process, we strive to be catalysts for positive community impact, champions of resilience and wellness, and partners in manifesting our clients’ values, while maximizing flexibility for the future.

We embrace accountability by all and opportunity for everyone

We believe diverse perspectives lead to more enduring and equitable designs that serve a wider community. By embracing inclusivity and accountability, we ensure each project reflects the voices, experiences, and needs of those it impacts.

Increase representation of Black architects & designers

Historically, the architecture industry has been exclusionary for Black architects and designers. In 2021, only 2% of the licensed architects in the U.S. were Black. Multistudio is focused on increasing representation within our firm, especially among the ranks of Black architects and designers, and including all people who lead. Actively mentoring and supporting the career paths of Black talent exposes and dismantles barriers within our firm. Further, we remain committed to cultivating a culture that fosters professional growth and development and strives to reflect the communities we serve. Partnering with the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we are expanding our candidate pool for both new and experienced architects and designers in support of these initiatives. We are creating structures and practices that facilitate recruiting and retaining all people, including people from disparate cultures, races, and ethnicities.

Diversify the voices of influence for more equitable outcomes

We intentionally engage in conversations to pinpoint and address issues pertaining to DEIB. Established in 2011, our E3 committee Educates, Engages, and Elevates conversations around a broad spectrum of equity—including race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, family matters, and more—while supporting internal equity initiatives like our mentorship and licensure programs. In 2020, we established an Advisory Council comprised of a cross‑section of associates who work closely with our Board of Directors on policy, procedures and practices that enact real change. Multistudio leadership are engaged and involved in this work and support the proposed outcomes. The diverse voices from our E3 and Advisory Council—in partnership with our Sustainability and Best Practices committees—hold us accountable to our people and communities.

Redefine cultural norms to foster belonging

As active designers of our firm culture, we intend to have a valued place and voice. We focus on eliminating unconscious bias in our practices and compensation, and promote inclusion throughout our firm norms. We believe in equal pay for equal work. We review compensation across all regions and disciplines annually, and biennially we perform blind salary equity audits where we look for unconscious pay discrepancies by gender or race. Currently, we are re‑examining our hiring and interview procedures to identify where we can be more inclusive and equitable. Bringing inclusion to the forefront raises the standard for all.

We address significant environmental challenges

Climate change impacts how and where we live and will continue to negatively impact our world, especially our most vulnerable communities. We are committed to working towards a carbon-free future.

Our commitment through internal operations

This commitment starts with our internal operations that offset our carbon emissions like offering customized remote work options for our staff and promoting the purchase of goods from local and green businesses.

Partnerships with communities

Through our practice, we work towards positive impact at all scales—from site-specific approaches to energy and water use reduction to a rigorous focus on healthy and low carbon materials. In partnership with communities, we work to develop resilient and equitable long-term plans that advance climate justice and reduce our carbon footprint. We proactively focus on health and wellness, considering the impact of our decisions on people and their habitats.

Incorporating frameworks in our processes

We aim to incorporate the AIA Committee on the Environment’s Framework for Design Excellence—a collection of resources that help guide design teams through designing high-performing buildings—as part of our Multistudio process.
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