Business Details
39 Years
experience
Sustainable Architectural Design & Renovation Services
At RND Architects, PA, we combine over three decades of expertise with a passion for sustainable design to deliver innovative architectural solutions. Founded in 1987, our firm specializes in renovation and adaptive reuse projects, serving clients across North Carolina in healthcare, higher education, government, and commercial sectors. Our team of 11 professionals, including five registered architects, prioritizes client collaboration and environmental responsibility, ensuring every project meets functional needs while minimizing ecological impact. We believe in design that serves people first, integrating energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials to create spaces that enhance communities. With 96% of our work focused on renovations, we help clients achieve cost-effective, environmentally conscious solutions that align with modern sustainability goals.Our process emphasizes open communication, from initial site analysis to construction completion, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. As a small, employee-friendly firm, we maintain a familial culture that fosters creativity and continuous learning, allowing us to tackle complex challenges with tailored expertise. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our 90% repeat client rate and a portfolio featuring over $150 million in university projects and hundreds of healthcare renovations. We approach every project with urgency, recognizing architecture's role in addressing climate change through building reuse. Whether transforming historic spaces or designing new facilities, we strive to create environments that improve the human experience while honoring environmental stewardship.
Services
Architectural design
Building renovation
Adaptive reuse
Sustainable design
Construction administration
Project management
Healthcare facilities design
Higher education architecture
Government building renovation
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We specialize in renovation and adaptive reuse projects with 30+ years of focused expertise
- Our team includes five registered architects and professionals with extensive healthcare and education sector experience
- We prioritize sustainable design practices that reduce environmental impact through material reuse
- Our collaborative approach ensures client needs are met while maintaining strict budget and schedule controls
- 96% of our work involves complex renovations, demonstrating deep specialization in building transformation
What people say
Collaborative approach
Sustainable design focus
Renovation expertise
Budget adherence
Timely delivery
Services
Architectural design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and government buildings, combining innovative design with practical functionality. Our team develops customized solutions that meet regulatory requirements while enhancing user experience through thoughtful space planning and material selection.
Building renovation
We transform existing structures into modern, efficient spaces while preserving architectural integrity. Our renovation expertise includes historic buildings, commercial properties, and institutional facilities. We address structural challenges while implementing energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials to extend building lifespan and improve functionality.
Adaptive reuse
Our adaptive reuse specialists convert underutilized buildings into vibrant new spaces. This approach preserves architectural heritage while meeting modern needs through creative problem-solving. We've successfully transformed libraries, clinics, and government buildings into functional spaces that serve contemporary purposes while maintaining historical character.
Sustainable design
We integrate environmentally responsible practices throughout the design process. Our sustainable approach includes energy-efficient systems, material reuse, and eco-friendly construction methods. By prioritizing building reuse over new construction, we help clients reduce carbon footprints while achieving cost-effective, long-lasting solutions that align with climate action goals.
Construction administration
Our construction administration services ensure design intent is maintained throughout the building process. We provide detailed documentation, site visits, and quality control to guarantee projects meet specifications. Our team coordinates with contractors to resolve issues promptly, ensuring timely completion while maintaining design standards and budget parameters.
People
Charles Nickelson
Principal
Experienced architect with extensive portfolio in government, higher education, and commercial projects. AIA member with deep expertise in complex architectural solutions and client-focused design.
David Daniel
Principal
Architect and project manager specializing in healthcare and government facility design. AIA member with proven track record in delivering complex institutional projects that balance functionality and aesthetics.
Rhonda Zack
Principal
Architectural leader with significant contributions to large-scale government and education projects. AIA and NOMA member known for innovative design solutions and project management excellence.
Steve Pulling
Architect
Construction administration specialist with comprehensive understanding of building processes. AIA member providing expert on-site oversight to ensure design integrity during construction phases.
Glenn Parks
Architect
Accomplished architect with expertise in government, higher education, and public park projects. AIA member bringing extensive design and project management experience to complex institutional developments.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in architectural design, building renovation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable design solutions for healthcare, education, and government clients.
How do you approach renovation projects?
We combine historical preservation with modern functionality, focusing on sustainable material reuse and energy-efficient upgrades to extend building lifespans.
What makes your firm unique?
Our 30+ years of renovation expertise, commitment to sustainability, and collaborative approach create tailored solutions that prioritize client needs and environmental responsibility.
Do you work outside North Carolina?
While based in Durham, NC, we primarily serve clients throughout North Carolina with extensive experience in local regulatory environments.
How do you ensure project success?
Through detailed planning, open communication, and construction oversight, we maintain strict budget and schedule controls while delivering high-quality architectural solutions.
What sustainability practices do you implement?
We prioritize building reuse, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact while creating functional, lasting spaces.
