NELSON Worldwide

In 1977, NELSON Worldwide was founded as a humble interior design firm located above a corner store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. What started as a small family business would transform into one of the industry's most influential design and architecture firms. Under the leadership of John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr., who joined the firm in 1987 after graduating with a degree in Business Administration, NELSON evolved from a single-discipline boutique into an integrated powerhouse with ten specialized service lines. Ozzie's vision went beyond traditional design - he saw an opportunity to unlock measurable value for clients through strategic, results-driven design that transcends aesthetics.

Today, NELSON Worldwide stands as a Top 10 industry leader with more than 600 teammates across 20 offices nationwide. The firm's portfolio spans groundbreaking projects including The Battery (the first mixed-use development anchored by a Major-League Baseball stadium), Prologis Georgetown Crossroads (the nation's first multistory warehouse), and Trilith Live (an award-winning urban living development). Serving over 40% of the Fortune 500, NELSON partners with world-renowned brands like Hilton, Macy's, Comcast, and T-Mobile to design environments that drive long-term business goals. Guided by core principles to "Go All In," "Be Direct and Respectful," "Grow with Purpose," "Think Bold and Execute Smart," and "Make Space for Everyone," the team combines creative and analytical approaches to deliver practical, impactful solutions across workplace, retail, healthcare, hospitality, civic justice, and multifamily sectors.