murakami/Nelson, an Architecture and Planning firm, has been in continuous practice since 1955 and is one of the oldest established architectural firms in the East Bay. The firm was founded as Jens Hansen Associates in 1955, became Hansen/Murakami/Eshima in 1978, and most recently changed its name to murakami/Nelson in 2002.

Over almost 50 years of continuous operation, we have developed a diversified practice that encompasses many facets of the architectural profession. Projects include urban planning, new buildings, adaptive re-use, historic preservation, programming, space planning and tenant improvements. We welcome projects that have complex programs and present unique design challenges.

Approximately half of our recent work has involved existing buildings providing studies, reports, programming, space planning, design and construction services for modernization, remodel, rehabilitation, seismic strengthening, disabled access and fire/life safety code conformance work.

Clients include Federal and State agencies, cities and counties, universities and colleges, private corporations, developers and businesses. Our public clients have included the Oakland Unified School District, the Berkeley Unified School District, Stanford University, the University of California Berkeley, San Francisco and Santa Cruz campuses; the California State University Hayward, San Jose and San Francisco campuses; the U.S. Navy; the Army Corps of Engineers; the Port of Oakland; Alameda County; and the Cities of Oakland, Alameda, Richmond and Emeryville.

Our Philosophy of Doing Business - murakami/Nelson

murakami/Nelson offers a personal approach to architecture. Every project undertaken by this office is developed at the direction of one of our experienced Principals. The successful combination of a diligent and creative staff and the experience and personal participation of a Principal on each project promotes a full and free exchange of ideas.

The Team Approach:

An architect is much more than the tools of his trade. More than pens and pencils, computers and paper, the business of architecture is about people. One of the most enjoyable rewards of the architectural profession lies in the building of a team - client, architect, consultant and contractor working together, bringing resources to bear on the assignment of creating something unique, beautiful, and efficient. Through its combined efforts, the team applies imagination, experience and professionalism to its task. Building a team is what enables the client, architect, consultant, and contractor to progress from the genesis of an idea to a finished piece of work.

Leadership:

As the leader of a team of design professionals murakami/Nelson selects specialized talent from a number of disciplines to ensure the success of a given project. We use consultants that we have worked with on a regular basis, consultants that have demonstrated expertise in designing a particular type of building or component. Structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, landscape architects, acoustical engineers, energy analysts, and cost estimators all play an important role in our designs.

Flexibility and Quality:

Finally, we maintain the greatest degree of flexibility in our approach to client services. murakami/Nelson tailors its service to meet individual client needs, providing programming, planning, design, scheduling, cost estimates, and construction administration services. As a result, the firm retains its reputation as thoughtful, skilled, and thorough designers. Evidence of the quality of our work is illustrated by the design awards that the firm has received. Recently, murakami/Nelson was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration with the Administrators Award for Excellence as one of the top small businesses in the Western United States.