Ennead Architects, a New York-based architecture practice, is set to join CannonDesign, a global design firm with offices across North America, Asia and beyond, bringing together two practices that have developed distinct approaches to design across institutional, cultural and commercial sectors. The move will see Ennead operate as a studio within CannonDesign while continuing under its own name and leadership.
The agreement brings together a 160-person design practice known for civic and cultural projects with a global organisation of nearly 1,600 designers, consultants and technology specialists. Both firms state that the collaboration is intended to extend the scope of design work across a broader range of project types and delivery frameworks.
Molly McGowan, Managing Partner at Ennead Architects, will continue to lead the studio within the new structure.
Ennead to operate within CannonDesign while retaining studio structure
Under the new arrangement, Ennead will continue as an integrated design collective with teams in New York, Los Angeles and Shanghai. It will operate as Ennead, a CannonDesign company, maintaining its design identity and internal structure while drawing on CannonDesign’s wider capabilities.
The firms describe the structure as one that allows Ennead to remain focused on its existing areas of work while accessing additional resources in consulting, technology and project delivery. CannonDesign’s global network includes experience strategists and specialists working across multiple disciplines, which will now be available to support Ennead’s projects.
The two firms bring together a portfolio that extends across healthcare, education, cultural institutions and scientific research environments.
Focus on design, technology and expanded project delivery
Both firms indicate that the collaboration will extend into areas beyond traditional architectural services. CannonDesign has developed capabilities in consulting, software, experience design and branding, while Ennead has focused on institutional and urban projects across international markets.
The partnership also highlights ongoing work in computational and parametric design, alongside exploration of artificial intelligence in relation to the built environment.
The combined practice is positioned to continue working across a range of project scales, with an emphasis on integrating design thinking into planning, delivery and operational phases of projects.
