About BSB Design
What is BSB Design?
BSB Design is one of the largest architecture firms in the United States, founded in 1966 by Jack Bloodgood in a converted barn in Des Moines, Iowa. Sixty years later, the firm remains committed to what it calls "midwestern hospitality" and family-centered values — and to making sure those values translate into how the firm treats its people, not just how it designs spaces for clients.
Per the careers page, "our projects touch the lives of tens of thousands of individuals every day – whether it's at home, in the office, at school, or in public spaces." BSB designs across residential (single-family, build-to-rent, multifamily, affordable, student, 55+), club design, commercial, land planning, interiors, and structural disciplines.
Where will I work?
BSB Design operates from 11 offices nationwide: Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Des Moines, Los Angeles, Orange County, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, and Tampa. Headquarters is at 4601 Westown Pkwy, West Des Moines, Iowa. The firm describes its model as "one-office mentality" with cross-office collaboration: "if we have a problem in Denver that no one else in the office knows how to handle, we can reach out to the other offices who have different specialties and expertise" (Beau Kellam, Project Manager, verbatim testimonial).
A "highly flexible work-from-home policy" is supported by top-tier technology, giving every employee the ability to "seamlessly and efficiently work remotely whenever needed."
What is the BSB Design team like?
The firm has been "firm believers in encouraging work/life boundaries" since 1966. Testimonials on the careers page emphasize the supportive, family-oriented culture — "It's the kind of place people come back to at some point in their careers, which says a lot about the environment here" (Carly Dunn, Senior Digital Marketing Strategist).
Leadership development is structured through BSB Academy, established in 2018: a three-tiered program covering New Hire Orientation, Boot Camp, and Emerging Leaders, designed to identify and nurture leadership talent from within. The firm's mentorship program complements this with career-pathway support and new-employee onboarding.
Work-Life Balance
In 2021, BSB Design launched a four-day work week — and they've stayed on it. The careers/why-work-here page describes it directly: "Our team enjoys a four-day, 32-hour work week, providing a better work-life balance and more time with family and friends." Generous paid time off plus paid holidays sits on top.
Perks and Benefits
Verbatim from BSB Design's careers/why-work-here page:
- 32-Hour, 4-Day Work Week (launched 2021)
- Flexible Remote Schedule with top-tier technology
- Paid Holidays + generous paid time off
- Company-paid Health & Wellness coverage
- Wellness Programs: Employee & Family Resources
- Maternity & Paternity Leave
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Bonus Opportunities
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- Pet Insurance
- Professional Development Programs + BSB Academy (3-tier leadership track)
- Mentorship program for career pathway and onboarding