In recognition of their growing portfolio of work across Texas, SOM has hired Nkiru Gelles, AIA, NOMA, to lead the Austin studio and moved into a larger space in East Austin.
“As our work across Texas has expanded in both scale and diversity, our Austin team has grown alongside it,” said Principal Dan Herman. “Moving into a larger studio in East Austin gives us the space we need to support that momentum—bringing more of our people together, strengthening collaboration, and positioning us to deliver for our clients and partners across the region.”
Located at 2021 East 5th Street, the new office sits within the East Fifth Street Heritage Corridor and reflects the growth of the local team and will enable more frequent engagement with clients, collaborators, and communities throughout the region.
The team has grown to include a number of Austin and Texas natives, bringing local knowledge to tailor SOM’s global expertise. Among these is Nkiru Gelles, a respected leader in architecture and design with more than a decade of award-winning commercial, residential, civic, and community-focused work in Austin. With nearly 20 years of experience, her portfolio includes award-winning cultural and community projects such as The Line Hotel in Austin and The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. She holds a Master of Architecture from Rice University, was recently announced as the 2026 AIA Austin President, and serves as a Design Commissioner for District 3, where she advocates for a vibrant, inclusive public realm that reflects the voices and needs of diverse communities.
In her new role, she will lead design in SOM’s Austin studio, collaborating with Design Partners Ryan Culligan, Scott Duncan, Olin McKenzie, and others to advance SOM’s design work in the region, and working closely with Managing Principal Dan Herman, SOM’s Texas Market Lead, on continuing to build SOM’s Texas practice.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nkiru into SOM’s design leadership in Austin,” said Partner Ryan Culligan. “Her global perspective, deep ties to this city, and commitment to an inclusive public realm make her an exceptional leader for our expanding local team as we continue to shape meaningful places for communities across Texas.”
The Austin studio is running day-to-day operations on a growing body of work across Texas, spanning healthcare, institutional, aviation, workplace, and residential projects that reflect the state’s remarkable momentum. Among these is the new Arrivals and Departures Hall at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, expected to be completed in the early 2030s, which will help shape the first impression of one of the country’s most vibrant cities for residents and visitors alike.
The expanded East Austin studio and the addition of Nkiru Gelles to the Austin leadership team underscore SOM’s long-term investment in Texas and strengthen the firm’s ability to serve public- and private-sector clients across the region.
