Northwestern University: Search for A/E firm for new engineering research building

Northwestern University has launched a new selection process to identify potential architect/engineer (A/E) partners to design a future engineering research building on its Evanston campus. The University has recently completed a research facilities master planning process that identified space needs for its broader research and education ambitions.

The A/E firm identification process is being managed by strategic architectural consultancy Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC), in partnership with Northwestern Facilities. The process will assess design thinking, working approach, partnership, and problem solving.

Northwestern is issuing an initial, wide call for US-based talent, to develop a longlist of potential partners. Experience with campus and/or laboratory design is preferred; practices may demonstrate capability through built work or partnerships that evidence capacity to deliver a complex academic building.

Longlisted firms will then be invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), from which a shortlist will be selected to prepare more comprehensive submissions in response to a Request for Proposal (RFP). Firms will not be required to produce design concepts.

The process will commence in May and conclude in late Summer 2026. Firms that complete the form by the deadline of 12:00 PM CDT on Wednesday April 15 will be considered; however, completion of the form does not guarantee inclusion on the longlist.

Please complete the following form to register your interest in being considered for the longlist: https://forms.gle/rHLm6ppnYe5EaDMz5