Be Original Americas is a nonprofit that advocates for design that’s authentic, sustainable, ethical, and successful. “The organization is committed to informing, educating and influencing as many people as possible about the value of original design,” as Be Original Americas stated in a press release.

This summer, the organization is expanding its membership to include architecture and design firms across the country. Studio O+A, a New York and San Francisco–based firm (and winner of a 2016 National Design Award from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum) was the first architecture and design firm to join Be Original Americas.

Primo Orpilla, principal and cofounder of Studio O+A, stated in a press release, “The next generation of designers is coming into the profession at a time when their work will be recognized and valued. That’s good for everybody because originality and authenticity—we just call it “good design”—makes every experience richer, happier, more meaningful.”

Sam Grawe, president of Be Original Americas and global brand director of Herman Miller, also added, “We couldn’t be more delighted to have O+A join Be Original Americas to help further our mission of promoting authentic design. With a roster of clients that represent some of the most notable brands out there today, O+A
have demonstrated time and again the value that comes from providing original design solutions.”

In fact, Be Original America is developing a new category of membership options for architects and designers. The nonprofit announced that firms with less than three offices will be asked to pay a fee of $500. Membership information and applications can be found here. Fees for larger firms are still be worked out and will be announced shortly, so stay tuned!

For larger firms or any additional information, you can contact Be Original Americas at beoriginal@bdeonline.biz.