CannonDesign

What CannonDesign does

CannonDesign is a global, employee-owned architecture and design firm founded in 1945 and headquartered in Grand Island, New York, operating as The Cannon Corporation. The firm provides integrated design, planning, and consulting services across six core capabilities: Buildings and Spaces, Culture and Change Strategies, Immersive and Branded Experiences, Sustainable and Resilient Futures, Strategic Plans and Frameworks, and Facility Services and Solutions. Its primary client base spans healthcare systems (Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Kaiser Permanente, Mount Sinai), universities (NYU, Caltech, University of Oregon), research institutions, corporations (LinkedIn), and government agencies (GSA), with healthcare and education representing the two largest verticals. The firm ranks #10 globally and #3 in healthcare in the 2026 World Architecture 100 rankings.

CannonDesign operates a platform-plus-modules business model, combining a core architecture practice with specialized sub-brands and acquired firms: Blue Cottage of CannonDesign (strategy consulting), Amp (in-house innovation incubator), Open Hand Studio (public interest design), Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign (sustainable design), and acquired brands including The Clarient Group (smart building consulting), Scion Advisory Services (education housing consultancy), and Ennead Architects (architecture, now part of CannonDesign). The firm employs nearly 1,600 designers, consultants, experience strategists, and technology leaders across North America, India, China, and Korea. Proprietary technology includes the 'Billie' generative AI tool (second iteration), Living-Centered Design methodology, Building Information Modeling, digital twin development for campus planning, and quantum computing exploration through a D-Wave partnership.

The firm's revenue model is professional services-based, with project-based fees quoted on scope and complexity for large enterprise engagements. CannonDesign pursues an aggressive inorganic growth strategy, completing seven mergers and acquisitions between February 2024 and May 2026, with the Ennead Architects merger (April 2026) being its seventh and largest. The firm has been recognized three consecutive times on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies list (2024-2026), named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World list, and recognized by TIME for making net-zero buildings a reality. Notable quantified outcomes include 312+ LEED-certified projects, 14 net-zero energy projects, 289 LEED-certified buildings, and an average 54% energy reduction from industry benchmarks through sustainable design.

Name

CannonDesign

Legal name

The Cannon Corporation

Website

https://cannondesign.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

CannonDesign is a global, employee-owned architecture and design firm founded in 1945 that provides integrated planning, architecture, and consulting services to healthcare systems, universities, research institutions, and corporations, with a platform-plus-modules model and an aggressive M&A growth strategy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architectural and Design Services

NAICS

Architectural Services (541310), Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413), Engineering Services (541330), Management Consulting Services (54161)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Civil & Structural Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Strategy & Corporate Development Consulting (BPAHACAA), Organization Design & Operating Model Consulting (BPAHAGAB)

Keywords

• Architectural design services
• Healthcare facility design
• Sustainable building design
• Smart building consulting
• Campus master planning

Headquarters

HQ city

Grand Island

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Architecture and Design Services: Full-service architecture and design services for buildings and spaces across healthcare, education, sports, science, workplace, and cultural sectors. Revenue is project-based, typically with large enterprise clients for complex facility projects.
2. Consulting Services: Strategic consulting through Blue Cottage of CannonDesign, including transition planning, operational planning, experience strategy, and facility optimization. Also includes Scion Advisory Services for education and student life consultancy.
3. Smart Building Consulting: Technology infrastructure design and digital experience consulting through The Clarient Group, providing strategy, change management and smart building integration services.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CannonDesign is an employee-owned integrated architecture and design firm providing full-service architectural design, planning, consulting, and activation services for buildings and spaces across healthcare, education, science, sports, workplace, and cultural sectors. The firm offers a comprehensive portfolio organized around six core service areas (Buildings and Spaces, Culture and Change Strategies, Immersive and Branded Experiences, Sustainable and Resilient Futures, Strategic Plans and Frameworks, and Facility Services and Solutions) and delivers projects for major enterprise clients such as Mayo Clinic, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and major university systems. The firm has grown through multiple acquisitions to nearly 1,600 designers, consultants, experience strategists, and technology leaders globally.

Product overview

CannonDesign is a global architecture and planning firm offering a comprehensive portfolio of services organized around six core service areas: Buildings and Spaces, Culture and Change Strategies, Immersive and Branded Experiences, Sustainable and Resilient Futures, Strategic Plans and Frameworks, and Facility Services and Solutions. The firm operates as a platform-plus-modules architecture with specialized sub-brands including Amp (in-house innovation incubator), Open Hand Studio (public interest design), Blue Cottage of CannonDesign (consulting), and Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign (design studio). Recent acquisitions have added The Clarient Group (smart building consulting), Scion Advisory Services (education consultancy), and Ennead Architects (architectural design). The firm also offers proprietary AI technology including Billie (generative AI tool) and is developing AI-powered planning dashboards for campus and facility management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Open Hand Studio: Public interest design arm dedicated to creating transformative solutions addressing crucial human needs through partnerships with nonprofits and cause-driven organizations in areas like education, health, and equity.
• Amp
• Blue Cottage of CannonDesign
• Ennead, a CannonDesign company
• Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign

Products and services

• Buildings and Spaces Comprehensive architectural design services for transformative buildings across healthcare, education, sports, workplace, and community sectors; for enterprise clients such as healthcare systems, universities, corporations, and government agencies.
• Culture and Change Strategies Consulting services helping organizations transform their culture, manage change, and create strategies for organizational effectiveness; for healthcare systems and institutions undergoing transformation.
• Immersive and Branded Experiences Design of experiential environments that create meaningful brand experiences for workplaces, museums, and public spaces; for cultural institutions and corporate enterprises.
• Sustainable and Resilient Futures Sustainability-focused design services including net-zero energy buildings, mass timber construction, and climate-resilient design solutions; for healthcare, education, and government clients.
• Strategic Plans and Frameworks Long-term planning and strategic consulting for institutions including campus master planning, sustainability master plans, and facility optimization; for universities, healthcare systems, and corporate clients.
• Facility Services and Solutions Facility management and optimization services helping organizations maintain and improve their built environments; for institutional and enterprise clients.
• Blue Cottage of CannonDesign Industry-leading consultancy focused on defining bold futures and creating plans, processes, experiences and strategies for clients, including healthcare transition and activation services; for healthcare systems and academic medical centers.
• The Clarient Group (Smart Building Consulting) Smart building consulting and technology engineering firm providing strategy, change management, and activation expertise for seamless integration of connected technologies into building spaces; for commercial real estate, corporate, and institutional clients.
• Scion Advisory Services Education consultancy specializing in housing planning, residential life administration, real estate finance, and program and asset management for colleges and universities; having collaborated with more than 300 North American campuses.
• SRG + CannonDesign (Architecture Services) Architecture services provided by the SRG Partnership studio focused on sustainable and community-centered design across health, education, science, and culture sectors; for clients in the Pacific Northwest and broader North America.
• Ennead Architects (CannonDesign Studio) Distinguished architectural services provided by the Ennead studio (a CannonDesign company) recognized for uncompromising creative vision, technical sophistication, and public realm work; for education, healthcare, civic, and cultural projects globally, with teams in New York, Los Angeles, and Shanghai.
• Billie Generative AI Tool Proprietary generative AI tool (2nd iteration) that brings together AI capabilities to elevate productivity, streamline workflows, and unlock faster access to information and research across the firm; used internally by CannonDesign designers, consultants, and project teams.
• Open Hand Studio (Public Interest Design) Public interest design service dedicated to creating transformative solutions addressing crucial human needs through partnerships with nonprofits and cause-driven organizations in education, health, and equity.
• Amp Innovation Incubator In-house innovation incubator that amplifies ideas from across the network to test, refine, and deliver novel opportunities representing strategic advantages for the firm and its clients.
• Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign Design studio within CannonDesign specializing in mass timber design, sustainable architecture, and high-performance building design; recognized for projects including Caltech's Resnick Sustainability Center and Kaiser Permanente's Radiation Oncology Center.

Quantifiable outcome

• 54% average energy reduction from industry benchmarks achieved through sustainable design
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ennead ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Ennead Architects, a 160-person practice renowned for uncompromising creative vision and technical sophistication, is merging with CannonDesign to become a distinct studio practicing as 'Ennead, a CannonDesign company.' The partnership brings teams in New York, Los Angeles, and Shanghai, expanding CannonDesign's global footprint and design excellence. Ennead is known for projects like the American Museum of Natural History's Rose Center, U.S. Embassy in Ankara, and Shanghai Astronomy Museum.
• Scion Advisory ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 January 2026Scion Advisory Services, a premier education consultancy specializing in residential programs for colleges and universities, joined CannonDesign. Provides services from market studies to full housing master plans and P3 transactional support, having collaborated with over 300 North American campuses.
• The Clarient GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 April 2025The Clarient Group, a leader in smart building consulting and technology engineering, merged with CannonDesign to strengthen smart building consulting, technology infrastructure design and digital experience operations. Known for work on One World Trade, Central Park Tower, and Hudson Yards.
• SRG PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024SRG Partnership, a Pacific Northwest architecture firm with studios in Portland and Seattle, merged with CannonDesign to form SRG + CannonDesign. The partnership expands reach into the Pacific Northwest for the first time and enhances impact in health, education, and sports sectors with projects like Hayward Field and Knight Cancer Research Building.
• Foster + PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoster + Partners collaborates with CannonDesign on Mayo Clinic's transformative Rochester campus redesign. The partnership leverages Foster + Partners' expertise in high-rise buildings with CannonDesign's healthcare design capabilities for revolutionary healthcare vision.
• Foster + PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCannonDesign and Foster + Partners selected as design team for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's new 30+ story Kenneth C. Griffin Pavilion in Manhattan. CannonDesign brings interior architecture and experience strategies while Foster + Partners provides high-rise building expertise.
• EDSAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal planning, landscape architecture and urban design firm EDSA partnered with CannonDesign to design the Bentonville Health Care Campus for Alice L. Walton Foundation. EDSA contributes landscape strategy and urban design expertise for the 100-acre integrated wellness campus.
• Alice L. Walton FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlice L. Walton Foundation partnered with CannonDesign and EDSA for the design of the Bentonville Health Care Campus. The Foundation's $700 million affiliation with Mercy and Heartland Whole Health Institute, with Cleveland Clinic collaboration, creates a transformative model of whole-person healthcare.
• MercycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMercy's experience in planning places of care and healing shapes building design on the Bentonville Health Care Campus, which will include a Center for Advanced Specialty Care. Mercy serves as primary teaching partner for Alice L. Walton School of Medicine.
• Cleveland CliniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCleveland Clinic brings world-class cardiovascular expertise to the Bentonville Health Care Campus partnership, collaborating with CannonDesign, Mercy, and Heartland Whole Health Institute.
• Polk Stanley Wilcox ArchitectsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArkansas-based Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects works with CannonDesign as local architects of record for the Bentonville Health Care Campus, bringing local expertise and recent work on the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine building.
• Gilbane Building CompanycoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGilbane Building Company collaborates with CannonDesign and Foster + Partners on Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus transformation, providing construction expertise for the revolutionary healthcare project.
• Gilbane Building CompanyminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGilbane Building Company collaborated with CannonDesign and Solano County on the Vacaville Cultural Center Library renovation and expansion project in California, delivering the project ahead of schedule.
• Flintco ConstructionminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFlintco Construction serves as Construction Manager for the initial phase of the Bentonville Health Care Campus project.
• NabholzminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNabholz provides large scale campus development expertise for the Bentonville Health Care Campus project.
• Walter P. MooreminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWalter P. Moore provides civil engineering services for the Bentonville Health Care Campus project.
• Yellow Brick ConsultingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYellow Brick Consulting, a leader in healthcare transition and activation, joined CannonDesign in 2025 as part of the firm's expansion of consulting capabilities.
• Christner ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChristner Architects, a St. Louis-based architecture, interiors and planning firm, merged with CannonDesign to expand design capabilities in the St. Louis region.
• Jenkins Peer ArchitectscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJenkins Peer Architects, a Charlotte-based design firm, merged with CannonDesign to strengthen Southeast presence.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Gensler: Largest global architecture and design firm with comparable multi-sector coverage (healthcare, education, workplace, sports, civic) and enterprise B2B project model. Both firms compete for the same marquee institutional clients and pursue similar M&A-driven capability expansion.
• HOK: Global architecture, engineering, and planning firm with strong healthcare, education, and science & technology practices. Directly comparable in vertical segmentation strategy and design methodology-led positioning.
• Perkins&Will: Employee-owned architecture firm with deep healthcare and education expertise and strong sustainability/LEED credentials. Closest match to CannonDesign's employee-owned structure and Living-Centered Design philosophy.
• NBBJ: Healthcare and education-focused architecture and design firm with similar enterprise project model. Competes directly for academic medical centers, research facilities, and sports venues.
• HKS Architects: Healthcare-led architecture firm with comparable scale and enterprise client engagement model. Direct competitor for large hospital systems and cancer centers across the US.
• SmithGroup: Integrated architecture, engineering, and planning firm with strong healthcare and science & technology practices. Closely comparable in scale (~1,500-2,000 staff) and integrated design delivery model.
• ZGF Architects: Pacific Northwest-based architecture firm with strong healthcare, higher education, and science practice. Direct competitor following SRG merger and comparable in LEED and sustainability credentials.

Broad incumbents

• AECOM: Global infrastructure consulting and engineering firm with a significant architecture practice (AECOM Buildings + Places). Represents the larger, more diversified competitor with broader capabilities but less design-specialist focus.
• HDR Inc. Global architecture and engineering firm with major healthcare and science practices. Comparable client roster (academic medical centers) and similar enterprise project model but with broader engineering services portfolio.
• Stantec: Global architecture, engineering, and environmental services firm with healthcare, education, and community development practices. Broader, more diversified competitor with similar enterprise B2B motion.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cannon-design
• Instagraminstagram.com/cannondesign
• Xx.com/cannondesign
• Facebookfacebook.com/378853795060

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A7 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CannonDesign