Niles Bolton Associates Celebrates 50 Years of Design
Niles Bolton Associates (NBA) proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary. For half a century, NBA has helped shape communities across the nation and around the world with thoughtful, innovative, and sustainable design solutions.
Since 1975, when Niles Bolton launched the firm from his house, NBA has evolved from its Atlanta roots into a national force shaping architecture, landscape design, planning, and interiors across 49 states and 16 countries. Now led by 22 partners, NBA has earned the title of the nation’s top student housing design firm by Building Design + Construction, while leaving its mark on multifamily residences, universities, retail, corporate spaces, aviation, and hospitality projects—each infused with bold creativity and a relentless drive for quality.
Over the years, NBA has been privileged to contribute to landmark projects that reflect both design excellence and social impact. Notable work includes the 1996 Olympic Village in Atlanta, Georgia, the nation’s first LEED-certified apartment community in Silver Spring, Maryland, and most recently, Flamingo Crossings Village in Orlando, Florida, a 10,440-bed campus for Walt Disney World’s new home for its College Intern Program.
Reflecting on this milestone, Founder Niles Bolton shared, “When I started this firm, I never imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. It’s been an honor to work with so many talented professionals and visionary clients who believed in our designs and trusted us with their ideas. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our work—it’s a celebration of the relationships we’ve built and the communities we’ve had the privilege to serve.”
Looking ahead to the future, President Jeff Smith commented, “As we celebrate our 50th year, we are filled with gratitude and fueled by excitement for what’s next. Our foundation is strong, our team is inspired, and our vision for the future is bold. We are embracing new technologies, exploring new markets, and innovating with purpose to create economical, sustainable, meaningful spaces for generations to come.”
NBA extends a heartfelt thank you to the clients, partners, and communities who have trusted the firm with their visions over the past five decades. Their creativity, courage, and collaboration have made this journey possible.
As the firm steps into the next 50 years, it does so with deep appreciation for its past and unwavering enthusiasm for the future of design. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our staff, clients, and friends all year long.