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An obscure government bureau with a $7B portfolio could be commissioning embassies around the world
Over 20 architecture firms made the short list to design projects for the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations
The Bureau of Overseas Building Operations, the State Department division in charge of the constructing and designing American embassies abroad, seems to be readying itself to award some new contracts.
The bureau solicited submissions from more than 130 architecture firms and recently released the shortlist of 26 selected firms who will now advance to the second stage of the contract process, which involves assembling a technical team and an interview. According to the Architect’s Newspaper, the 26 firms are now authorized to design new buildings or upgrades for the bureau.
Among the 26 are Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Gensler, HOK, Robert A.M. Stern Architects and SHoP Architects.
Managing 285 American missions worldwide, the bureau’s portfolio is worth over $7 billion and, at the start of the year, had 52 ongoing projects. [The Architect’s Newspaper] — E.K. Hudson