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Mission Statement

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"We design spaces that heal, inspire and empower our community"

About Us

NPB Design Studio, a seven-time award-winning, BBB-certified, and BBB4Good verified design firm, is driven by a mission to craft spaces that are both purposeful and sustainable. Under the visionary leadership of Samia Khair and Noura Bishay, the studio has earned acclaim for its innovative design philosophy, seamlessly blending creativity with a strong sense of social responsibility. Our Services include Sustainable ADU Design, Healing interior design and Sanctuary Landscape Design. 

What truly distinguishes NPB Design Studio is its unwavering commitment to social impact. By integrating principles of social enterprise and offering personalized concierge design services, the studio actively contributes to positive change within the community. With a core focus on healing, inspiring, and empowering, NPB Design Studio embraces a client-centered approach that transcends aesthetics, ensuring each space serves a higher purpose.

At NPB Design Studio, we believe in actions that speak louder than words. That's why we've established five impactful initiatives - Alternative Housing, She Makes History Award, Tables of Hope, Gardens of Hope, and the Park-to-Bay Project. These initiatives are our way of demonstrating our genuine care and commitment to the community we serve.

Together, we're more than just a design studio; we're a catalyst for lasting positive change, leaving a meaningful imprint on the lives of those we touch. Join us in this transformative journey of purposeful design and collective betterment.

Noura Bishay
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Noura Bishay at Construction Site

California is grappling with a severe housing crisis, marked by soaring prices and limited availability of affordable homes. In the face of this daunting challenge, one potential remedy has emerged: additional dwelling units (ADUs). These secondary housing units, built on existing residential properties, offer a viable solution to the crisis. By utilizing unused space in backyards or converting existing structures, ADUs provide immediate relief by increasing the housing supply without the need for extensive new construction. They offer affordable housing options for individuals and families, generate additional rental income for homeowners, and promote more sustainable land use. ADUs hold great promise in addressing California's housing crisis by expanding housing options and fostering inclusive communities.

She Makes History Award Ceremony collage 2023

She Makes History is a groundbreaking initiative that is empowering women to shape the future and make their mark in history. Founded by a group of visionary women, She Makes History is dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment through education, leadership development, and community engagement. Through its innovative programs and initiatives, She Makes History is breaking down barriers, challenging societal norms, and creating opportunities for women to excel in their chosen fields.

With a focus on inclusivity, diversity, and intersectionality, She Makes History is making strides toward a more equitable and inclusive world where women are recognized for their contributions and achievements. She Makes History is a trailblazer, inspiring women of all ages and backgrounds to be agents of change and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Table of Hope Lemon Grove

Gardens of Hope is a transformative initiative that uses the power of nature to heal, inspire, and empower individuals and communities. With a mission to create therapeutic and sustainable garden spaces, Gardens of Hope provides spaces for people to connect with nature, engage in therapeutic gardening activities, and find solace and renewal. Through its innovative programs and initiatives, Gardens of Hope is making a positive impact on mental health, physical well-being, and community resilience. From creating community gardens in urban areas to offering gardening therapy for individuals facing physical or mental health challenges, Gardens of Hope is a beacon of hope, nurturing growth and fostering a sense of community connection.

 

Gardens of Hope demonstrates how the simple act of gardening can bring healing, inspiration, and empowerment to individuals and communities alike, cultivating a brighter future for all.

 

Our neighbors generously contributed their backyards, and together we will create charming community gardens aimed at providing an abundance of organic, fresh produce. We are committed to sustainability, evident in our Garden of Hope, where we employ recycled materials such as wood, cardboard, and compost. Our environmentally conscious practices extend to our efficient drip irrigation system, as well as the nourishment our plants receive from the fishpond. Additionally, our community actively donates surplus plants, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collaboration.

The Table of Hope is a grassroots initiative that embodies the power of community resilience. It began with a simple act of volunteering and has grown into a movement that provides food and support to those in need. Through the dedication and resourcefulness of its founder and team of volunteers, the Table of Hope has become a beacon of hope for individuals and families facing food insecurity during the pandemic. It has created a sense of community, bringing people together to support each other and create positive change.

 

The Table of Hope is a shining example of how resilience, compassion, and unity can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who are struggling, showcasing the power of human kindness and community spirit. The Table of Hope is a food-sharing table open 24/7 for the community during the pandemic. It served over 1000 families and rescued tons of food each week from more than 10 organizations.

Cheryl's Garden of Hope
Park-to-Bay Project - San Diego

Our Founder

Noura Bishay

Noura P. Bishay is an acclaimed urban designer celebrated for her exceptional leadership and advocacy for social impact and equity-driven design. Her distinguished portfolio features transformative projects like the Park-to-Bay Project, 14th Street Promenade, AIA Housing the Next 1 Million (AIA-HN1M), and Kearny Mesa city.

 

Beyond her impressive technical skills, Bishay is known for her compassionate commitment to underserved communities, infusing empathy into her urban designs to prioritize community needs. Her designs foster safety, freedom, happiness, and inclusive living, championing community history, tradition, and authenticity. Her approach advocates for communities rather than mere commissions, building resilience and reflecting the democratic spirit. Inspired by Jane Jacobs, Bishay's role as a community activist and changemaker has garnered recognition such as the Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize and Inclusive and Diverse Leadership in Action Award.

Holding a master's degree in Architecture, Bishay artfully combines compassion with design, leaving a meaningful impact. Her extensive background includes over 90 projects in Egypt and the USA, supported by multiple scholarships and accolades, showcasing her commitment to creating spaces that resonate with purpose.

The Park-to-Bay project has a compelling vision to inspire, heal, and empower community resiliency by fostering deep connections between individuals, communities, nature, art, history, culture, and tradition. Anchored by a green corridor and a linear park, the project aims to create a healthier environment that enhances San Diego's image and livability. With a span of 2.1 miles, it reunites three previously divided underserved communities (Golden Hill, Southeastern San Diego, and Barrio Logan) along 25th Street and Cesar E. Chavez Parkway.

 

By linking prominent parks like Balboa Park, Grant Hill Park, Chicano Park, and Cesar E Chavez Park, it establishes a continuous city park system that addresses environmental, recreational, social, and transportation injustices often faced by underserved communities. The project's anticipated outcomes extend beyond imagination, as it stimulates economic growth, boosts real estate values, encourages entrepreneurship, and supports tourism while reducing the burden of chronic disease.

 

Socially, it promotes social cohesion, vibrant communities, and inclusive decision-making. Environmentally, it contributes to carbon footprint reduction through the planting of over 3,000 trees, while fostering active transportation and incorporating innovative practices in green energy, water reuse, recycling, and waste reclamation.

Noura Bishay Headshot

Urban Design and Drafting Services- San Diego & OC 

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