Happy 56thBirthday NBRSHappy 56th Birthday NBRS

Happy 56^th birthday NBRS. A practice that started its humble beginnings in 1968 as a partnership between Namibian born Noel Bell and Chinese born Ridley Smith named Noel Bell Ridley Smith and Partners to the NBRS of today.

Since its early days NBRS has always had a people-centered approach looking at how we could use our expertise to help change people’s lives for the better across Australia. With projects as early as St John’s village (1968), to the upgrades in George Street coinciding with the Olympic Games (1998). Contemporary functional design of Circular Quay (2002). New Life Anglican church Oran Park unifying the community (2014). Presbyterian Ladies’ College Junior school replacement (2018). Dillwynnia correctional Centre expansion (2020). Aspendale Life Saving club building replacement (2022). Sutherland hospital redevelopment (2024) and South Melbourne Town Hall renewal and upgrade (ongoing).

NBRS continues to improve people’s lives, earning recognition from the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA). Winning the 2019 Educational Architecture Award for the Taronga Institute of Science and Learning (2018) and a Commendation in the 2024 NSW AIA Awards for the Pavilion Performing Arts Centre Sutherland, in Public Architecture and Sustainability categories.

While putting our people front and center, celebrating their accomplishments and work through our Wine and Design events or just catching up with each other on a Friday for after work drinks.

NBRS has continued to keep a people focused mindset using our people across Architecture, Heritage, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture to creatively help and improve the gathering experiences in Community, Education, Wellness and Secure Spaces sectors. Happy Birthday!

If you would like to know more, please contact James Ward via email at

James.Ward@nbrs.com.au