Our Story
Whether in your home, office or out in your community, the walls that surround you must be safe, structurally sound and sustainable.
It’s our job to make that happen.
The National Institute of Building Sciences is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization that supports advances in building science and technology. We were established by the U.S. Congress in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Public Law 93-383. Congress recognized the need for an organization to serve as an interface between government and the private sector – one that serves as a resource to those who plan, design, procure, construct, use, operate, maintain, renovate, and retire physical facilities.
We bring together experts from throughout the building industry, design, architecture, construction, and government. We lead conversations to ensure our buildings and communities remain safe, and we work to seek consensus solutions to mutual problems of concern.
A balanced blend of public and private financing supports NIBS' mission. Private sector contributions, membership dues, events, and publication sales are augmented with contracts and grants from federal and state agencies. These funds support programs that have brought together the nation's finest expertise to identify and resolve issues affecting the building process.
Meet the Board
NIBS is directed by a 21-member Board of Directors. Fifteen members are elected, and six members are appointed by the President of the United States, subject to the approval by the U.S. Senate.
Board Member
College of Engineering and Architecture, Howard University, Washington, DC
Board Member
State of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Hyde Park, NY
Board Member
Natural Hazards Center and Department of Sociology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO
Board Member
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Michael Baker International
WHAT OUR MEMBERS HAVE TO SAY
It has been an interesting journey. I started with NIBS, as I was interested in the work of the BIM Council. I wanted to keep up with the current practices and trajectories of BIM and where it was envisioned to go. It is rewarding and inspiring to be involved in the industry transformation at this scale.
Carrie Dossick, Associate Dean of Research
University of Washington's College of Built Environments
BSI is a leading global standards, certification, and testing body with its head office in London. In 2021, BSI established an exciting partnership with the National Institute of Building Sciences. Our relationship started with a strategic goal to implement and standardize building information modelling (BIM) in the U.S. The partnership enables and strengthens collaboration between the U.S. and UK, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and best practice to promote the use of standards across the BE sector. We value our partnership with NIBS and look forward to more collaboration and thought leadership going forward.
Anne-Marie Pizzitelli
Global Head of Marketing, Built Environment Sector, BSI
NIBS is the most comprehensive organization for the built environment, and I have experienced amazing events that push the industry forward in very meaningful and actionable ways. The depth of the experience and reach of the community that envelops the entire ecosystem for this industry is unmatched. I care deeply about the construction industry. If you are looking for knowledge and innovation that motivates, while understanding business risks in a very practical way, become a member of NIBS.
Nancy Novak, Chief Innovation Officer
Compass Datacenters
Strengthening the resilience of our built environment is a team sport. NIBS plays a critical role in advancing resilience by bringing together stakeholders from a variety of industries – including finance, insurance, real estate, and academia – to facilitate critical conversations, foster innovation, and generate solutions to thorny challenges.
Anne Cope, Chief Engineer
IBHS
As an active construction code professional for the past 25 years, I find NIBS uniquely positioned to provide the built environment an invaluable resource. The work performed provides unseen benefits across the country … what an honor it is to serve and be a part of a group of individuals who selflessly work to improve codes and standards to ensure a better tomorrow.
Scott McDonald, Director
Department of Development Services, City of Denton
Industry Recognition
Explore our Councils
NIBS operates eight volunteer bodies, including seven councils and the WBDG workgroup. Each group retains a special focus and is governed by a voluntary board with nationally recognized leaders in appropriate disciplines. Our councils and workgroup include:
