Robert Nichols

Executive Director

World Deaf Architecture, Inc.


As Executive Director of the Board of World Deaf Architecture, Inc., Robert and his co-founders have established a new group - World Deaf Architecture (WDA) as nonprofit organization within the meaning of Section 503 (c) 3 in 2016 - which becomes involved within AIA knowledge communities. He is now Past President after he had been running for four years as President of WDA. The new group is specifically for professional architects and designers who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing (designated as D/HH). WDA endeavors to bring together American and International D/HH architects and designers to provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and education worldwide.

Nichols Design Associates, Inc., founded in 1993 by a hearing loss Robert Nichols, he works closely with the private client and other appropriate non-profit organizations to create sustainable, universal design, contemporary design, planning, and deaf environmental advisory solutions for residential, historical, commercial interiors, and state government.

For over 35-year experience working in the private design firm, my expert on the design consulting service is a consequence of continually striving to learn and listen to clients and train to deliver the highest level of our work possible.

His firm was awarded the 2023 Bronze award in the Kitchen from Qualified Remodeler's 45th annual Master Design Awards, 2020 German Design Award, 2017 Silver Trophy A’ Design, 2014 Good Practice from Design for All Foundation, and Commendation Award for Accessible Design in Public Architecture from Massachusetts Architectural Access Board in 2005, Honorable Mention for outstanding recognition in the New Public Space Competition from AIA-Western New York Chapter in 1998, Pro Bono Public Award from the Washington Architectural Foundation in 1997, and NEA Excellence in Universal Design Award in 1986.

He received a B.Arch. Degree in Architecture and M.Arch. Degree in Urban Design from Cornell University in 1981.