Co-founded in 1995 by architect William McDonough, MBDC is at the forefront of advocating for the Cradle to Cradle Design™ philosophy. The firm emphasizes designing products and processes that celebrate clean renewable energy and diversity, aiming for a positive impact on both people and the planet. MBDC’s work led to the creation of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program, now managed by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, setting a global standard for products that aspire to be more than just ”less bad”. As pioneers of this sustainable design framework, MBDC collaborates with clients to develop products that are safe, circular, and beneficial for a thriving future.


We conceived and launched the Cradle to Cradle Certified Product Standard which is now administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, co-founded by William McDonough. Today, the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute is available to the public as an independent, third-party, peer-reviewed program, spurring innovation on a global scale. It sets, develops and maintains the global standard through a multi-stakeholder process that is continuously evolving. 


Work with us

  • William McDonough

    Manager and Co-Founder

  • Michelle Molloy

    Managing Director

  • Jay Bolus

    Senior Chemist

  • Ieva Juska

    Senior Director, General Assessment Lead

  • Kolton Kitterman

    Senior Technical Director, Material Health Lead

  • Alicea Meredith

    Senior Environmental Toxicologist

  • Morgan Tassone

    Director, Operations and Quality Assurance Lead

  • Emma Cronin

    Senior Project Manager

  • Elyse Harris

    Senior Project Manager

  • Celeste Weaver

    Director of Visual Communications

  • Katherine Weiss

    Communications Associate

Our Sister Companies

MBDC collaborates with sister companies William McDonough + Partners and McDonough Innovation to provide clients with holistic solutions — including design, product and material procurement, and high-level advising.

William McDonough + Partners

William McDonough + Partners lead design teams in the definition of a project vision and building concept design, working closely with William McDonough to bring his design concepts into reality. WM+P are architects, planners and leaders in sustainable design, providing a framework for an environmentally driven approach to building design and a process to execute it.

McDonough Innovation

Through McDonough Innovation, William McDonough provides targeted ideas, product concepts and solutions to a wide range of sustainable growth issues faced by governments, companies and NGOs. Through collaboration with WM+P, his values-driven approach helps nations and companies embed sustainable growth principles into their culture and to advance progress toward their positive vision.