VTBS History

The primary goal of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh (VTBS Architects) is to provide meaningful design solutions that effectively respond to the needs of our clients and the inhabitants of our buildings, while respecting the sensitive balance of community and the environment. The firm is widely acknowledged as a creative design firm with substantial technical abilities in designing a wide range of retail, commercial office and interiors, educational facilities, residential, retirement, masterplanning and mixed-use projects.

Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh (VTBS Architects) was founded in 1994 by Johannes Van Tilburg, FAIA, L. Gustaf Soderbergh, AIA, and Navy F. Banvard, AIA. The three founding Principals are formerly of Johannes Van Tilburg & Partners, a firm founded by Van Tilburg in 1971. Additional Principals within the firm, Lucia H. Chang, AIA, LEED AP, is the Senior Designer and William A. Nishita, AIA, is the Senior Technical Advisor. Dennis T. DiBiase, AIA, LEED AP and expert in the design of Senior Living communities was named Principal in 2013. The six Principals have worked together for over twenty-five years and represent cumulative architectural experience of more than 150 years. Each Principal contributes to VTBS Architects in diverse ways that form a broad foundation for the practice of architecture.

VTBS Architects has over 60 employees in California and Colorado. Within the organizational structure of the firm, the Principals rely heavily on a talented group of partners and associates in our Santa Monica headquarters, Denver and San Francisco offices.