NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, welcomes A.J. Montero as the new National Design Leader of Healthcare. A.J. comes to NELSON with over 25 years of experience designing, directing, and managing the development of complex building projects for top healthcare institutions, commercial developers, and city governments. His extensive background is a valuable asset in developing and increasing NELSON’s healthcare portfolio and providing the team with a sense of renewal and invigoration.

“A.J. has a broad spectrum of capabilities that will be essential in elevating NELSON’s presence in the healthcare sector,“ says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at NELSON Worldwide, John “Ozzie” Nelson Jr. “His background and expertise in market and project leadership, coupled with his ability to connect the dots across disciplines, will push the boundaries of traditional healthcare design—an exciting and valuable asset to have on our team.” 

A.J.’s expertise resides in healthcare, sciences, education, civic, and corporate. His work is distinguished for balancing his clients’ aspirational and business objectives and stems from an integrated process in which urban design, landscape, and architecture converge to realize a holistic framework for design. With a global resume and perspective, A.J.’s approach originates from the belief that the best projects result from an inclusive design process that prioritizes solutions and reflects our society by supporting diverse people groups. A.J. has completed projects ranging from a 1.7 million-square-foot Medical Center in New Orleans to a three million-square-foot cancer center for the Ministry of Health in Kuwait.

“I am motivated by the ability to impact communities, and this ethos has helped shape my work for a variety of influential clients,” says A.J. “The platform that NELSON has created will allow me to apply these principles to a wider audience and touch communities in need. I am excited, eager, and looking forward to this next chapter of my career.” 

A.J. is nationally and internationally recognized for his award-winning architectural design and has received over 25 AIA Awards. He has a keen interest in developing health and education systems in emerging countries and speaks extensively about these subjects at conferences worldwide. His work has been featured in Architectural Record, Architect, The Atlantic, and Esquire.