In the early years, both the Ellerbe and Becket firms helped establish twentieth century American architecture as a formidable force throughout the world. In their planning and design process, they challenged the norm by developing systems that elevate the quality of the built environment, sustaining businesses, communities, and individual well being. The two organizations, both individually and together, have focused on designing buildings that uniquely reflect the client and context, can adapt to future change, and have stood the test of time.