Nova — An Architectural and Engineering Leader with Ukrainian Roots
IT ClusterNova is an architectural and engineering company specializing in comprehensive civil design projects in the USA. Since 2016, the company has been providing services in hotel and multi-purpose design, actively utilizing BIM (Building Information Modeling) technologies to optimize and automate processes.
The headquarters of Nova is located in New York, but the heart of the company lies in its talented team in Ukraine. This team boasts extensive experience and actively raises quality standards in their field. The company successfully collaborates with leading architectural and engineering firms in the United States and already has dozens of successful projects in its portfolio worldwide.
A Strong Ukrainian Team and Global Growth
Mastermind began as a startup within the architectural and design company Nova. Currently, the entire team is focused on the global expansion of Nova in the U.S. market. While the team does not rule out developing products similar to Mastermind in the future, the priorities and goals have shifted for now.
Today, Nova comprises 115 employees, the majority of whom work in Ukraine. Thanks to their high level of expertise, the company continues to grow rapidly, with 40 new specialists joining the team in 2024 alone. Nova operates three offices across two continents, located in Kharkiv, Lviv, and New York.
«We never stop learning and teaching» is Nova’s motto, which allows the company to grow and attract new talented Ukrainian specialists to international projects.
Most employees in the USA, Ukraine, and Mexico work remotely, supported by the IT department, which ensured proper remote work conditions since the beginning of the pandemic.
Despite the challenges of war, Nova continues to grow and invest in its employees. In 2024, the company launched a program to support staff during blackouts: offices were equipped with generators, Starlink terminals, backup communication channels, and a home compensation program was introduced. Additionally, financial support is provided, and jobs are secured for those serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Employees also regularly donate blood and participate in humanitarian aid efforts for those affected by the war in Kharkiv and Donetsk regions.
Nova actively participates in international events and conferences, such as the AIA conference in Washington, and workshops with colleagues in the USA (Miami, Dallas). This helps the company stay up to date with the latest trends in architecture and engineering while strengthening its reputation internationally.
Business Scaling and Investment in Employee Development
Even in these challenging times, Nova maintains an active corporate life. Employees participate in yoga classes, developmental lectures, and running clubs, and receive compensation for sports activities. Team-building events, both online and offline, are also organized to strengthen the team spirit.
Nova offers four main training areas that allow employees to continuously grow:
- Technical Training. Newcomers undergo adaptation programs for working in the US market. Each department holds lectures, practical tasks, tests, and live discussions with mentors. Senior engineers and architects also have access to regular courses for further qualification.
- BIM Technologies. Regular BIM discussions are held in each department, and training is organized by BIM masters.
- Leadership School and PM School. Employees have the opportunity to participate in an annual program for developing soft skills (personal effectiveness, time management, people management, leadership, emotional intelligence). This year, 26 participants have already completed the program.
- English Language. Six groups for different levels of proficiency are available, along with a Native English Tutor to improve language skills among employees.
With a well-developed onboarding system and support from HR and mentors, Nova ensures a high level of employee engagement. As a result, over 80% of the company’s managers have risen from within.
Future Plans
In 2025, Nova plans to expand its activities and implement a Corporate University to attract new talent and increase the appeal of the engineering profession among youth.
Nova is an example of a company successfully combining innovation, technology, and employee development. Thanks to its strong Ukrainian team, which has managed to adapt to global challenges, Nova continues to lead the international architectural and engineering services market. Their approach to training, supporting innovation, and corporate development allows the company to stay ahead and attract the best industry specialists. With active expansion and the recruitment of new talent, Nova aims to strengthen its influence in the global architectural and engineering community.