Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Educational Architecture Firm
HMFH Architects is a nationally recognized architectural firm specializing in educational facility design that enriches human experiences and learning potential. Founded in 1969, we prioritize collaborative processes, innovative design, and meticulous attention to client needs while maintaining foundational principles of community-building and sustainability. Our work spans K-12 schools, higher education campuses, and supportive housing projects, unified by a commitment to creating spaces that connect people across diverse environments. We integrate sustainability through net-positive energy designs, healthy materials initiatives, and LEED-certified projects that address social equity and environmental stewardship.With decades of expertise, our team has earned numerous industry awards for groundbreaking achievements in educational architecture, including Boston's first LEED Platinum public school. Our iterative planning process engages stakeholders to uncover community priorities, ensuring designs reflect unique values while advancing climate action goals. As a women-owned enterprise, we champion diversity in design through scholarship programs and community outreach initiatives that cultivate future professionals in the field.
Services
Educational Architecture
Campus Master Planning
Sustainable Design
Community Engagement
Interior Design
Historic Preservation
Graphic Design
Net-Positive Energy Buildings
LEED Certification
Equity-Focused Design
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- We've designed Boston's first LEED Platinum public school and Massachusetts' first net-positive energy elementary school
- Our team includes AIA Young Architects Award recipients and sustainability leaders
- Recognized by AIA New England as Emerging Professional Friendly Firm for 2025
- 55+ years of specialized expertise in educational facility design
- Implement healthy material initiatives eliminating chemicals of concern in K-12 schools
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
What people say
Award-winning designs
Sustainability leadership
Community engagement
Equity-focused approach
Innovative learning spaces
Services
Educational Architecture
We create inspiring learning environments tailored to students' needs through collaborative design processes. Our K-12 and higher education projects integrate natural light, acoustic optimization, and flexible spaces that enhance pedagogy. With 55+ years of experience, we deliver award-winning schools that prioritize sustainability and community engagement while achieving measurable improvements in student outcomes.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability leadership includes net-positive energy buildings, healthy materials initiatives, and LEED-certified projects. We implement tunable lighting systems, green roofs, and embodied carbon reduction strategies that align with climate action goals. Through IRA tax credit expertise and life-cycle analysis, we deliver cost-effective solutions that reduce environmental impact while enhancing occupant well-being.
Campus Master Planning
We develop comprehensive campus plans that balance functional needs with long-term sustainability goals. Our approach integrates phased construction, zoning optimization, and infrastructure improvements to create cohesive learning environments. By analyzing space utilization and energy performance, we help institutions maximize resources while creating spaces that foster collaboration and community engagement.
Community Engagement
Our inclusive design process involves stakeholders through workshops, site visits, and collaborative planning sessions. We facilitate dialogue between educators, students, and community members to ensure projects reflect local values. This approach has successfully delivered award-winning schools that address specific community needs while promoting equity and social inclusion through design.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern sustainability standards. Our projects maintain historical integrity through careful material selection and adaptive reuse strategies. By combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary energy solutions, we extend building lifespans while reducing environmental impact, as demonstrated in our preservation award-winning educational facilities.
People
Laura Wernick
Principal Emeritus
With over 40 years at HMFH, Laura pioneered sustainable design practices and led major educational projects. She established the firm's women-owned certification and continues mentoring emerging professionals.
Suni Dillard
Senior Associate
AIA Young Architects Award recipient, Suni leads sustainability initiatives and serves on the BSA's Embodied Carbon series advisory team. She focuses on equitable design solutions for K-12 institutions.
Gary Brock
Senior Associate
Sustainability leader Gary develops healthy material initiatives and presents at national conferences on sustainable preservation strategies for educational facilities.
Philip 'Pip' Lewis
Principal
Recognized by Green Building & Design Magazine, Pip specializes in equity-focused design and leads the firm's Racial Equity and Diversity Committee initiatives.
Matt LaRue
Associate Principal
Promoted in 2024, Matt specializes in sustainable design solutions and led the healthy materials implementation at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School.
Questions
What educational facility types does HMFH specialize in?
We design K-12 schools, higher education campuses, career technical facilities, and supportive housing with specialized focus on learning environments.
How does HMFH incorporate sustainability into projects?
Through net-positive energy designs, healthy materials initiatives, LEED certification, and embodied carbon reduction strategies aligned with climate action goals.
What makes HMFH's design process unique?
Our collaborative approach engages stakeholders through workshops and site visits to create community-driven designs that reflect local values and needs.
Does HMFH handle historic preservation projects?
Yes, we specialize in preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern sustainability standards and functional improvements.
How does HMFH support educational equity through design?
We implement equitable design solutions, partner with schools serving diverse populations, and lead industry initiatives promoting diversity in architecture.
What awards has HMFH received for educational design?
Our projects have earned LEED Platinum certification, AIA K-12 Honor Awards, and multiple BE+ Green Building of the Year recognitions.
