Business Details
49 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural & Landscape Design Services in East Grand Rapids
MCSA Group was founded in 1977 as M.C. Smith & Associates, Inc. by Michael C. Smith. In 1983, we expanded our expertise to include architectural and landscape architectural services for high-profile projects. As a woman-owned small business since 2017, we operate from East Grand Rapids, Michigan, delivering specialized design solutions for public housing, government facilities, parks, sports venues, historic rehabilitation, and commercial developments. Our team collaborates with consultants in surveying, engineering, and traffic analysis to provide comprehensive planning, design, and project management. We prioritize creative, budget-conscious approaches that maintain quality and sustainability. Our detailed construction documentation and rigorous project oversight ensure competitive bidding, minimal change orders, and timely project completion.We focus on enhancing public spaces through designs that balance development needs with environmental stewardship, creating durable, cost-effective solutions. With decades of experience and a commitment to community-focused design, we serve federal, state, and municipal clients across Michigan. Our principals include licensed professionals in architecture and landscape architecture, ensuring technical excellence and regulatory compliance. We remain dedicated to advancing sustainable practices while maintaining transparency and accountability in all client engagements.
Services
Architectural Design
Landscape Architecture
Public Housing
Historic Rehabilitation
Sports Facilities
Master Planning
Site Lighting
Signage Design
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in architectural and landscape design.
- Our firm became a certified woman-owned business in 2017.
- We provide comprehensive services for public, government, and commercial projects.
- Our designs prioritize sustainability and budget-conscious solutions.
- We ensure project success through detailed documentation and rigorous oversight.
Services
Architectural Design
We create functional, sustainable architectural designs for public housing, government buildings, and commercial developments. Our team delivers code-compliant solutions tailored to client needs and environmental contexts. With expertise in historic rehabilitation, we preserve structural integrity while modernizing facilities for contemporary use.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture services focus on parks, trails, waterfronts, and recreational areas. We design accessible, ecologically responsible outdoor environments that enhance community engagement. Specializing in boardwalks, plazas, and sports facilities, we integrate sustainable materials and stormwater management strategies.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans for parks, recreation areas, and urban developments. Our data-driven approach includes facility assessments and community input to create long-term visions. We balance growth with environmental protection, ensuring adaptable, future-ready land-use strategies.
Historic Rehabilitation
We specialize in restoring historic buildings while meeting modern functionality requirements. Our team meticulously preserves architectural details and materials. Projects include adaptive reuse of landmarks like the Wren Building and Gerald Ford Job Corps Center, maintaining cultural significance for future generations.
Sports Facilities
We design sports fields, stadiums, and recreational complexes optimized for performance and spectator experience. Our work includes university athletic facilities and community parks. We incorporate sustainable drainage systems, accessible pathways, and energy-efficient lighting for multi-use sports environments.
People
Tiffany A. Smith
Landscape Architectural Principal
Licensed landscape architect with expertise in public parks and sustainable site design. Leads projects focusing on community engagement and ecological restoration. Holds degrees from Michigan State University and 20+ years of regional project experience.
Melinda Whitten
Landscape Architectural Principal
Specializes in waterfront parks and trail systems. Advocates for accessible green spaces that connect communities with natural resources. Graduated from Grand Valley State University with advanced certifications in sustainable design practices.
Jolanta Stecka
Architectural Principal
Licensed architect with focus on public housing and government facilities. Expert in historic preservation and energy-efficient building systems. Holds a Master of Architecture from University of Detroit Mercy and 25+ years in municipal projects.
Kathleen Waters
Architectural Principal
Specializes in commercial and institutional buildings. Committed to creating functional spaces that reflect client identity. Graduated from Lawrence Technological University with emphasis on modern construction technologies and accessibility standards.
Questions
What architectural services does MCSA Group offer?
We provide architectural design for public housing, government buildings, historic rehabilitation, and commercial developments.
Do you specialize in landscape architecture?
Yes, we design parks, trails, sports facilities, and sustainable outdoor spaces with environmental stewardship.
Is MCSA Group a certified woman-owned business?
Yes, we became a certified woman-owned small business in 2017.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Michigan communities including Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Traverse City.
How does MCSA Group ensure project quality?
Through detailed documentation, rigorous oversight, and collaboration with engineering consultants.
