Inspiring a culture of learning.
HMFH is nationally recognized for our design of educational facilities that enrich the human experience and the learning potential of each individual student. While every project is different in its response to context and program, all are unified by our collaborative approach and belief that the best architecture builds community. We create spaces that connect people—whether across a campus, in an urban setting, or within the academic environment.
HMFH is a women-owned architectural firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The collaborative process, innovative design, and exacting attention to detail and client service that distinguished our early practice remain foundational to our firm today. Through partnerships with our clients and colleagues, we discover new ways to advance design equity, by challenging our assumptions, reflecting on our past efforts, and evolving new approaches while remaining committed to our common purpose of designing for enduring, positive outcomes.
- Architecture
- Master Planning
- Campus Planning
- Educational Programming
- Interior Design
- Graphic Design
- Community Engagement
- Expert Witness
Our History
Our story begins in 1969, when three young classmates from the Harvard Graduate School of Design launched a firm with their mentor, Walter Hill, a well-known school designer. The new firm, Hill Miller Friedlaender Hollander was quickly recognized for its integrated approach to school planning and design, winning awards for the iconic Brewster Elementary School and Charlestown High School. The young firm’s projects were distinguished for their humanizing scale, invigorating use of color, natural light, and programmatic clarity.
In 1984, the firm was reorganized as HMFH Architects under the leadership of John Miller, Stephen Friedlaender, Mario Torroella, and George Metzger. Through significant projects like Penn High School in Indiana, the Chelsea, MA schools, as well as significant design awards from national educational organizations, HMFH expanded its reputation for integrated educational planning and design that delight and inspire each new generation of students.
“It’s all about people… the needs of end-users, the vision of clients and the creativity of colleagues… good architecture is a collaborative process that evolves and engages.”
George Metzger, AIA | Principal Emeritus