HMFH Architects

HMFH is an architecture firm committed to creating spaces that elevate users’ experience. While each of our projects is different in its response to context and program, we are unified by our approach, which is predicated on a belief that the best architecture builds community. We design spaces that connect people­—whether across a campus, in a civic building, public or private institution, living or working space.

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 innovative approach to school 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 fresh air. Their work expanded to include other public building types, commercial facilities and housing that revitalized urban neighborhoods.

In 1984, the firm was reorganized under the leadership of John Miller, Stephen Friedlaender, Mario Torroella, and George Metzger and renamed HMFH Architects. Through major projects including Penn High School in Indiana, Brewster Elementary School and the Baldwin School, HMFH established a national reputation for thoughtful educational design and creating lasting buildings that continue to delight and inspire each new generation of students.

Today, with an expanded leadership and certification as a Women-Owned Business (WBE), HMFH has broadened its focus to include a range of academic and institutional clients. Not surprisingly, the same innovative design, tenacity, exacting attention to detail and client service that distinguished its early practice, continues to guide the firm as it embraces new models of practice, technology and sustainability.

1969

Hill Miller Friedlaender Hollander founded.

1971

Firm renovates former Cambridge apple factory for new offices

1976

Firm's first new school, Brewster Elementary Schools, opens and receives HMFH's first Walter Taylor award

1980

Architectural Record features three HMFH projects: Charlestown High School, Brewster Elementary and East Cambridge Fire Station

1984

John Miller, Stephen Friedlaender, Mario Torroella, and George Metzger take on leadership of renamed HMFH Architects

1988

City Magnet School in Lowell featured on NBC

1994

Butler Middle School wins 4th Walter Taylor Award for HMFH

1995

Baldwin School opens to chorus of praise from community and design juries

1998

Laura Wernick joins John, Steve, George and Mario as principal

1999

MacDonald Middle school opens at McCallie School in Chattanooga, a new model for independent schools

2002

MATCH School in Boston wins Preservation Alliance Award

2004

Sustainable Capuano Early Childhood Center wins HMFH’s 6th Walter Taylor Award

2008

HMFH transforms part of Harvard’s historic Paine Hall for a specialized music program

2009

Pip Lewis and Lori Cowles become principals

2011

Boston Renaissance Charter Public School wins Preservation Alliance Award

2011

Julia Nugent is promoted to Principal

2014

Laura Wernick elevated to AIA College of Fellows

2015

HMFH earns certification as a Woman-Owned Business (WBE)

2017

Tina Stanislaski is promoted to Principal

2019

HMFH celebrates its 50th anniversary

Our
Services

  • Architecture
  • Master Planning
  • Campus Planning
  • Educational Programming
  • Interior Design
  • Graphic Design
  • Community Engagement
  • Expert Witness

Selected
Clients

  • Andover, MA, Public Schools
  • Arlington, MA, Public Schools
  • Bard College
  • Beaver Country Day School
  • Berklee College of Music
  • Boston Latin School
  • Boston University
  • Bristol County Agricultural High School
  • Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School
  • Brookline, MA, Public Schools
  • Cambridge Community TV
  • Cambridge, MA, Public Schools
  • Cambridge Housing Authority
  • Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School
  • City of Boston, MA
  • Concord, NH, Public Schools
  • Dover, NH, School District
  • Framingham State University
  • Glen Urquhart School
  • The Gordon School
  • Harvard University
  • Lowell Community Charter Public School
  • MATCH Charter High School
  • Medford, MA, Public Schools
  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  • Newport, RI, Public Schools
  • Providence Country Day School
  • The Rashi School
  • The Roeper School
  • Saugus, MA, Public Schools
  • UMass Amherst
  • UMass Lowell
  • Westborough, MA, Public Schools
  • Weymouth, MA, Public Schools
  • Williams College