Firm Overview

MDS/Miller Dyer Spears is an architecture, planning and interior design firm creating environments that drive change. Based in Boston, we work with leading institutions, schools, public agencies, non-profit organizations, developers, and communities. What sets our firm apart is our proactive design approach that seeks to enrich the experience of all who will occupy the buildings and spaces we create.

Our firm was established in 1993 and is a Women Business Enterprise (WBE), certified by the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office. We recognize a talented and diverse staff is essential to the success of our planning and design projects and are proud these values are reflected in all levels of our firm.

Contributing a wide range of design expertise, our accomplished staff include accredited professionals in LEED, WELL, Evidence-Based Design and Passive House Design. Our team also includes Specifications Writers, Certified Documents Technologists, and a range of technical architects who bring third‑party oversight and quality assurance to our projects.

DESIGN + PLANNING METHODOLOGY

Focus on Quality

Our clients rely on us as trusted advisers and value our clear, open communication style. We begin each project by listening and developing an in-depth understanding of our clients' organization and mission. We explore ways to further our clients' broader goals, while addressing specific project needs. We anticipate challenges and advise on ways to prioritize scope, meet regulatory requirements, adapt existing facilities to new uses, optimize building performance, and enhance user wellness and comfort. We seek simple, elegant solutions that provide long-term value. 

Innovation, Learning, Creativity + Wellness

Beyond meeting programmatic requirements, we strive to create environments that foster innovation, learning, creativity and wellness. We understand how social interaction improves learning and engagement and how social spaces spark collaboration and productivity in learning environments, research labs and workplaces. We value a creative challenge and seek to craft spaces that address these human factors and help our clients' programs thrive.

Prioritizing User Health

Enriching the experience of those who will occupy the buildings and spaces we design is the foundation of our approach. We are committed to designing environments that support user wellness and comfort, in addition to promoting energy and water efficiency, use of recycled materials, and responsible waste management. As a signatory of the Architecture 2030 Commitment, we have established procedures for modeling building performance. MDS is also a Living Product 50 (LP50) Member and supports transparency and optimization of products, manufacturing operations and supply chains. We encourage an integrated design process and seek solutions that are appropriate for each project's unique context and programmatic goals. 

Experts in Architectural Technology

Creating buildings that will stand the test of time, not only aesthetically but physically, is core to our mission. Our team of specialized architects stay abreast of trends in the design and construction industries, and implement those with a proven record of success. We make extensive use of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and related technologies as a design tool to streamline our process, facilitate a shared understanding of the design, and support integrated project delivery. We continually seek ways to incorporate new technologies into our practice with the aim of providing durable, high performance, and cost effective buildings.