Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Community-Centered Architectural Design
At MW Studios, we are dedicated to creating community-centered designs that build vibrant, resilient spaces across Maryland and beyond. With over two decades of experience, we have established ourselves as a leading architecture firm specializing in public safety, civic, cultural, and educational projects. Our mission is to design facilities that serve as the heart of neighborhoods, understanding the profound impact these buildings have on shaping communities. We combine the latest technology with proven methods to ensure our designs meet current needs while anticipating future challenges. Each project represents an opportunity to create inspiring, enduring spaces that connect people and generations.As a full-service architectural firm, we focus on mission-critical facilities such as police and fire stations, libraries, schools, and community centers, having designed over 7 million square feet of such facilities across 20+ states. Our team of 40+ professionals operates four specialized studios, delivering innovative solutions tailored to client needs, communities, and budgets. We maintain national expertise with local insight, supporting clients from concept design through final construction. Our commitment extends beyond individual projectswe aim to build lasting relationships that strengthen communities through exceptional design.
Services
Public Safety Design
Community-Centric Architecture
Interior Design
Construction Administration
Strategic Planning
BIM Modeling
Historic Preservation
ADA Compliance
Fire Station Design
Police Facility Planning
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in public safety and community architecture.
- Our team operates four specialized design studios for tailored solutions.
- We've designed 7+ million square feet of facilities across 20+ states.
- Our principals hold national certifications from NCARB and AIA.
- We combine BIM technology with hands-on construction administration expertise.
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
- AIA
- LEED AP
What people say
Personal attention
Professional expertise
State of the art
Exceed expectations
Transforming ideas
Services
Public Safety Design
We specialize in designing mission-critical public safety facilities including fire stations, police departments, and emergency operations centers. Our expertise combines functional requirements with community needs, ensuring spaces that enhance responder efficiency while maintaining operational readiness. With over 100 completed projects nationwide, we create facilities that prioritize first responder health, safety, and long-term community impact.
Community-Centric Architecture
Our approach focuses on creating spaces that strengthen community engagement through libraries, cultural centers, and municipal buildings. We conduct stakeholder consultations to ensure designs reflect local identity while meeting practical needs. This method has successfully delivered over 200 community-focused projects that foster civic pride and long-term social impact.
BIM Modeling
We utilize advanced Building Information Modeling for precise 3D visualization and construction coordination. This technology enables virtual walkthroughs, clash detection, and energy performance analysis, reducing construction costs by up to 15%. Our BIM expertise supports seamless collaboration between clients, contractors, and design teams throughout project lifecycles.
Historic Preservation
Our preservation specialists maintain historical integrity while integrating modern functionality in courthouse renovations and landmark restorations. We balance code compliance with original design elements, having successfully completed over 30 preservation projects that extend building lifespans while honoring architectural heritage.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction phase services including quality control, contract management, and on-site coordination. Our team ensures design intent translates to physical reality through detailed specifications and change order management, consistently delivering projects within budget and schedule parameters.
People
Robert Manns
Managing Principal
Founding principal specializing in public safety architecture with 20+ years experience. Expert in fire station design and BIM implementation, holding degrees from The Catholic University of America. Serves on local fire department advisory boards and speaks nationally on first responder facility design.
David Woodward
Managing Principal
Focuses on community and educational facilities with expertise in contract administration. Holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Drexel University and teaches Revit courses. Ensures construction documentation quality through meticulous detailing and specification development.
Gary Campbell
Principal
Former construction industry professional with 12 years field experience. Specializes in public safety architecture, leading award-winning projects like Chester County Tactical Village. Combines practical knowledge with design innovation to create functional emergency response facilities.
Evan Gray
Principal
Lead designer for 30+ public safety facilities with technical expertise in complex projects. Former FEMA specialist with experience hardening facilities against natural disasters. Oversees quality assurance and construction document standards across all firm projects.
Ashley Laughter
Lead Interior Designer
CID-certified interior designer focusing on mission-critical facilities. Develops space plans and material selections that enhance occupant wellness through natural light integration and stress-reducing environments. Creates construction documents for permit and bid specifications.
Questions
What types of projects does MW Studios specialize in?
We focus on public safety facilities, community-centric buildings, and civic architecture including fire stations, police departments, libraries, and municipal facilities.
How long has MW Studios been in business?
Founded in 2008, we've completed over 200 projects across 20+ states with our team of 40+ architectural professionals.
What makes MW Studios different from other architecture firms?
Our specialized studios combine BIM technology with hands-on construction expertise, focusing exclusively on community-impact projects with national experience and local insight.
Do you work with volunteer fire departments?
Yes, we've designed facilities for both volunteer and professional departments, including renovations for single-bay stations and comprehensive training centers.
Can you help with historic building preservation?
Our team has completed over 30 historic preservation projects, maintaining architectural integrity while updating facilities for modern operational requirements and code compliance.
How do you incorporate technology into your designs?
We use BIM modeling, virtual reality walkthroughs, and energy analysis tools to optimize designs before construction begins, reducing costs and improving outcomes.
