MMA Blog

Shape the Inspired

Year in Review | 2025

Emily Godefroid By: Emily Godefroid

As the year comes to a close, we pause with gratitude for the people, projects, and partnerships that shaped another meaningful chapter at Mackey Mitchell Architects. This year was marked by curiosity in our work, care in our relationships, and a shared belief in design as a way to support learning, connection, and community.

Creativity and collaboration guided us forward as we explored new ideas, advanced projects across the country, welcomed new team members, and celebrated milestones that reflect both continuity and growth. Through it all, we were reminded that our best work emerges when curiosity leads and gratitude grounds us.

Celebrating Project Successes

Two consistent measures guide our work: the trust of valued repeat clients and the quality of the environments we help bring to life.

This year marked the completion of the University of Wyoming’s Student Housing Renewal Project, Phase 1, advancing a campus-wide effort to modernize residential life. At the University of Oklahoma, McCasland Residence Hall opened to support student connection and belonging through thoughtfully planned living spaces.

Top: Student Housing Renewal Project Phase I, University of Wyoming | Bottom: McCasland Residence Hall, University of Oklahoma

 

In Louisiana, the Baton Rouge Community College Nursing and Allied Health Building was completed, expanding access to hands-on learning environments for future healthcare professionals. In the Southeast, Azalea Residence Hall at Mississippi State University reached completion, while the Atala Residence Hall and Student Center at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee campus strengthened student life through integrated academic, residential, and community spaces.

Top: Atala Residence Hall & Student Center, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee Campus | Bottom Left: Azalea Residence Hall, Mississippi State University | Bottom Right: Nursing and Allied Health Building, Baton Rouge Community College

 

Work is nearing completion on the Moreau Seminary Renovation, a meaningful revitalization that grew out of our decades-long partnership with the University of Notre Dame and represents a shared commitment to stewardship, legacy, and thoughtful renewal.

Project Awards and Certifications

Several projects completed or advanced this year were recognized for design excellence, performance, and impact.

In addition, several campuses we have partnered with were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler among the Most Beautiful College Campuses, including Baylor University, Furman University, Syracuse University, University of Notre Dame, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Growing Our Team

This year, our firm continued to grow through new hires and the advancement of some of our team members who began their careers with us as interns.

We welcomed Noah Morris as Design Associate, Hannah Mueller as Design Associate, Kristen Ranshaw as Marketing Manager Pursuit Leader, and Amanda Sullivan as Senior Associate Architect.

We also celebrated the transition of several interns to full-time roles, including Emily Senjan as Interior Design Associate, Elizabeth Zareh as Design Associate, and Maureen Ferguson as Design Associate. Their growth reflects our ongoing commitment to mentorship and long-term investment in our people.

Celebrating Our Team

Longevity matters, and so does the work done along the way. This year, we celebrated colleagues whose dedication and leadership have helped shape our firm over time, alongside the many team members who contribute to our culture and progress every day.

Milestone Anniversaries

Leadership and Professional Achievements

This year highlighted the ways our team continues to lead, serve, and grow through active engagement in the profession.

  • Christina Brown served on the AIA St. Louis Board of Directors
  • Baili Justice was named Vice-Chair of the Young Architects Forum St. Louis.
  • Caitlin Seim earned the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certification.
  • Geoff Vaughn completed the Focus St. Louis Leadership Program.
  • Javier Diaz Vicens graduated from the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP).
  • Kelly Parker completed the AIA Dallas Emerging Leaders Program.
  • Shelby Barker served as President of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Gateway Chapter.
  • Steve Emer was recognized as one of St. Louis Magazine’s Top Business Leaders.

We also celebrated the elevation of Andrew Gilles and Greg Frankenfeld from Associate Principals to Principal, strengthening leadership across our studios and positioning the firm for continued growth.

Firm Awards and Recognition

As a firm, Mackey Mitchell Architects was honored with several distinctions this year, including being named one of Small Business Monthly’s 2025 Best Architectural Firms and ranking 4th nationally among student housing architecture firms in Building Construction + Design’s 2025 Giants 400 list.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the year ahead, we carry forward the lessons, momentum, and relationships built over time. We remain committed to creating environments that support connection, belonging, and long-term value, while continuing to invest in the people and partnerships that make this work possible.

To our clients, collaborators, and colleagues, thank you for another year of trust and shared purpose.

From all of us at Mackey Mitchell Architects, thank you for a fabulous year and happy New Year!