SMMA

Introducing a new chapter of our story... After nearly 70 years of design excellence, SMMA is pleased to unveil our new brand identity. This evolution is a reflection of who we've always been and continue to be: a uniquely integrated group of individuals, working together to solve complex problems. We are not A, E, or AE. We are a genuine design collective. We are SMMA. 🎬 Discover what makes us All Together. Different. https://lnkd.in/eFjCBPTJ 🔗 Visit our new website to learn more: https://smma.com/

🏗️ Earlier this month, we celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of the new Wakefield Memorial High School as the near-final beam was placed during the traditional topping-off ceremony!   SMMA team members stood alongside excited students, teachers, community stakeholders, and MSBA representatives to honor this achievement and the hardworking construction team bringing the vision to life.    🏫 The new Wakefield Memorial High School will replace the original building, constructed in 1960 as a middle school, addressing key challenges such undersized educational spaces, lack of natural light and ventilation, and accessibility barriers. Guided by a four-cluster design approach, the school supports interdisciplinary learning through integrated environments featuring traditional classrooms, outdoor classrooms, innovation spaces, breakout areas for small and large groups, and teacher collaboration hubs within each “neighborhood.”   The net zero ready design will maximize natural daylight and energy efficiency, reflecting the town's environmental goals. Once phase 1 is complete, phase 2 will include demolition of the existing building, traffic improvements, and completion of the new track and athletic field.   👏 A big thank you to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) our project partners, BOND Building Construction and LeftField. 🎬 Check out the project's groundbreaking milestone video here: https://lnkd.in/eJ2Pbaxc #ToppingOff #WakefieldMA #K12 #InterdisciplinaryLearning #NetZero

Earlier this month, our Interior Design team had the pleasure of hosting emerging professionals from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's accredited Interior Architecture + Design program, along with their professor (and former SMMA designer!), Abby Masi, NCIDQ, ASID, LEED Green Associate. Teaching and mentoring the next generation is ingrained in SMMA's culture, helping to enrich students' experiences and education before they enter the workforce.   During their visit, the students connected with both our Interior Design and Graphic Design teams, who often collaborate on corporate, K-12, and higher education projects. Our teams had fun reviewing their portfolios, discussing their ideas and inspirations, and offering feedback as the students prepare for their creative careers ahead ✏️ #InteriorDesign #UMassDartmouth #InteriorDesignDegree #Portfolio #Cambridge #Boston #GraphicDesign

This holiday season, we celebrate the stories and traditions that bring us all together ❄️✨ Happy Holidays from all of us at SMMA! 🎬 Check out the full video here: https://lnkd.in/e_dAvMiG

🎉 Join us in congratulating Marissa Mayo for passing her Architect Registration Examination! 🎉 Originally from Southington, CT, Marissa has always been interested in STEM and the arts, making architecture a fitting career choice after high school. After attending Roger Williams University for her bachelor's degree and Boston Architectural College for her master's degree, Marissa joined SMMA in 2022 and has been an incredible addition to our design collective, working primarily in the Life Science market. “Pursuing licensure has been the toughest but most rewarding process and I'm so proud to have achieved this milestone so early in my career,” said Mayo. “I'm looking forward to taking on more responsibility and further expanding my role in projects!” “It comes as absolutely no surprise to me that such a smart, dedicated, and organized architect would pass the ARE's so quickly and efficiently,” said Adrian Walters, SMMA’s Life Science Market Leader. “My heartfelt congratulations to Marissa for a job well done!" 👏 Bravo, Marissa! #ARE #ArchitectExam #LifeScience #AIA #DesignCollective

📰 News on the 10th Edition Building Codes! This week, the Massachusetts BBRS announced that mandatory adoption of the 10th Edition Building Code has been moved back to June 30, 2025. As companies, developers, and universities continue to prepare for the upcoming code requirements, we caught up with Adrian Walters, our Life Science Market Leader, to learn more about what these changes mean for lab buildings in Massachusetts. Key takeaways: 🔍 Increases to Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQs) will pave the way for California-style high-rise lab buildings. 🔍 Tenants can ramp up their research capabilities and better utilize lab space across the whole building. 🔍 Scope may be limited if using flammable liquids and certain other hazardous materials. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dy-C5mMq #10thEdition #BuildingCodes #Boston #LifeScience #MAQs

As Thanksgiving comes around, we at SMMA want to step back and express our thanks to the wonderful people who make up our design collective. What's more, we are equally grateful to our clients, communities, and partners. Your trust in SMMA allows us to do what we love best—solve the most complex design problems. May you all have a happy, peaceful Thanksgiving surrounded by family and friends. #GivingThanks

👏 Congratulations are in order as we celebrate Rosemary Park, AIA, ALEP for earning her Accredited Learning Environments Planner (ALEP) designation! 👏   The ALEP credential was designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance and identify those in the educational environment industry who demonstrate the essential knowledge to the practice of educational facility planning.   "I believe that learning environments should nurture the whole student," says Park, "addressing not only academic needs but emotional, social, and physical well-being, creating a supportive foundation for holistic success." This achievement was honored last month during A4LE-Association for Learning Environments' LearningSCAPES conference in Portland, OR. Congratulations, Rosemary! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eT5dd-Hf #ALEP #LearningEnvironments #A4LE #K12 #K12Design #Neurodiversity

What makes a corporate headquarters so impactful? The essence of a great HQ lies deeper than its aesthetics, scale, or zip code. It must be an environment that boosts employee morale, fosters innovation, and attracts the best talent, ultimately shaping a company’s success and identity. To achieve this, Jonathan L. Merin, AIA, LEED AP, SMMA’s Workplace Principal, shares his own take in our latest perspective. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJau9Vjf #HQ #Headquarters #Workplace #Morale #Identity

Excited to see SMMA Interior Designer, Ashley Maggiacomo, take the stage with Jocelyn Goglia at last week's CREW Boston event in Seaport!   The night was full of Jocelyn's relatable stories and industry tips, highlighting the power of a supportive network and the importance of humility and passion as valuable strengths in the workplace. Ashley led an engaging discussion, weaving in personal anecdotes and asking questions tailored to young women navigating the corporate and commercial landscape. #CommercialRealEstate #CREW #Boston #Seaport #WomenEmpoweringWomen