Forbes Names MMA Top 200 Architects
MMA is thrilled to be named to Forbes’ inaugural America’s Top 200 Residential Architects List.
Over the last 10 months a 12-person advisory board from across the country has been evaluating residential architects from 42 states to choose a list of 200 to feature. MMA is one of only three firms in Michigan and the only West Michigan firm to be listed.
The committee looked at over 18,000 firms and 750 of those were asked to submit work for consideration.
MMA was proud to share our Camp Madron project as part of our entry.
The Top 200 met most of the following criteria:
Tier 1: General Professional Evaluation
a. Integrity of online presence (quality of photography; professionalism of display; informational value; awards; publication history; etc.)
b. Educational background of the firm’s principals
c. Work histories and mentorships
Tier 2: Evaluation of a single “Exemplary House”
a. Part 1: The measuring of Stability; Utility; and Beauty
Tier 3: Evaluation Relative to Forbes Architecture’s Residential Guiding Principles & Best Practices, the seven categories of which are as follows:
1. Siting and Local Context
· Respects and aims whenever possible to preserve natural landscape contours, while minimizing excavation overall
· Respects the solar envelope over its own site and, consequently, over that of the neighboring houses
· Strategic incorporation of existing land forms (berms, slopes, etc) and landscape to climatic advantage (for wind shielding, storm protection, etc.)
· Rooms planned according to the ideal solar orientation per function of the specific spaces
· Adapted to sea-level-rise and flood-risk projections
2. Architectural Form and Detailing
· Balanced expression of form and massing, conscious of climatic response in approach, while honoring the fundamentals of any origins that might be the basis of the design
· Honors cultural and environmental contexts
· Structural principles elegantly and honestly expressed
3. Building Materials and Craft
· A curated approach to selection and application primarily guided by the impositions of the local climate zone and the cardinal directions
· Meticulous attention to expression of architectural detailing—at the smallest levels, materials and geometry in alignment; thematic consistency, inclusive of variations; with emphasis on the relationship of parts to the whole
· Use of indigenous and locally sourced, or repurposed, materials and employment of local artisans
· Use of Forest Stewardship Council-Certified wood and wood products
4. Spatial Configuration
· Entry is prioritized, treated as an experience
· Adventurous, stimulating plan circulation, with movement decidedly choreographed, ideally with appropriate/effective moments of compression and expansion
· Integrative of any outdoor rooms and garden spaces—programmatic relationships between indoors and exterior context
· Strategic mechanical-, electrical- and plumbing-integration consideration
· Accommodation for flexibility and change in use
5. HVAC and Tech
· Whole-house passive solar heating
· Electric radiant floors
· Electric-dominant, remotely controllable whole-house systems
· Use of architectural shading devices
· Inclusive of “smart home” lighting automation systems
· Thorough provisions for natural ventilation
6. Physical and Psychological Effects
· Emphasis on space perception
· Integration of sound-reduction strategies to control the interior environments
· Immersive, transformative, soothing environments
· Natural light harnessed as an instrument for mood creation
7. Environmental | Appropriateness to Region and Local Climate Zone
· Material circularity factor
· Green infrastructure
· Meets or exceeds green residential-building codes
· Raises bar of “responsibility” within its community for its example
· Designed and built to withstand extreme climate conditions
See the full methodology HERE.
As with all Forbes lists, companies pay no fee to participate and those listed earn their spots.