Frank E. Dittenhafer II reminds his staff they aren’t architectural technicians — rather, they’re design architects, where creativity and vision steer the ship.
Architecture is about inspiring people and designing spaces that people want to spend time in. That philosophy is the driving force behind Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, and it’s a regular reminder to the firm’s staff that they aren’t just there to be technicians — they’re first and foremost designers.
That creative process is celebrated several times a year in what the firm calls Design. These forums have a loose agenda, with different design staff taking on a topic and sharing their projects, design questions, and inspirational anecdotes with their colleagues.
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In each session, the conversations are fluid, the team is rejuvenated, and the design aspect is at the forefront of it all.
Why it matters
Jonathan Taube, Architectural Designer and Associate AIA with the firm, recently presented at the latest Design forum. He wanted his colleagues to take away the appreciation for how contemporary architectural visualization is the result of an integrated process — one which allows collaboration from hand drawing to 3D computer renderings.
Taube presented on workflow that demonstrates how multiple software programs can be used to realize complex geometries and innovative concepts – using M&D’s Beth Tfiloh Sanctuary design competition entry as a case study.
“Sharing out ideas and concepts through Design is a great way to gain perspective and to learn from others’ experiences,” he says.
For Patrick Ness, Architectural Designer, Associate AIA, learning about others’ perspectives in the firm creates a platform for exchanging ideas and generating office-wide discussion of a project.
During his recent presentation of the Downtown Shenandoah CEBA design, he hoped to convey that even in towns with economic challenges and limited budgets, good design can be achieved with proper planning, understanding context, and attention to detail.
“The more eyes we can get on the overall work of the firm, the better the outcomes for everyone,” Ness says. “The collaborative spirit is something I always enjoy.”
Blake Gifford, Architectural Designer and Associate AIA, has missed casual encounters with his colleagues because of remote work during the pandemic. He sees the Design forums as a way to maintain dialogue about ongoing work.
His presentation on the Shrewsbury Township Municipal Campus Project focused on practical and cost-effective facility design that still incorporates simple, elegant, and site-appropriate design perspectives.
“I was able to share some of the surprises we encountered on the project, such as coordination required to design and construct a pre-engineered metal building,” Gifford says. “There was a great deal of quality control involved, and sometimes that part of the job is just as important as the other aspects.”
Kevin Stick, Architectural Construction Administrator/Associate AIA, led a trivia session at the latest Design forum, giving junior staff a chance to ask questions of their senior colleagues, which opened the door for some mentorship-based conversations.
“I have really enjoyed that mentorship aspect in my experience over the years,” he says. “There’s a lot we can do to strengthen someone’s knowledge when they are just getting into the industry, and this is an opportunity for that.”
“Interior designs being integral from the beginning of a project capitalize on things that make it special in the long run.”
Digital animations help Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects and clients see designs in a new light.
Frank Dittenhafer and his firm work alongside the nonprofit to fulfill the local landscape from various perspectives.
From Farquhar Park to south of the Codorus Creek, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects help revamp York’s Penn Street.
Designs for LaVale Library, Intergenerational Center, and Beth Tfiloh Sanctuary show the value of third places.
The Annapolis Department of Legislative Services Building is under construction, reflecting the state capital’s Georgian aesthetic with modern amenities.
For the past two years, the co-founder and president of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has led the university’s College of Arts and Architecture Alumni Society.
The firm recently worked with St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore to renovate an old elementary school for a Head Start pre-k program.
The market house, an 1888 Romanesque Revival brick structure designed by local Architect John A. Dempwolf, long has stood out as one of York’s premier examples of Architecture. Architect Frank Dittenhafer is passing the legacy of serving on its board to Architectural Designer Harper Brockway.
At Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, there is a deep-rooted belief in the power of combining history and adaptive reuse with creativity.
University of Maryland Global Campus explores modernizing its administration building, which serves staffers and students enrolled in virtual classes.
The Wilkens and Essex precincts of Baltimore County are receiving solutions-based ideas for renovating or reconstructing their police stations.
The firm has earned the designation annually since 2016 in recognition of its commitment to supporting newer professionals in the field.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects recently completed the Design Development phase for a 20,000-square-foot building for Crispus Attucks York. Construction should begin in August.
The facility in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, is re-envisioning its focus with the help of Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects received numerous awards from AIA Pennsylvania, AIA Central Pennsylvania, AIA Baltimore, and ABC Keystone.
Since 2019, the firm has designed a number of protected entryways for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
A business lunch at an iconic building sparked an awakening whose effects continue to ripple down the city thoroughfare.
Since its founding in 1985, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects often has sought out community-oriented projects that have a lasting impact.
The university’s Arts and Architecture Alumni Society Board President — and a past award recipient himself — handed out this year’s awards to seven recipients.
After an extensive evaluation of a Maryland state building in Annapolis, the architectural firm recommended demolishing it and erecting a new structure.
Six members of M&D’s team of creative professionals are advancing their careers within the firm.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is part of a team tasked with designing and renovating the burned-out Horn Farm Center farmhouse to be a sustainable building at the regenerative farm.
The firm was selected from among some of the top Architects in the area to bring a new look and improved function to the sanctuary at the Beth Tfiloh Congregation in Maryland.
Licensed Architect Stefanie Tincher has been managing an evaluation of the William Donald Schaefer Building, which houses an array of Maryland state agencies.
The York thoroughfare connects neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations on the western side of the city. Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has teamed up with the YMCA of the Roses and community member Montez Parker II to create a Vision Plan for the area.
The historic landmark building in Harrisburg’s Capitol Complex is expected to reopen in spring 2023, but in November the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra will return to the structure’s ornate auditorium for its 2022-23 season.
Seitzland Village represents historic pride and a dedication to community.