Market: Community Environments

Adaptive reuse of a Sears store becomes luxury mixed-use housing

After serving 80 years as a retail space, 6 Corners Lofts is revitalizing the Chicago area as an adaptive reuse, mixed-use development.

Read more in Building Design + Construction

Meet Our Team

Natalie Hyde, ncidq, well ap

Associate Principal

For Natalie Hyde—a sustainably-minded, award-winning designer—the greatest joy of crafting interior spaces is fostering interactions and discovery throughout a space, bringing joy and comfort to all who experience them. With almost two decades of expertise and an NCIDQ Certification under her belt, she specializes in designing memorable residential and hospitality projects that immerse residents and guests alike, and offer a destination-worthy space for the surrounding community.

The Best Commercial Architects in Irvine, California

We’re excited to be named one of The Best Commercial Architects in Irvine, CA by Los Angeles Architects.

Spearheaded by award-winning Managing Principal Meghana Joshi, AIA, NOMA, the company’s leadership champions a purpose-driven work culture, fostering meaningful connections between employees, clients, and the communities they serve. In addition to overseeing regional retail, mixed-use, and industrial markets, Meghana is responsible for expanding the firm’s reach, focusing on retail banking, as well as senior living and affordable housing in California.

MG2 is a trailblazer, continuously evolving and adapting to the changing landscape, earning accolades from Fast Company, Architizer, and Interior Design Magazine as well as feature articles in Building Design + Construction, Forbes, Development Magazine, Chain Store Age, and Architectural Record.

Read more in Los Angeles Architects

Cost-effective Ways to Create an Outdoor Oasis in Your Own Backyard

MG2’s Senior Interior Designer, Natalie Hyde, shared her insights on maximizing outdoor living space with Amber Katz from The Seattle Times.

Read more in The Seattle Times

Travel and Leisure names the Salish Lodge and Spa one of Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in the West

This year Travel and Leisure named the Salish Lodge and Spa one of Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in the West. The resort was judged on its rooms, location, services, food, and value and more than 886,000 individuals voted.

“The setting of Salish Lodge & Spa is second to none. It’s perched directly above the 268-foot Snoqualmie Falls, one of the state’s most popular attractions. Beyond its magnificent backdrop — which includes thick, green forest land and mountain peaks — the property has an award-winning spa and a restaurant with big picture windows overlooking the falls and the river below it.”

Read the full article here

Mountlake Village

Mountlake Village is a mixed-use development that meets the needs of a diverse, active, and growing population. The development includes residential and retail space to invite the community in. Amenities include a coworking space, a ground-floor plaza, resident lounges, a gym, a yoga studio, a dog grooming facility, a dog run, and a rooftop terrace.

  • Project Details

  • Location Mountlake Terrace, WA
  • Client Gracorp
  • Market Sectors ,
  • Size 400,000 SF; 280,000 SF residential; 7,000 SF commercial; 302 units
  • Services

The Manning

Located within the master planned Barkley Village development, The Manning is a new 171-unit residential complex. The building includes a gym amenity space and a large commercial space on the ground floor. Building on the master plan’s goals for a true urban village, the development seeks to draw in the community and add vibrancy to the area. Residents have direct access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options from a farmer’s market to a movie theater.

  • Project Details

  • Location Bellingham, WA
  • Client Talbot Group
  • Market Sectors ,
  • Size 290,000 Total SF; 3,000 SF Commercial; 171 Units
  • Services
  • Certifications Green Globes Certified

Beltline Block

Beltline is a vibrant neighborhood comprised of rich history, modern luxury, and a spirited community with a personality all its own. The development holistically reflects and celebrates the historical character of the district while weaving in modern sophistication. Beltline Block includes a multi-phase mix of residential and commercial uses including four towers, each delivered in a separate phase.

MG2 Ranked #4 in Architecture and #5 in Multi-unit Residential in ENR Northwest 2024 Top Design Firms

MG2 has been ranked #4 in architecture and #5 in multi-unit residential in ENR Northwest’s 2024 Top Design Firms.

Read more in Engineering News-Record

MG2 Ranked #3 in Retail in ENR California 2024 Top Design Firms

We’re thrilled to be ranked #3 in Retail for ENR California’s Top Design Firms 2024. Meghana Joshi leads our Irvine office, which spearheads our California operations and elevates projects across the region.

Read more in Engineering News-Record

Angel of the Winds RV Resort & Entertainment Space

The Clubhouse at Angel of the Winds RV Resort in Arlington, WA, is inspired by the grand lodges of the National Parks. An RV-sized porte-cochere is the gateway to the resort, directly connecting guests to the entrance for a seamless arrival experience. The property offers an elevated camping environment, which today’s travelers are looking for.

Essential to the building’s design is its indoor/outdoor connection, emphasized by floor-to-ceiling windows. A grand hall has a gable roof, high ceilings, and a large fireplace for gatherings. Shou Sugi Ban Charred Wood, used on the façade, is repeated in the interior, along with locally finished cedar wood ceilings and paneling. A large communal firepit reminiscent of a campfire beckons guests to meet and mingle and encourages impromptu conversation. S’Klallam artist Brian Perry crafted traditionally inspired art pieces found throughout the property. A gathering room featuring a lounge area with foosball and pool tables and a view of the outdoors was designed for casual conversation.

Beyond the Clubhouse lies the resort’s extensive facilities, which include 182 RV stalls, 8 yurts, hotel-quality restrooms with shower and laundry facilities, picnic and BBQ shelters, an off-leash dog park, an interpretive walking trail, 9 fire pits, pickleball courts, a miniature golf course, and a children’s playground. In the distance is a lookout pavilion with a view of the valley and Mt. Baker. The Clubhouse is designed to serve the entire RV resort as a gathering and entertainment space infused with the area’s natural wonder.

Salish Lodge Renovation

A sustainable fusion of rest and relaxation

The renowned Salish Lodge & Spa, recognized by Conde Nast for its excellence, is a prominent hotel and spa situated atop a cliff overlooking Snoqualmie Falls in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2017, MG2 was tasked with refreshing the facility while maintaining its Northwest character. This involved renovating indoor and outdoor spaces, including guest bathrooms, and updating interior finishes and the exterior facade. MG2 also designed the spa interior, seamlessly blending Japanese influences with the local aesthetic, creating a serene atmosphere with cedar wood tones, soothing eucalyptus fragrances, and natural stones for an elevated guest experience focused on relaxation and rejuvenation.

In 2023, MG2 further enhanced the lodge, introducing a new lobby bar, a rideshare-friendly porte cochere, and a bespoke grand timber reception desk. These additions modernized the lodge, streamlined operations and elevated the overall guest experience.

Awards

Riverfront Brewery Concept

Nestled within the vibrant Washington neighborhood, the Riverfront Brewery harmoniously merges brewing operations with a captivating taproom and restaurant concept, accompanied by sprawling outdoor patios and a scenic rooftop deck. Positioned prominently, it serves as a gateway into the district, anchoring the multiple residential buildings to the North. As part of the larger redevelopment and master planning efforts, Riverfront Brewery contributes to the district’s vision of a mixed-use environment, seamlessly blending residential, retail, and dining options.

  • Project Details

  • Location Washington
  • Client Confidential
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 6,500 SF brewery operations; 4,000 SF taproom; 2,300 SF patios/roof deck
  • Services
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Edgeworks Climbing & Fitness at Crossroads

As part of the Crossroads master plan, MG2 worked with ROIC and Edgeworks to design a new climbing gym. Edgeworks currently has three locations and offers fitness classes designed to complement a climbing routine. The gym, which includes a 10k SF addition to the existing 30k SF space, was completed in 2024. MG2 worked on the core and shell design and handled all phases of the project, from design through construction administration. This full-service project also featured a 45-foot interior mass filled with climbing walls, a new front desk and check-in area, public social spaces, a yoga room, new restrooms, and the renovation of existing restrooms, providing a comprehensive solution for the client.

Flatiron Crossing

Flatiron Crossing is undergoing a transformation into a thriving outdoor park experience with the intent to highlight the Flatiron Mountain namesake. A mix of uses will include residential, F&B, entertainment, and future office all within a 9-acre nature park space. The architecture blends seamlessly with the park to create a truly integrated experience. Macerich’s commitment to sustainability is showcased with the use of mass timber and CLT in one of the signature buildings.

MG2 featured in Architectural Record’s Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2024

We’re excited to be included among the Top 300 U.S. Architecture Firms of 2024.

Read more in Architectural Record

Meet Our Team

Nick Batelli

Associate Principal

Nick is a senior architectural designer who focuses on finding unique solutions to challenges that may not be immediately apparent in a project. His results-oriented and open-minded approach fosters creativity, mentorship, teamwork, and collaborative ideas. Nick’s ability to connect with clients easily helps build successful relationships, develop a deep understanding of their needs, and push them to explore new programs and find unique design concepts. With Nick on board, clients can expect a smooth and successful project.

MG2 Named One of the Largest Architecture Firms in Greater Washington D.C.

We’re excited to see MG2 named of the Largest Architecture Firms in Greater Washington D.C. metro-area.

Read more in The Washington Business Journal

MG2 Acquires Portland, Oregon-based Studio C Architecture

Architects Brian Bennett and Jim Walker join MG2 as Principals

SEATTLE, WA—May 15, 2024—Global architecture and design firm MG2 has announced its acquisition of the Portland, Oregon-based firm Studio C Architecture. Studio C is known for its work in multifamily residential design and has specialized in affordable housing. Now backed by the additional resources that a large firm provides, the office will have the capacity and reach to do more than they could have in the past. For Principals Brian Bennett AIA, NCARB, LEED AP and Jim Walker AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, this new alignment is a coming home of sorts, as both principals grew their careers at MG2.

“We are excited to welcome Jim and Brian to MG2,” says Mitch Smith, MG2 CEO and Chairman of the Board. “Their strength in project design, understanding of building systems and experience in complex problem-solving will be invaluable. Their expertise, combined with their passion for affordable housing, is a perfect complement to our firm.”

Jim founded Studio C Architecture in 2007 with the vision that all projects are a reflection of the aspirations of the community in which they are built. Brian joined the firm in 2012 and together they have focused on the residential market with particular expertise in affordable housing. Recent projects include award-winning Deskins Commons in Newberg, OR, Deer Creek Village in Roseburg, OR, and Summit Gardens in Medford, OR, which is now under construction. Their passion for affordable housing stems from their understanding of the profound need and transformative impact that stable housing can bring to families, and both have been active in Habitat for Humanity.

“By joining MG2, we have the opportunity to do more, for more people, and in a shorter period of time,” says Jim. “This has always been my vision and my goal—to serve the community and provide affordable housing to people in need.”

“We are excited to work with a firm—that we know first-hand from past experience—has the design skills, abilities and expertise of MG2 as well as a devotion to engaging with the community and making an impact,” says Brian.

With 30+ years in architecture, Jim’s strength in project and team leadership is grounded in collaboration, diversity of thought, and a genuine curiosity for innovative problem-solving approaches. Jim’s mission of providing quality affordable housing has been a driving force, stemming from a profound recognition of the critical need and the societal issues it impacts. Jim sits on the Board of Directors for Portland’s historic Hollywood Theatre. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from North Dakota State University.

Throughout his career, Brian has worked on a wide array of projects, ranging from small retail tenant improvements to large high-rise residential developments. This breadth of experience has provided him with direct exposure to the unique technical demands of various building structural types and building systems. Brian earned a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from the University of Washington and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

The Studio C office in Portland will become MG2’s seventh location after Seattle, New York, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Irvine, and Shanghai.

ABOUT MG2
Guided by our vision to create transformative experiences that foster and elevate healthy communities, MG2 has been delivering award-winning projects and programs for over 50 years. We partner with some of the world’s most recognizable companies and brands to bring exceptional design solutions to life through full architectural, strategic planning, cost management, interior design, brand strategy, and program consulting services. Our seven offices in the U.S. and China—Seattle, Portland, New York, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Irvine, and Shanghai—integrate building performance and social responsibility into every project. At MG2, our greatest strength lies in our people, our clients, and our commitment to helping them succeed. We are purpose-driven by nature, data-driven by design. www.mg2.com

Meet Our Team

Jim Walker, AIA

Principal

Bringing over two decades of experience in affordable housing and a variety of other project types, Jim’s strength in project and team leadership is grounded in collaboration, diversity of thought, and a genuine curiosity for innovative problem-solving approaches. Jim spearheads the team’s due diligence, land use entitlements initiatives, and sustainable design methodology. His passion for affordable housing stems from his understanding of the profound need and transformative impact that stable housing can bring to families.

Meet Our Team

Brian Bennett, AIA

Principal

Throughout his career, Brian has worked on a wide array of projects, ranging from small retail tenant improvements to large high-rise residential developments. This breadth of experience has provided him with direct exposure to the unique technical demands of various building structural types and building systems. His commitment to the mission of providing quality affordable housing has been a driving force, stemming from a profound recognition of the critical need and the societal issues it impacts. For Brian, engaging in affordable housing work represents an opportunity to leverage his skills and expertise to serve others and enhance the quality of communities for all.

Winslow

In the vibrant North Park neighborhood of San Diego, Winslow Apartments is a 380-unit, luxury apartment development designed with a nod to the city’s decades-old social club scene.

The complex boasts 8,600 square feet of amenity space including a fireside lounge—a wraparound conversation area with a 360-degree circular fireplace and a stunning custom chandelier made from hundreds of metal beads.

The expansive rooftop lounge is flooded with daylight and views of the pool deck and the city beyond. MG2 designers partnered with lighting and landscaping specialists to achieve an exquisite indoor-outdoor and day-to-night experience. The space also includes foosball and pool tables as well as high top and community tables for small and large gatherings.

A bright and airy fitness center brings the outdoors in with double-height windows. Orange ceiling fans add a retro classic look to the space.

MG2 combined Winslow Apartments sweeping views with amenity spaces for an unparalleled residential experience.

  • Project Details

  • Location San Diego, CA
  • Client Quarterra
  • Market Sectors
  • Size 8,600 sqft Unit Space; 379 units; 12,000 sqft Amenity Spaces
  • Services
Meet Our Team

Felipe Romero

Associate Principal

With over a decade of experience, Felipe derives inspiration from his love of distinguishing buildings within their environments. He knows that a deep understanding of different needs, wants, and design parameters must be met. Felipe’s breadth of experience enables him to lead design teams to meet tight schedules. He is malleable and able to respond quickly to design changes that arise while ensuring a building is efficient and buildable. He leads the team to deliver an exciting and regionally relevant project through his ability to work in two and three dimensions.

Woods Restaurant

Woods Restaurant on Mackinac Island has been a beloved destination for guests and visitors for many years. The Tudor mansion was originally constructed in 1905 by the Cudahy family as an elaborate playhouse however, changing hands throughout the years brought various operations, from a recreation space, to a church, and to the currently  treasured Bavarian themed restaurant.

To keep up with changing tastes and trends while honoring its strong legacy, the restaurant recently partnered with MG2 to renovate and refresh its interiors while maintaining the classic experience visitors know and love.

The project aimed to create a cohesive environment that blended old and new elements, highlighting the historic charm of the restaurant while updating it to meet modern standards and breathe new life into previously underutilized areas. To achieve these goals, the renovation team touched nearly every space within the restaurant, from Bobby’s Bar to The Patio at Woods.

A Brand-New Sanctuary

The entry lobby underwent a meaningful transformation, featuring new furnishings, a built-in bench, and a colored glass wall that perfectly complements the exterior surroundings and stained-glass windows of the main dining room. These elements create a unique and brand-new sanctuary that adds to the restaurant’s historic charm and character.

Personal Touches and Old-World Charm

Named after an award-winning show dog, Bobby’s Bar was refreshed and expanded, providing additional seating and a rejuvenated atmosphere for guests. Complimenting the photographs, awards, and memorabilia from Bobby’s life, which provide a touch of personalization to the space, the deep green tones of the area’s surrounding foliage have been artfully reimagined into a dimensional tile bar front. The original brass rails were expertly reworked into suspended brass liquor and glass storage, adding to an atmosphere steeped with vintage charisma.

Refreshed, Accessible Elegance

In the Great Hall, the fixtures, furnishings, and equipment were rejuvenated, while the restaurant’s “Bavarian hunting lodge” charm and personality were intricately maintained with historic patterned wallcovering and playful woodland animal details. The new additions create a luxurious atmosphere that complements the space’s high-vaulted ceilings and adds to the overall elegance of the dining experience.

To make the space more accessible, the restrooms were reconfigured and expanded to include ADA stalls, ensuring all guests can enjoy a dining experience at Woods without limitations.

Transformative New Dining Experiences

With its ample glass windows, The Chalet received a stunning addition in the form of a see-through two-sided fireplace that connects the interior dining experience to the outdoor deck extension and seamlessly blends both environments. In addition, the mix-and-match decor vignettes featuring taxidermy animal heads and vintage trophies add a unique touch that captures the room’s picturesque surroundings.

The Patio was expanded, and a new covered wood and glass dining pavilion was added to blend visually with the existing structure. The inviting fireplace dining table in the center of the pavilion creates a unique and cozy dining experience.

The Trophy Hall, previously an underused area, was transformed into a new dining area. The installation of built-in booths and millwork with metal mesh screens, as well as uplighting, helped add a warm ambiance and create a welcoming environment that offers guests prime views of the outdoor deck beyond.

A Harmonious Renovation

Throughout the renovation, the design team leveraged new or refinished interior fixtures, furnishings, and equipment that seamlessly blended with the restaurant’s rustic charm and modern elegance.

The result is a revitalized and harmonious environment that pays tribute to Woods storied past while catering to contemporary standards. The perfect blend of old and new elements produces an inviting, immersive, and refined atmosphere, sure to impress and delight guests and visitors to Mackinac Island for decades.