firm profile

MNArchitects 

MNArchitects (Michael Nelson Associates, Architects, LLC ) was founded with the goal of, through intensely close collaboration with our clients, creating architecture that is relevant, innovative and enduring. 

Relevant in that it meets the programmatic and functional requirements it is meant to serve, as well as relates to the site and greater context of which it is a part. 

Innovative in the way it efficiently and economically exceeds it's functional requirements and at the same time either creates a bold architectural statement or subtly becomes one with it's surrounding context depending on our clients aspirations. 

Enduring through the use of quality materials and detailing as the budget allows resulting in structures that will stand the test of time against the elements, it's usage and the clients and communities expectations visually. 

Collaboration is the bedrock of our practice. We pride ourselves at being excellent listeners gleaning wherever possible clues from our clients leading to a design process that is truly iterative resulting in designs that satisfy all of their parameters in the best possible manner. Understanding and respecting a clients budget is essential in creating designs that can and will actually be built unlike some practices that seem to thrive on "paper architecture" or whimsical flights of fancy. This mindset holds true for everything from single clients to boards/ committees of all sizes. 

Our roots are based on our founders enormous credentials designing performing arts centers around the United States and beyond. Principal Michael Nelson had already worked on several performing arts centers when he was hired by the internationally renowned firm of Zeidler partnership architects to see the Raymond F. Kravis Center in West Palm Beach through construction. This led to the establishment of a Palm Beach office which eventually grew to nearly thirty persons several of whom make up the core of MNArchitects today. The Zeidler West Palm office as well as Designel Architects where Mike was a partner for years and now MNArchitects have been responsible for more than seventy arts project in nine states and five countries. Our staff includes team members who have collaborated in some cases for more than twenty years. We often bring our expertise in performing arts projects through associations with other national architectural firms and most recently MNArchitects has teamed with three other architectural firms in associations where we provided everything from lead design services to production support. 

While MNA has continued to work on arts projects we have also been responsible for many residential, commercial and clubhouse projects as well. In each project, no matter the scale or purpose we seek out with our clients the genus loci or sprit of the place. Our spirit of collaboration and infectious level of commitment, enthusiasm and creativity has resulted in long term relationships with a variety of clients. Sustainable design is at the forefront of our design process from the Long Center for the Performing Arts where we reused 90% of the original assembly spaces materials to the University of Florida where we designed two LEED Gold projects which originally were only targeted / budgeted to achieve LEED Silver certification. The projects included in our material were realized during our principals / team members time at Zeidler, Designel and recently MNArchitects. 

I have known Michael professionally for 28 years. Throughout his tenure with Zeidler he was an exceptional team leader, a gifted designer and a driven and accomplished business development professional. I could not recommend him more highly for a significant role in any firm looking to enhance or develop a performing arts practice, or in need of a truly well- rounded, seasoned professional. 

Eb Zeidler- founder international architectural firm Zeidler Partnership Architects 

Mike's attention to detail, ability to arrive at creative solutions quickly, firmness yet fairness with the projects contractors, political savvy with the centers staff and Board and overall performance helped insure the center was opened on time and on budget, a truly rare accomplishment in this most complex of buildings. 

Hank Gonzalez- Owners representative for the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Borland Center for the Performing Arts