HMFH’s story begins in 1969, when three young classmates from the Harvard Graduate School of Design launched a firm with their mentor, Walter Hill, a well-known school designer. The new firm, Hill Miller Friedlaender Hollander was quickly recognized for its innovative approach to school design, winning awards for the iconic Brewster Elementary School and Charlestown High School. The young firm’s projects were distinguished for their humanizing scale, invigorating use of color, natural light and fresh air. Their work expanded to include other public building types, commercial facilities and housing that revitalized urban neighborhoods.

In 1984, the firm was reorganized under the leadership of John Miller, Stephen Friedlaender, Mario Torroella, and George Metzger and renamed HMFH Architects. Through major projects including Penn High School in Indiana, Brewster Elementary School and the Baldwin School, HMFH established a national reputation for thoughtful educational design and creating lasting buildings that continue to delight and inspire each new generation of students.

Today, with an expanded leadership and certification as a Woman-Owned Business (WBE), HMFH has broadened its focus to include a range of academic and institutional clients. Not surprisingly, the same innovative design, tenacity, exacting attention to detail and client service that distinguished its early practice, continues to guide the firm as it embraces new models of practice, technology and sustainability.