The Architects and Urbanists Champion Adaptive Reuse, Revitalizing Detroit’s Architectural Heritage.
McIntosh Poris Architects (MPA)—staunch advocates for the preservation and adaptive reuse of Detroit’s architectural heritage for three decades—was recently named the 2024 Firm of the Year by the American Institute of Architects, Michigan. With the Firm of the Year Award, AIA Michigan selects an architecture office “that has consistently produced distinguished architecture.”
AIA Michigan’s awards jury highlighted MPA’s longstanding contributions to Detroit’s revival as a persuasive consideration in the selection process: “McIntosh Poris Architects was selected due to the firm’s commitment to equity in remarkable and bold designs that serve multiple communities,” said the jury. “MPA is also outstanding for their work culture, providing opportunities in career development and professional participation.”
Founded in 1994 by childhood friends Michael Poris, AIA, and the late Douglas McIntosh, MPA has been at the forefront of Detroit’s continuing architectural and cultural resurgence. “When we started in ’94, people were tearing down Detroit’s architectural treasures,” remembers Poris. “We saw the potential in these buildings and fought to save them. This award validates our belief that preservation and innovation can coexist to create vibrant, livable places that respect our city’s rich history.”
McIntosh Poris Architects Principals: John Skok, AIA; Michael Poris, AIA; and Laurie Hughet Hiller, AIA. Photo: John D’Angelo.
MPA’s “modern contextual” approach has shaped transformative projects across Michigan. Among them are the Detroit Foundation Hotel, which breathed new life into the former Detroit Fire Department headquarters; early feasibility plans for Michigan Central Depot; numerous restaurants and hotspots, including the new Gilly’s; custom homes; Broadway District, North Corktown, and East Riverfront urban plans; historic country clubs; and several thousand apartments and condos in both historic and ground-up buildings. Each project demonstrates the firm’s commitment to listening to clients and understanding each site’s distinctive context.
As MPA celebrates its 30th anniversary, the firm has expanded its leadership to include principals John Skok, AIA, and Laurie Hughet-Hiller, AIA and is looking ahead to ambitious projects that continue to push the boundaries of adaptive reuse and community-oriented design. The firm’s design for the long-abandoned Fisher Body Plant No. 21 will transform the factory into more than 400 apartments surrounding co-working space and ground-floor retail. MPA’s project Detroit Horse Power recently broke ground on the largest dedicated equine therapy center in the nation. These and other current projects exemplify MPA’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing Detroit’s architectural landscape and engaging neighboring communities.
