May Architecture

It is with great sadness that we recognize the passing of a former May Architecture team member, Jim Hanna. Jim was an integral part of our team for several years and made a lasting impact on our firm and each of us individually. Jim mentored all of us in one way or another, making us better architects and designers - and sometimes just better people. While with us, he filled our studio with his constant and infectious smile, calm demeanor, and gentle guidance. He was always up for a challenge – whether professionally or for an office social event like Goat Yoga (pictured here). We honor his life, his career, his mentorship, and his impact on our firm - he will be greatly missed.

As universities evolve, so too must their campuses—often within the framework of buildings that have stood for decades. The challenge? Preserving their historical integrity while adapting them to meet the demands of the educational and technological advancements for today and the future. Renovating historic buildings for modern use is both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. The complexity of achieving desired program spaces often stems from existing conditions that limit layout options and require creative solutions. Unexpected structural surprises are common in these types of projects as are uncovering layers of previous renovations – all of which necessitate more frequent site visits to strategize and keep construction moving forward. In some cases, a lack of existing documentation means embracing and designing around these unforeseen conditions. Renovations like this are a conversation between the past and the future. For institutions seeking to preserve their historic character while enhancing campus experiences, the key lies in building flexibility into your budget and timelines to account for these potential complications while hiring knowledgeable designers and contractors to help you navigate the process in real time. The goal is to make what’s old new again, without losing sight of what made it special in the first place. See our recent renovation of Georgia Institute of Technology’s Couch Building. This project showcases how creative solutions can bring modern functionality to life within a historic setting. This space that was designed for different uses many years ago is now home to a cutting-edge music program. Explore the transformation further here: https://lnkd.in/eayC-puz Winter Construction Newcomb & Boyd, LLP Shear Structural

Looks like the word is getting out—our renovation of The University of Georgia’s McBay Science Library 4th Floor has officially been crowned “Best Study Spot” in the The Red & Black Most Best Awards! A big thank you to the Athens community for recognizing a space that’s quickly become a favorite for University of Georgia students needing the perfect place to study, collaborate, or just find a quiet moment to focus.   Since the renovation, library visits have soared by 42%— a testament to the impact that thoughtful, student-centered design can have on academic life. From ergonomic seating and quiet zones to lighting designed to reduce eye strain, every element was chosen to create a comfortable, energizing environment for those long study sessions.   We’re so glad to see students making it their own and thriving in a space designed with them in mind. https://lnkd.in/eRtvDrYy The Red & Black Publishing Co.

We recently celebrated the opening of Emory at Dunwoody, a remarkable outpatient and imaging facility that underscores Emory Healthcare’s dedication to advancing patient care. We are honored to support Emory’s vision for a seamless, patient-centered experience—designed to bring multiple specialties and services together under one roof. Guided by insights from Emory’s clinicians and staff, this 60,000-square-foot facility offers primary care, orthopaedics, cardiology, physical therapy, and more— all crafted to enhance patient access and streamline care delivery. Emory at Dunwoody is poised to serve up to 350,000 patients annually, a testament to Emory’s commitment to meeting the community’s healthcare needs with forward-thinking solutions. Thank you to Emory Healthcare for the opportunity to collaborate on this impactful project, as well as the many project partners that contributed to the project’s success: Structor Group, Newcomb & Boyd, LLP, Shear Structural, Breedlove Land Planning Inc, and Summit Healthcare Group. To learn more, we invite you to read Emory Healthcare’s press release: https://lnkd.in/eYfysr8q

We’re honored to have had our own Emily Marvel and Dawn Mixon Bennett represent May Architecture at the 2024 Women in Healthcare LeadHERship Summit in Atlanta! As a proud sponsor of the Women in Healthcare's Georgia Chapter, May Architecture is committed to supporting initiatives that advance women’s leadership in healthcare. The summit brought together great minds from across the country to discuss building inclusive workplaces, expanding sponsorship opportunities, and empowering women to reach new heights in their careers. Here’s to championing positive change in our workplaces and beyond!

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, we’re reminded of the ongoing importance of design in advancing the fight against breast cancer. Over the years, breast cancer centers have evolved from purely functional spaces into holistic environments designed to support both healing and groundbreaking research. No one should face breast cancer alone. Our approach focuses on creating spaces that foster healing, comfort, and community. By designing environments where patients, researchers, and caregivers can thrive, we aim to support the journey through breast cancer with empathy and innovation. Today’s centers go beyond clinical care. Thoughtful designs incorporate natural light, calming aesthetics, privacy, and quiet zones, creating spaces that promote emotional well-being and offer a sense of comfort and hope to patients and their families. At May Architecture, we are committed to transforming the future of breast cancer care through innovative, patient-centered design. By prioritizing both comfort and cutting-edge research, we continue to make a difference in how care is delivered. Prioritize your health – get screened today!

It’s one thing to design award-winning spaces—but building an award-winning culture? That’s something we’re especially proud of. Our firm is highlighted in a special digital showcase in the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the Best Places to Work, and we’re thrilled to share a bit of what makes us… us. A blend of creativity, collaboration, and a few (okay, a lot of) espresso shots later, we’ve grown not just in size, but in how we support and challenge one another. Curious to know how we keep pushing the boundaries in both design and workplace culture? Check out our showcase here: https://lnkd.in/eGhMJmpd source=st&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=me&utm_content=AT

We’re excited to attend the 41st Annual Conference of the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals from October 16-18! Community hospitals are at the heart of our healthcare system, providing essential care and services to the communities they serve. As an architecture firm with a focus on healthcare design, we understand the vital role these hospitals play in the overall healthcare infrastructure. Members of our healthcare practice are eager to connect with hospital leaders and collaborate on innovative solutions to solve complex healthcare challenges. We believe that great design can positively impact patient outcomes and help hospitals grow, adapt, and thrive in today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Looking forward to inspiring conversations and working together to shape the future of community healthcare. Connect with our healthcare leaders Emily Marvel and Bill Alexander.

We’re excited to join higher education leaders at SCUP’s 2024 Southern Regional Conference in #Raleigh, NC, as we dive into the critical conversations around adapting to new realities. As a firm dedicated to creating forward-thinking spaces on top-ranked university campuses, we’re eager to explore innovative integrated planning strategies and share our own experiences designing for the future of education.   Our team, including leaders from our higher education practice, Shelly Attila and Jay Jenkins, looks forward to collaborating with fellow thought leaders, learning from others, and expanding the scope of our work. We believe in the power of transformative design to shape resilient, student-centered environments that meet evolving institutional needs.   Comment here if you plan to attend or reach out to one of us to connect. Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)

We’re honored that May Architecture has been recognized as a semi-finalist in the Healthcare Design Breaking Through competition for our “healthCORE” concept—an innovative healthcare delivery model that addresses rural healthcare deserts with flexibility, adaptability, and community-centered design.   The HealthCORE concept blends modular patient care spaces with rotating, on-demand specialty service pods to meet a community's specific needs at any time. By applying logistical models from industries like aviation and delivery services, it looks to create a solution that’s not only scalable but also affordable. Each HealthCORE facility is designed to be a central hub for health and wellness, built both by and for the community.   Hats off to Healthcare Design for hosting a competition that encourages the exploration of innovation in healthcare design. We look forward to learning more today about the other pioneering concepts submitted and celebrating the winners.   Learn more about healthCore and the other innovative concept in the online edition of Healthcare Design! https://lnkd.in/ep_WCh9H #InnovationInHealthcare #HCDBreakingThrough #HCDexpo2024