Introduction
David Milling Architects was founded in 1994 as a solely-owned corporation. Key associates have worked closely with Mr. Milling since 1990. Much of the firm's work can be characterized as learning environments; buildings and places that foster curiosity, wonder and contemplation. Our philosophy regarding design is guided by a belief that successful buildings should possess:
- Presence
- that commands admiration for the building's image;
- Sense of Place
- that makes people want to stay and explore, to return frequently, and to bring friends; and
- Progression
- that offers the visitor a natural tour of the building, with minimal needs for signage.
Key Staff
David Milling, AIA, President
Since beginning his Ann Arbor practice in 1976, Mr. Milling has worked with a number of significant clients including: The University of Michigan Libraries and the Medical School, Washtenaw Community College, the State of Michigan Career & Technology Institute in Plainwell, the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and several Michigan townships. Mr. Milling has been involved in numerous library projects where sensitivity to the physical setting was of extreme importance to the client. These projects include major library commissions for the cities of Grosse Pointe, Ann Arbor, and Kalamazoo. In Howell, his restoration and expansion of the historic Carnegie Library (as president of Osler/Milling Architects) received a national design award given jointly by the American Library Association and the American Institute of Architects. With over thirty years of experience, he has been involved in a wide variety of project types, and more than thirty-five different library projects--of which, the completed buildings total over 440,000 square feet.
Mr. Milling certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and is registered in numerous states. He is a graduate of Clemson University (B. Architecture) and MIT (M. Architecture in Urban Design & Planning). Prior to becoming Chief Architect for the Michigan State Housing Authority in 1972, David was a staff member with Josep Lluis Sert's firm (Sert Jackson) in Cambridge, MA.
Dennis Anderson, AIA, Executive Vice President
Dennis Anderson, AIA, has served as Vice-President of David Milling Architects (DMA) since 2003, when he merged his firm, Ralph Calder & Associates, Inc. (RCA), with DMA. Mr. Anderson managed RCA since 1958 and served as President from 1986 until the merger with DMA. During the course of his career, Dennis has served as Principal-in-Charge for over 200 academic and higher education projects. As DMA's Vice-President and Operations Manager, Mr. Anderson provides administrative leadership with the responsibility for ensuring that high standards are extended to all areas of construction documents. Mr. Anderson's work has received numerous awards, including the 'M' Award from the Masonry Institute of Michigan and the Michigan Society of Architects for his work on the Marshall M. Frederickís Sculpture Gallery and Arts School at Saginaw Valley State University (MI). Additionally, the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association ranked Mr. Anderson's Physical Education Building at Eastern Michigan University (MI) as one of the ìTop 20î Athletic Facilities in North America upon its completion.
Mr. Anderson is a registered architect in Michigan and is a member of the American Institute of Architects. He graduated from the Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, Michigan; the University of California at Fresno; and the William Hood Dunwoody Industrial Institute, Minneapolis.
J. Stephen Smith, AIA, Vice President
As a Vice President of DMA, Mr. Smith serves as Project Director for a wide range of clients including municipal, academic, and private sector projects. Since 1974, Steve has brought design and construction leadership for historic preservation projects including museums, archives, churches, residences, and historic structures. Mr. Smith is a registered architect in South Carolina and New York. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas-Austin and attended the Preservation Summer Institute at Cornell University. Steve is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Association for Preservation Technology.
Helen Milling, IIDA, Director of Interior Design
Practicing interior design in Michigan since 1972, Ms. Milling worked initially in the Lansing area where she provided interior design services for the Michigan Court of Appeals, for the State's Bureau of Facilities, and for the executive offices of then Governor William Milliken. More recently, she has worked closely with Messrs. Milling, Anderson, and Ward to complete interior design services--including finishes, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment--for more than a dozen libraries ranging in size from 4,000 to 100,000 square feet. With over thirty years of interior design experience, Helen has also served as the principal interior designer for numerous new public schools and has extensive experience working on projects for the United States Military. For all projects undertaken by DMA, interior design concepts are developed simultaneously with architectural concepts, leading to a coordinated building where all design elements are completely integrated. Helen works closely with the architects, bringing leadership in space planning, interior design, and the development of signage standards.
Ms. Milling is a graduate of Pratt Institute where she received her BFA in Interior Design. Prior to becoming a staff interior designer for the State of Michigan in 1973, she was a staff member of Earl Flansburgh Associates in Cambridge, MA.
