About MSR Design

MSR Design enriches lives by designing a better future. We create transformative and human-centric, award-winning architecture and interior design. Since 1981, our firm has produced work of enduring value: buildings that are expressly right for their time and place and that culturally and physically age gracefully. We tailor our design solutions to each client, resulting in a diverse mix of sustainable, equitable, healthy, beautiful projects.

Our history

Since 1981, our firm has produced work of enduring value: buildings that are expressly right for their specific time and place and that culturally and physically age well. Thomas Meyer, FAIA, Jeffrey Scherer, FAIA, and Garth Rockcastle, FAIA, established MSR Design in 1981 to create innovative, responsible, and enduring work. Our pursuit of self-renewal continues today. The current firm leaders (including Traci Engel Lesneski, CID, LEED AP, Associate AIA, Dagmara Cygler, AIA, LEED AP, Matthew Kruntorad, AIA, LEED AP, and Paul C.N. Mellblom, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C) are committed to carrying forward MSR Design’s values and to bringing new energy, ideas, and skills to meet complex, interconnected challenges related to the built and natural environments for our clients and communities.

Our culture

MSR Design nurtures a creative culture. Generating ideas collaboratively in a healthy environment, we challenge, support, and inspire each other to bring true innovation to our work for our clients and engage each other in lifelong learning.

Women leadership

MSR Design is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Development Center-Midwest (WBDC-Midwest), a regional certifying partner of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). In order for firms to achieve this certification, women must have at least 51% ownership of the firm, unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise. MSR Design is 62% owned, controlled, managed, and led by women.

“According to the AIA Firm Survey Report 2020, only 21% of firm leaders in the architecture profession in the United States are women,” says MSR Design CEO Traci Engel Lesneski, CID, LEED AP, Associate AIA. “As a practice focused on creating inspiring, sustainable, human-centric places, we understand that incorporating diverse perspectives into our projects brings value to our clients and their communities. This certification demonstrates our full commitment to this approach.”

MSR Design is also certified as a Small and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (S/WBE) through the Central Certification Program (CERT) sponsored by Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the City of Minneapolis, and the City of Saint Paul.

Our awards

American Institute of Architects (AIA) national recognition

Other international and national recognition

AIA chapter awards