At its meeting October 24th, the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) Designer Selection Panel selected HMFH Architects as the design firm. Pending successful contract negotiations, HMFH will provide crucial and broad services for the project.

The Designer Selection Panel was formed by the MSBA and included 13 appointed members and three representatives of Arlington, including the Superintendent of Schools, the School Committee and AHS Building Committee Chair and a designee of the Town Manager. The AHS Building Designer Subcommittee had previously reviewed all applications as well.

The 13 MSBA appointed members of the Designer Selection Panel were recruited from recommended candidates of the Boston Society of Architects, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts and the Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts, as well as MSBA staff, and independent design and construction professionals.

Jeff Thielman, Chair of the Arlington School Committee and the Arlington High School Building Committee stated, “We have a great opportunity to work with a highly regarded firm. Having worked with HMFH Architects, Inc. on prior projects, we have confidence that the design process will result in an improved high school that meets educational needs with a strong design component.”

HMFH Architects, Inc. is a Cambridge-based architectural firm focused on the design of student living and learning environments. HMFH designed the Thompson School for the Town of Arlington, as well as the six classroom addition under construction. HMFH is made up of 36 architects and designers with an expanded leadership and certification as a Woman-Owned Business. Founded in 1969, HMFH Architects has built opportunities for learning on a local, regional and national level. HMFH has executed 17 projects through the MSBA 963 CMR 2.00 School Building Grant Program and are fully familiar with the processes required to achieve a successful outcome.

The designer will be a key participant in the renovation rebuild of Arlington High School.  HMFH Architects, Inc. will:

• guide information gathering on building condition, educational program, and community expectations and desires
• assist the school administration in using this information to develop an educational plan
• create preliminary designs for the rebuilt high school that allow implementation of the
  educational plan
• help the Arlington High School Building Committee and community select the preferred design
• develop complete plans for the chosen design
• ensure the new structure is built according to plan