logo
  • WORK
  • STUDIO
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT
logo
  • WORK
  • STUDIO
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT

Studio

Practice & Approach
Team

Practice

We are an architectural design studio practicing in a broad array of project types and urban scales.

We have a deep interest in how buildings, places, and spaces shape our cities.

We provide intelligent and pragmatic solutions in a rapidly evolving industry and environment; with a critical and collaborative design process underpinned by nuanced experience in project management and extensive knowledge of building construction.

MFDS is committed to both process and product; we believe that approaching every problem with fresh, critical ways of thinking yield the best solutions.

Approach

We approach every project holistically, recognizing that a project is more than its design but rather the successful culmination and execution of incredible efforts from all parties involved.

We strive for a better and sustainable future, and seek to provide solutions large and small in purpose of that goal. Not every project is a home run in moving the needle of sustainable design and implementation, base hits are better than batting zero. Whether small steps or giant leaps, we work with clients and stakeholders to provide the most thoughtful built intervention within project constraints.

We look for smart and strategic moves and designs that provide maximum impact for minimal cost – every budget, every community, and every project is important.

Team

We are hands-on designers that lead and collaborate with other like-minded professionals, with a shared commitment to providing quality, sustainable, and beautiful projects and products.

Monte French

Founder & Principal

Alex Yoon

Director of Design

Tom Merchel

Associate, Job Captain

Emily Driscoll

Associate, Designer III

William Lee

Associate, Senior Project Architect

Cameron Christopher

Job Captain

Matthew Nguyen

Designer II

Shannon Rooney

Designer I

Brendan Rhoads

Job Captain

Sarah Keough

Office Manager

Monte French

Founder & Principal
Monte has over 20 years of design and management experience on projects ranging from small adaptive reuse to international competitions. Through each project Monte focuses on exceeding client expectations, developing aesthetically purposeful designs, community-based interaction, and creating thoughtful building systems through critical thinking of each element. Monte has been a Boston area native throughout his 20 years of architectural engagement; and brings nuanced experience in tackling the challenges of executing projects in urban contexts and navigating the complexities of municipal and civic processes.

As part of his engagement in the city and its civic discourse, Monte has been a guest critic at the Boston Architectural College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University. He was also a faculty member of the Boston Architectural College for over 7 years.

Monte holds a professional Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Boston Architectural College, served in the United States Navy, and has considerable hands-on construction experience.

When Monte isn’t working and thinking about your project, he enjoys spending time with his family and trying to eliminate the long list of construction projects at home…

Alex Yoon, CPHC

Director of Design
Alex is Director of Design at MFDS. He earned his Master in Architecture I from Harvard University GSD and his BA in Architecture from the University of Florida, summa cum laude. Prior to joining MFDS, he was an Associate for six years at Peter Rose + Partners, where he was intimately involved in projects ranging from high-end residential to master plans.

Alex brings over 13 years of hands-on entitlement, design, documentation, and construction experience to MFDS - and as such provides a thoughtful, holistic approach to the visioning, implementation, and execution of projects. Whether iterating on potential massing with a client or drawing through a detail with staff, Alex views every task as part of a larger holistic whole - as an end product for the client and user, and as an intervention into the built environment.

Outside the office, he practices kendo - a Japanese martial art, and enjoys a good beer while watching an NBA game.

Tom Merchel

Associate, Job Captain
Tom enjoys blending architecture with innovative technologies to represent his design intent in a distinct and effective manner. He provides a strong background in BIM implementation/management, architectural visualization, virtual reality, large project collaboration, and of course architectural design.

Tom's passion for design was forged at the Boston Architectural College (BAC) where he earned his Professional Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. He was awarded a commendation for Comprehensive Resolution and Project Flexibility for his degree project. Tom stays connected to the college by reviewing students portfolios and participating in guest critiques. 

William Lee, RA, CPHC

Associate, Senior Project Architect
With over a decade of experience in design and construction, William approaches each project from a multidisciplinary perspective. His educational background, having earned a BFA and M.Arch at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, contributes to the creative problem-solving skillset that is required on any successful project. He endeavors towards artistic and pragmatic solutions that are in service to a project’s owners, users, and the community at large.

Beyond architecture, William enjoys furniture making in his woodshop, mountain biking at the local trails, and hiking on the weekends with his family. 

Emily Driscoll

Associate, Designer III
Bio coming soon!

Cameron Christopher, RA

Job Captain
Cameron is an architectural designer with over ten years of experience in the industry, from boots-on-the-ground residential construction to institutional and multi-family design. With a B. Arch from the Boston Architectural College and an Associate's Degree in Architecture and Engineering Technology from Vermont Technical College, Cameron brings a deep understanding of both the technical and theoretical aspects of architecture, enabling him to communicate complex design concepts to clients and consultants.

Cameron's design approach balances contextual, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to create spaces that enhance occupant comfort. Above all, he values design that responds to community needs and minimizes environmental impact.

Outside the office, Cameron spends his free time camping in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, biking Boston, and is working towards his architectural license and passive house certification.

Brendan Rhoads

Job Captain
Brendan is a job captain with over 14 years of experience working in many different types of Architecture from single-family homes to public safety facilities and affordable multi-family apartments. Throughout recent years working in affordable housing, he has developed specific expertise in PHIUS design and construction. His focus on high-performance design & detailing and oversight of projects in construction allow him to eagerly push new projects towards greater sustainability and resiliency standards throughout the design and construction administration process.

Outside of work, Brendan enjoys mountain biking, skiing, and training for his next marathon, always accompanied by his dog and best friend Tela.

Sarah Keough

Office Manager
Sarah is the office manager at MFDS. A graduate of Salve Regina University, Sarah brings two decades of administrative experience in the educational and non-profit sectors to our team. She has held various responsibilities during that time, including bookkeeping, office organization, marketing, and event planning. Throughout her career, Sarah has also been a warm and welcoming presence for clients and visitors alike. A thoughtful problem-solver, she works to create organizational systems which work for everyone. Sarah prides herself on contributing courteous efficiency in service of the greater mission of any organization and brings that warmth and organization to MFDS.

Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys scrapbooking, spending time on the Cape, and cheering on her family at their various theatrical and sporting events.

Shannon Rooney

Designer I
Shannon received her Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Studio Art from Providence College, and recently graduated from Northeastern University with her Master of Architecture in May 2024. As a designer, she brings experience in community engagement, regional networks, and New England vernacular.

Outside of work, Shannon enjoys reading, working with ceramics, and spending time with family and friends on Cape Cod.

Shane Gunning

Intern

Matthew Nguyen

Designer II
Matt is an architectural designer and recent graduate based in Boston, MA. Currently in the process of obtaining his architectural license, he possesses a deep passion for innovative design and artistic expression.

Drawing on his education, including a BSA and M.Arch from Wentworth Institute of Technology University, Matt brings a unique perspective to his projects. His expertise lies in creating captivating designs through a combination of physical models, hand sketching, digital collages/renders, and 3D printing.

In addition to his architectural pursuits, Matt explores various creative outlets. From hand sketching to product design and digital artworks, he continuously pushes the boundaries of visual expression.

Gregory Wolfe

Designer I
Bio coming soon!

Joe Schmoe

Sales
Integer pretium, mauris ac eleifend venenatis, lorem odio egestas erat, non varius sapien nisl eget enim. Proin lacus quam, dictum egestas turpis nec, mattis venenatis ligula. Duis euismod mi vel ornare sodales. Aliquam congue rhoncus tellus ut suscipit. Proin ornare dolor eget tempus feugiat. Aliquam nulla tortor, sodales sit amet massa non, posuere aliquet leo.

Proin porta, dui non sollicitudin varius, turpis nisi venenatis dolor, sed fermentum eros libero malesuada arcu. Proin eu felis ut ante sodales condimentum. Proin pharetra, lacus nec ornare tincidunt, sapien dolor gravida nisi, at pharetra mi ipsum eget enim. Donec dolor tellus, imperdiet sit amet maximus nec, vehicula vitae tellus. Nam fermentum iaculis orci, nec dignissim turpis posuere in.

Ut convallis felis et turpis auctor placerat. Curabitur et porta dolor. Proin pretium ante rutrum velit condimentum, eu vestibulum elit pulvinar. In venenatis, eros non convallis vehicula, turpis est hendrerit quam, vel suscipit metus nibh et dui.
  • Links

    • WORK
    • STUDIO
    • NEWS
    • CONTACT
  • Follow

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
  • Contact

    179 South Street, 3rd Floor
    Boston, MA 02111
    info@mfds-bos.com