Amid my 30th year of architectural practice after graduation from Ball State one truth has never faded: the power of design to transform lives and communities.

Design can shape a campus, energize an athletic program, create workplaces that inspire, or breathe new life into a historic structure. At MSA Design, with our 40th anniversary that commitment to design excellence is more than a philosophy, it’s the foundation of who we are.

Founded by Mike Schuster in December of 1985 with a clear focus on design excellence above all else, MSA Design was built on the belief that architecture should serve both people and place. That belief continues to guide us today.

We’re not here to collect clients. We’re not here to collect checks.

We exist to come alongside people such as university presidents, athletic directors, civic leaders, corporate executives, faith communities, or community development partners, each bringing challenges that matter deeply to them. Whether the task is a new arena worth hundreds of millions or a renovation to transform a student center into the heart of campus life, we approach every project with the same focus: solving problems through design, together.

And it’s never just one of us. It’s always with our amazing team. That collective talent, energy, and creativity is what makes the process meaningful. Not as vendor and customer, but as collaborators working toward a shared vision.

We capture it simply:

Mission: We design exceptional experiences and spaces.

Vision: Exceptional people. Inspired experiences. Enduring impact.

These aren’t marketing slogans. They’re the lens through which we view every conversation, every drawing, every decision. For us, design excellence isn’t negotiable but how we deliver it matters just as much. We strive to make the process engaging, collaborative, and even joyful. And we never forget that we are stewards of our clients’ resources, treating each project with care and respect.

Over nearly four decades, our work has spanned a wide range of markets. Each has its own challenges, but all share a common thread: the opportunity to make a difference through design.

Sport: Facilities that empower athletes and inspire communities. From training environments to arenas and stadiums.

Education: Spaces for discovery, learning, and student life that shape the next generation.

Corporate: Workplaces that reflect culture, innovation, and identity.

Civic: Fire stations, recreation centers, and civic halls that strengthen communities.

Historic: Sensitive preservation and adaptive reuse that honor the past while creating relevance for the future.

Transportation: From aviation to bus transit hubs, creating infrastructure that moves people efficiently while shaping first impressions of a city.

Lifestyle: Developments and environments that bring vitality to daily life.

Religious: Sacred spaces designed with reverence and meaning.

Interiors: Environments that connect the function and feel of every space.

Graphics: Visual storytelling and environmental branding that make places memorable.

We don’t approach these markets as silos. They’re part of a larger fabric of human experience and our expertise allows us to bring lessons from one sector to another in creative, unexpected ways.

While design excellence is our foundation, service is our strength. Our clients place immense trust in us, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every decision matters, every dollar has impact, and every project deserves care.

But beyond responsibility, we believe the process should be rewarding. Architecture is about solving serious challenges, yes, but it can and should also be inspiring and energizing. With our team, we strive to make working with MSA not only productive but also joyful.

From Mike’s vision nearly 40 years ago to the diverse, dynamic practice we are today, MSA Design has been shaped by people who believe in the enduring value of design.

As we enter our 40th year, we are filled with gratitude for the colleagues who carry forward our standard of design excellence, for the clients who trust us to realize their visions, and for the communities that allow us to contribute to their future.

We’ve never sought to be the biggest corporate entity. That has never been our measure of success. Instead, our measure is impact in creating architecture that elevates people, strengthens communities, and leaves an enduring imprint on the world.

Looking ahead, technologies will evolve, markets will shift, and new opportunities will emerge. But our foundation remains clear: design first, human always.

Because architecture isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people. And that’s why, after 40 years in the business, we remain as inspired as ever to do this great work.