50 Years of Inspired Design

Inspired Design, MDP News

MDP50 IntroductionWe are excited to announce that 2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of MDP. Join us in celebrating 50 years of enhancing lives through inspired architecture and interior design.

Five Decades of Inspired Design

We thank Sam Merlino for founding Merlino Design Partnership in 1973 and establishing the firm’s reputation in the design of hospitals, private schools and the early concept of retirement living. There have been so many memorable milestones year after year and decade after decade, from establishing a position as a leading design firm in the senior living industry and completing international projects to introducing new divisions, services and specialties. The MDP Team’s accomplishments and growth are rooted in a commitment to Inspired Design—creating engaging environments that encourage inspired living.

Bruce Hurowitz has grown the firm over the span of four decades and is proud to lead The MDP Team alongside Kimberly Hyduke and continue the legacy of Inspired Design.

“I am so excited to be part of this milestone. Throughout the 50 years, the firm has experienced tremendous growth and diversity. From its inception, by my father Sam Merlino, to its current transition to MDP and its leadership under principal Bruce Hurowitz, the firm has established a strong reputation in the field of senior living. During this time, senior living has seen an incredible amount of fluctuation as well as expansion. Our firm has strived to be at the forefront of this industry. Our core value is to provide the highest quality design to meet the needs of our clients and their end users.”—Kimberly Hyduke.

View a timeline of our Inspiring Journey.

Senior Living, Multifamily & Hospitality

MDP Published ProjectThe MDP Team has provided design services for senior living communities since the 1970s. This specialized work has given the team keen awareness of and deep sensitivity to the diverse needs of all people. Whether senior living, multifamily or hospitality projects, we believe in designing thoughtful environments—places that enhance lives.

“We have seen so much change in the senior living industry over the years and MDP has responded in so many ways. We aspire to be at the forefront of that change and engage with our clients in developing new and exciting solutions. From technology, market conditions, resident demands and preferences, building codes, health initiatives and alike, our team is constantly being challenged. The design challenge brings on the inspiration.”—Bruce Hurowitz

Enjoy learning more about our projects.

Valued long-standing client & partner relationships

MDP’s extensive portfolio reflects our long-term client relationships and collaborative partnerships. Over our 50-year history, we have been fortunate to have the opportunity to innovate and evolve with some of the top senior living providers in the country. This includes over 20 years with Parker Health Group, 22 years with RiverSpring Living, 20 years with Kaplan Development Group and over 30 years with Heath Village.

Explore our valued client relationships.

A team of exceptional professionals

The MDP TeamDeveloping long-term client relationships and creating award-winning work is only possible with a team of exceptional professionals. And that is what we have at MDP. Our talented design team is hard-working and dedicated. We are all committed to making lives better through the built environment. We believe in fostering an engaging and supportive work environment that inspires creativity and encourages innovative problem-solving. Our success can be attributed to each and every team member—a collaborative team of experienced design professionals (several of whom have worked together for over a decade or more).

“As with the past, the future will hold many challenges and surprises. I am confident with our dedicated and talented staff that MDP will continue to experience growth not only in senior living, but in other areas of this industry.” –Kimberly Hyduke

Learn more about The MDP Team.

Award-Winning Projects | Local, National & International Recognition

We are proud to work with innovative providers on groundbreaking and award-winning projects. A special thank you to the industry organizations, publications and media outlets that have honored our work and come to us for our expertise. May 2023 and beyond present more opportunities to speak at conferences, be part of esteemed awards panels and support thought-provoking conversations about the industries we serve.

Enjoy learning more about our award recognition.

“Everything we do is really about the residents who live in the environments we create. Our goal for the next decade, for continuing the MDP legacy, is to continue to enhance the lives of the residents we serve through inspired architecture and interior design.”–Bruce Hurowitz

We look forward to celebrating five decades of Inspired Design throughout 2023. Stay tuned for memorable moments, what’s next and opportunities to connect and celebrate with The MDP Team!