Business Details
42 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Design Firm in Anchorage
Founded in 1984, MCG Explore Design has established itself as a leader in architectural innovation, blending art and science to create spaces that inspire communities. Our human-centered approach prioritizes local narratives, sustainable practices, and functional design, ensuring every project reflects the unique values of our clients. With expertise in education, transportation, military, and civic projects, we integrate cold-weather resilience and high-performance standards into our work. Affiliated with organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the Council of Educational Facility Planners International, we champion transparency, collaboration, and environmental stewardship. Our commitment to the Red List Free Campaign underscores our dedication to healthier building practices.From master planning to construction management, we deliver enduring solutions that align with client goals and community needs. Our team of licensed professionals across 11 states combines decades of experience with a passion for storytelling through design. By fostering inclusive, innovative cultures, we ensure every projectfrom K-12 schools to healthcare facilitiesexceeds expectations. Client satisfaction drives our process, supported by technical excellence and a focus on long-term impact. This combination of expertise, ethics, and community engagement positions us as trusted partners in shaping the built environment.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainability
Construction Management
FF&E Design
Renderings
Technical Specifications
Exhibit Design
Strategic Thinking
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in architecture and interior design.
- Our team integrates sustainable practices and cold-weather resilience into every project.
- We prioritize client collaboration and community-driven storytelling in design.
- Affiliated with leading industry organizations like the American Institute of Architects.
- We offer end-to-end services from master planning to construction management.
Services
Architecture
Our architecture services focus on creating functional, sustainable spaces that honor local stories and climates. We specialize in education, healthcare, and civic projects, ensuring durability and community impact. From concept to completion, we blend art and science to deliver enduring solutions.
Interior Design
Interior design services emphasize aesthetics, functionality, and wellness. We craft environments tailored to how people interact, ensuring spaces reflect client values. Our approach balances creativity with practicality for workplaces, schools, and public areas.
Master Planning
Master planning shapes future-ready communities through growth strategies and sustainability. We integrate cultural narratives and resilience into long-term plans, ensuring spaces adapt to evolving needs while maintaining ecological balance and community engagement.
Sustainability
Sustainability services prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. We support the Red List Free Campaign, avoiding harmful substances to create healthier environments. Our designs minimize ecological footprints while enhancing user well-being.
Construction Management
Construction management ensures projects meet budgets, timelines, and quality standards. Our team coordinates with contractors, advocates for clients, and maintains precision in execution. We bridge vision and reality through meticulous oversight and problem-solving.
People
John Weir
Principal Architect
John Weir leads architectural projects with a focus on community impact and innovation. With decades of experience, he merges technical expertise with creative vision to deliver sustainable, award-winning designs across diverse sectors.
Cara Rude
Principal Interior Designer
Cara Rude specializes in interior design that balances aesthetics and functionality. Her work enhances user experiences in educational and civic spaces, emphasizing wellness and intuitive layouts tailored to client needs.
Garrett Burtner
Principal Architect
Garrett Burtner brings expertise in high-performance architecture to complex projects. His designs prioritize resilience and sustainability, ensuring structures thrive in challenging climates while aligning with client goals.
Jason Gamache
Principal Architect
Jason Gamache focuses on integrating local narratives into architectural solutions. His work spans military and civic projects, combining technical precision with storytelling to create meaningful, enduring spaces.
Evelyn Rousso
Principal Architect
Evelyn Rousso champions sustainable design and community-driven projects. Her leadership ensures innovative, eco-conscious solutions for education and healthcare facilities, reflecting her commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
Questions
What services does MCG Explore Design offer?
We provide architecture, interior design, master planning, sustainability consulting, construction management, and exhibit design services for education, civic, healthcare, and military clients.
How does MCG incorporate sustainability into projects?
We avoid red-listed materials, prioritize energy efficiency, and integrate eco-friendly practices. Our Red List Free Campaign commitment ensures healthier spaces through sustainable material choices.
What regions do you serve?
Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, we operate across 11 states, specializing in projects that address unique climatic and cultural challenges of northern regions.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use collaborative workshops and stakeholder engagement to align visions. Our Expand Experience Workshop ensures client input shapes every design decision and solution.
What industries do you specialize in?
We focus on education, healthcare, military, and civic sectors, delivering tailored solutions that address sector-specific challenges and community needs through innovative design.
Are you licensed for projects outside Alaska?
Yes, our architects are licensed in 11 states, allowing us to deliver projects across diverse regions while maintaining local regulatory compliance and design excellence.
