Voith & Mactavish Architects
2022 - 2023
Voith & Mactavish Architects (VMA) offers expert services in architecture, planning, interior design, and historic preservation. They believe great architecture comes from innovation within a context of tradition and in the importance of designing the process, the benefit of sustainable architecture and stewardship of the environment, and dedication to craftsmanship. The firm designs beautiful, innovative spaces for high profile educational and cultural institutions and takes a special interest in historic resources. Notable projects include the Silverman Hall historic classrooms at the University of Pennsylvania, the Commons Student Housing at Villanova University, Dwight Hall rehabilitation at Yale University, the new College of Business at Lehigh University, and the rehabilitation of the Paul Peck Alumni Center at Drexel University.
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
Founded in 1832 by Bishop Francis Kenrick, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary is the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Philadelphia. After 155 years at its historic campus in Lower Merion, the seminary chose to relocate to a new site at Gwynedd Mercy University.
VMA is the firm responsible for designing new facilities for the seminary with updated living, learning, and worship spaces in the spirit of their faith and former home. Inspired by the physical form and the liturgical ceremony of the two historic chapels, the new 220-seat Immaculate Conception Chapel is designed with antiphonal seating for the seminarians with additional congregational seating under the large choir balcony. The design meticulously integrated artifacts of the former campus, including the stained-glass windows and skylight, the pews and faculty stalls, the marble altar and ambo, and the statuary throughout. The celebratory chapel honors the history and reflects the bright new chapter in the life of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. Drawings were completed in 2023 and the new Student Life Center and Residence Hall buildings opened in 2024. As a member of the project team, Molly participated in design charrettes for the chapel, documented historic artwork and furniture, coordinated with consultants to develop technical drawings with traditional details, and prepared construction documents for bidding.
Hamilton College Bridge
Hamilton College was established over 200 years ago in the name of Alexander Hamilton, one of its inaugural trustees. In 1978 the school merged with Kirkland College, and the Martin's Way Bridge physically and symbolically connects the two campuses.
VMA was invited to participate in a short competition for the design of a new bridge to replace the deteriorating pedestrian connection. The two proposed designs sought to respond to the different stylistic contexts of each side of the bridge and create a strong campus landmark that frames views to the natural glen. Schematic designs were supported with renderings and cost estimates. VMA was selected for the project and the designs will evolve into a finished product. Molly worked directly with Senior Partner John Cluver and a structural engineering consultant to study multiple design concepts, develop drawings and details for two configurations, and illustrate perspective views with mixed media renderings.
