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  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

  • Welcome to Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA

About MPF

Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA (MPF), is a full service architectural and interior design firm located in the Fairfield County borough of Southport, Connecticut.  Founded in 1984, the firm has grown to a staff of thirty professionals and celebrated thirty years of excellence in July 2014.

Architecture & Interior Design

While affording clients the expertise and capabilities of a large firm, MPFA maintains a small firm sensibility.  The personalized service and unique approach a project team gives to each job has cultivated long-lasting relationships with clients who return to work with us on subsequent projects.  Through the formation of an interior design team in 2009, MPFA has expanded to offer a comprehensive package of architectural and design services. 

Design Exellence

With a design aesthetic strongly rooted in traditional forms and regional character, the breadth of the firm’s work demonstrates expert design knowledge of an array of architectural styles.  Award-winning projects from Savannah, Georgia, to Newport, Rhode Island, stand as testaments to the firm’s ability to create distinctive projects that utilize vernacular architecture, reflect the client’s individuality, and embody an enduring quality of excellence.

Full Service Firm

Architectural Design

With a skilled staff that is distinguished in all areas of architecture and interior design, MPFA offers an all-encompassing client experience.  Working continuously with the client through each phase of the architectural and interior design process, MPFA assures that every detail is developed with the utmost care and attention.  The outcome is a testament to MPFA’s commitment to the highest quality of design. 

Whether a new home, addition, renovation, or commercial building project, Mark P. Finlay begins every project with a site visit and hand-drawn designs, creating a personalized architectural experience for the client.  While actively consulting with the client, MPFA partners and associates utilize computer aided design techniques and software (CAD) to develop Mark P. Finlay designs.  These construction documents contain all elements for the project, including site development, floor plans, exterior elevations, structural drawings, and interior architecture (trim, casework, molding, built-in cabinetry, and lighting).  With a network of structural, mechanical and site engineers, all MPFA architectural design projects are completed with a cohesive design that is executed with the utmost care and attention to every detail. 

Master Planning

Incorporating all elements and details into a project, Mark P. Finlay Architects is highly proficient at designing specialized master plans with a clear and unified vision.  Having completed master plans for club houses, trademark commercial spaces, equestrian properties, and residences and estates, the firm’s experience assures a plan tailored to fit any client’s needs.  Recognizing the importance of familiarity with a site before orienting the structures on it, the firm emphasizes designing a plan that is sensitive to the natural topography of a property.  Incorporation of this information during the early stages of the design process is vital to a successful project.  Initial designs include all hardscape elements, which are then enhanced by an appointed landscape architectural firm with whom MPFA continues to collaborate throughout the length of the project.  

With several LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) accredited professionals on staff, MPFA is committed to helping clients make responsible and educated decisions about their design choices.  Our firm has been practicing sustainable design throughout our thirty years in business.  From knowledge and use of environmentally sensitive products and materials to collaboration with construction teams who practice green building, the firm has produced many energy efficient commercial and residential buildings. 

Interior Design

With the formation of an in-house interior design team in 2009, Mark P. Finlay Architects is fully capable of translating the complete design vision of the firm, taking projects from the drawing boards to occupancy. Working collaboratively with architects and clients, MPF Interiors is involved with the selection, purchase, and installation of all furniture and accessories in a residence or business.  Whether working with MPF Architects or on a stand-alone project, MPF Interiors combines function with an immaculate aesthetic that reflects the daily lifestyle and personal taste of each client.  

MPF Interiors has expanded to include fine art advisory services. Whether the client is a collector of emerging artists, auction block masterpieces, or searching for a perfect piece of art for their home or office, MPF Interiors is able to advise and navigate the client through every stage of the challenging art market. Offering a comprehensive package of fine art advising, MPF Interiors will assist with selection, purchase, shipment, framing and installation of artwork.

Landscape Design

Our Architectural Design process incorporates in-house Landscape Design from the beginning of the project, giving full consideration for programmatic needs, sensory experience, and integration with the surrounding landscape. This approach allows us to design cohesive spaces that directly address the relationship between inside and outside.

Collaborative meetings allow MPF Landscape to create ecologically functional designs that reflect the personal tastes and needs of each client as well as the unique features of the site. MPF Landscape curates all horticultural and hardscape assets for the project. Special consideration is given to outdoor placemaking around pools, patios, fire elements, and outdoor kitchens. Plant material, topography, and orientation are utilized to frame desirable views and shield undesirable ones. The Landscape Designer oversees Landscape installation, and consults on long term maintenance. The result is a project with a distinct sense of place that will live and grow with the client.

Our People

Mark P. Finlay, AIA

President & CEO

Joseph P. Mulligan

Partner

Jay L. Valade

Partner

Brandt Jobst

Architect

Bryan Kocher

Architect

Maureen Kokorda

Senior Architectural Associate

Matt Lian

Senior Architectural Associate

Deborah Szabo

Architectural Interior Designer

Ryan T. Ralston

Architect

Kurt Wayne

Architect

Fabiana Baker

Architectural Associate

Andrew Vaccarelli

Architectural Associate

Casey Ray

Architectural Associate

Kaitlyn Cunningham

Architectural Associate

Antonio Malangone

Architectural Associate

Nicholas Rapillo

Architectural Associate

Joseph Makary

Architectural Associate

Christian Azana

Architectural Associate

Mary K. Cavazos

Landscape Designer

Alexandra Varvoglis

Senior Interior Designer

Tugce Sternemann

Senior Interior Designer

Alex Goossen

Project Coordinator

Aggie Crescente

Office Manager

Ben Roland

Intern

Mike Mulligan

Intern

Stan Yarmoussik

Intern

Award Winning Firm

- 2022 -

HOBI Award
“Best Custom Home 9,000-10,000 sqft”
Private Residence 
Washington, Connecticut

- 2020 -

AIA CT Alice Washburn Award
“Excellence in Architecture – New Construction”
Private Residence 
Greenwich, Connecticut

- 2019 -

Serendipity Magazine
"Design Innovator Award" - Finalist
Private Residence
Ridgefield, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award – Pool House" - Finalist
Private Residence
Ridgefield, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award – Traditional Architecture over 7,000 sqft" - Finalist
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award – Office/Library" - Finalist
Private Residence
Greenwich, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
“A-List Award – Commercial Space”
Trinity Forest Golf Club 
Dallas, Texas

LUXE Magazine
“Red Award – Traditional Architecture”
Ridgefield Barn
Ridgefield, Connecticut

Best of HOUZZ 2019 Award in Design

- 2018 -

Best of HOUZZ 2018 Award in Design

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Bath Design: Traditional" - Finalist
Private Residence
Greenwich, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award – Kitchen Design: Traditional/Classic" - Finalist
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award – Office/Library" - Finalist
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

New England Design Hall of Fame
Mark P. Finlay - Inductee

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Traditional Architecture over 7,000 Square Feet"
Private Residence
Greenwich, Conneticut

- 2017 -

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Office/Library"
Private Residence
Meredith, New Hampshire

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Bath Design: Transitional/Modern" - Finalist
Private Residence
Marco Island, Florida

2017 Luxe Gold List

Best of Houzz 2017 Award in Design

- 2016 - 

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Traditional Architecture Over 7,000 Square Feet"
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Poolhouse" - Finalist
Private Poolhouse
Darien, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Traditional Architecture Under 7,000 Square Feet" - Finalist
Private Residence
New Canaan, Connecticut

- 2015 -

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine 
“A-List Award - Renovation” - Finalist
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens 
“Innovation in Design Awards - Kitchens” - Second Place
Private Residence
Fairfield, Connecticut

- 2014 -

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens 
“Innovation in Design Awards - Kitchens” - Second Place
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine 
“A-List Award - Renovation”
Boathouse Renovation
Newport, Rhode Island

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine
"A-List Award - Modern Residence" - Finalist
Private Residence
Newport, Rhode Island

- 2013 -

New Canaan Preservation Alliance 
“Preservation Award” 
Private Residence 
New Canaan, Connecticut

Newport Restoration Foundation 
“Doris Duke Historic Preservation Award”
Boathouse Renovation
Newport, Rhode Island

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens 
“Innovation in Design Award - Architecture”
Private Residence
Darien, Connecticut

- 2012 -

Golf Inc. Magazine 
“Clubhouse of the Year" - Third Place
The Patterson Club
Fairfield, Connecticut

- 2011 -

At Home in Fairfield County Magazine 
“A-List Award - Traditional Architecture over 7,000 Square Feet” 
Private Residence
Darien, Connecticut

- 2009 -

AIA Connecticut 
“People’s Choice Award The Place in Which I’d Most Like to Study” 
Private Library
Ridgefield, Connecticut

The Associated General Contractors of America 
“Construction Industry Awards - Designer of the Year”
1020 Post Road
Darien, Connecticut

Connecticut Cottages & Gardens 
“Innovation in Design Award - Architecture"
Private Residence
Fairfield, Connecticut

Connecticut Main Street Center 
“Property Owner of the Year Award for Economic Restructuring”
1020 Post Road
Darien, Connecticut

 - 2008 - 

Historic Savannah Foundation 
“Historic Preservation Award” 
The Olde Pink House
Savannah, Georgia

- 2007 -

AIA New England 
“People’s Choice Awards - The House in Which I’d Most Like to Live”
Private Residence
Southport, Connecticut

- 2006 -

Golf Digest
“Best Accommodation for Golf Retreats”
Alotian Golf Club
Little Rock, Arkansas

- 2005 -

Nicholas H. Fingelly with Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 
“Visual Improvement Award” 
Rosewell Building
Southport, Connecticut

- 2004 -

Aurora Award
“Building and Design Excellence” 
Private Residence
Kiawah Island, South Carolina

AIA Connecticut 
Alice Washburn Award" - Honorable Mention
Private Residence
Kent, Connecticut

- 1999 -

The Westport Architectural Review Board 
“Award for Design Excellence” 
Westport Village Square
Westport, Connecticut

- 1996 -

Merit Award 
“Custom Home Design Award” 
Private Residence
Darien, Connecticut

- 1994 -

Professional Builder Magazine 
“Best in American Remodeling Award” 
Juror

- 1991 -

Professional Builder Magazine 
“Best in American Remodeling Award” 
Stone Residence

- 1990 -

Nicholas Fingelly 
“VIP Award”
1248 Post Road
Fairfield, Connecticut

Honored Member
“Who’s Who in U.S. Executives for Achievements in Architecture”

- 1989 -

CSA/AIA 
“Design Award” 
Private Residence
Fairfield, Connecticut

AIA/Red Cedar Bureau 
“Excellence in Design Award” 
Pine Ridge Condominiums
Fairfield, Connecticut

CSA 
“10/10 & Under” 
An Architectural Exhibition honoring the top ten architectural firms in Connecticut who have been 
in practice for less than ten years and have fewer than ten architects in the firm

- 1988 -

Nicholas H. Fingelly 
“VIP Award” 
Larry’s Diner
Fairfield, Connecticut

Nicholas H. Fingelly 
“VIP Award” 
Sherman Green Shopping Center
Fairfield, Connecticut

- 1987 -

AIA/Red Cedar Shingle Bureau 
“Excellence in Design Award” 
Private Residence
Westport, Connecticut

CSA/AIA 
“Public Space Award”
Fairfield Streetscape
Fairfield, Connecticut

- 1986 -

Nicholas H. Fingelly 
“VIP Award” 
1552 Post Road
Fairfield, Connecticut

- 1985 -

Fairfield Chamber of Commerce 
“VIP Award” 
2000 Post Road
Fairfield, Connecticut

Nicholas H. Fingelly 
“VIP Award”
10 Spruce Street
Southport, Connecticut

- 1984 -

“National Streetscape Award”
The firm’s re-design of downtown Fairfield’s streetscape awarded
first prize in national design competition