ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

At MFA, architecture is more than a service — it is a dialogue between place and purpose, tradition and innovation. Guided by a reverence for craftsmanship and a passion for thoughtful design, our team brings a holistic approach to every project, creating spaces that are as enduring as they are inspiring.

Whether designing a new residence, addition, renovation, historic restoration or commercial project, MFA begins every commission with an in-depth program meeting and hand-drawn studies, establishing a thoughtful and client-centered foundation. 

As the design evolves, partners and associates develop the construction documents for all Mark Finlay projects using the latest Autodesk software.  These drawings encompass all aspects of the project, including site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, structural coordination, and interior architecture—from trim and millwork to cabinetry and lighting. Supported by a trusted network of structural, mechanical, and site engineers, each project is executed as a cohesive whole, with craftsmanship and precision evident in every detail.

MASTER PLANNING

At Mark Finlay Architects, master planning is the art of envisioning the whole — an intricate balance of form, function, and setting, united by a singular, coherent vision. Our team approaches each project with a deep understanding that great design begins not with the structure, but with the land itself.

From distinguished clubhouses and iconic commercial properties to sprawling equestrian estates and refined private residences, MFA has crafted master plans that harmonize the built environment with its natural surroundings. Each plan is shaped by a sensitivity to the unique contours and character of the site — an essential starting point that informs every decision to follow.

We begin by carefully studying the topography to determine how structures, paths, and gathering spaces will best engage with their unique environment. Early conceptual designs include all hardscape elements, which are then thoughtfully enhanced either in house or through an ongoing collaboration with landscape architects. This integrated approach ensures that architecture and landscape evolve in concert — visually, functionally, and ecologically.

With several LEED-accredited professionals on staff, MFA also champions a legacy of environmental stewardship. For over three decades, we have embraced sustainable design sourcing environmentally conscious materials, working alongside green construction teams, and helping clients make informed, forward-thinking choices. The result: multi-generational master plans that are as enduring as they are elegant.

INTERIOR DESIGN

In 2009, Mark Finlay Interiors was established as an in-house interior design studio under the Mark Finlay umbrella. The design team brings architectural intent to life through refined and livable spaces. With a seamless dialogue between architecture and interiors, our designers ensures that each project is executed with clarity and cohesion from the drawing board to the moment of occupancy.

Working in close collaboration with our architects and clients, Mark Finlay Interiors curates every element of the interior experience — from the selection and procurement of furniture to the placement of the final accessory. Each decision reflects a balance between beauty and practicality to the rituals of daily life. Whether as part of a full architectural commission or as a stand-alone project, our interiors embody the character and sensibilities of the people who inhabit them.

MFI also offers fine art advisory services, providing clients with expert guidance through the often complex and nuanced world of art acquisition. Whether sourcing emerging talent, investing renowned works, or selecting the perfect piece for a single room, our team handles every detail — from advising and acquisition to shipment, framing, and installation. The result is a space that resonates with meaning, layered with texture, artistry, and individuality.

With a commitment to timeless design and a sensitivity to personal expression, Mark Finlay Interiors elevates interiors into deeply personal, highly curated environments that exist in partnership with their architectural backdrop.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

At MFA, a home’s landscape is not an afterthought — it is an integral part of the architectural narrative. From the very beginning of each project, our in-house Landscape Design team works in concert with our architects to shape environments that are not only functional and beautiful but deeply attuned to the character of the land and the lifestyle of the client.

This integrated approach allows us to craft seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, where each element speaks the same design language. Through collaborative meetings and site exploration, Mark Finlay Landscape develops ecologically thoughtful and personally expressive designs that respond to the site’s natural topography, orientation, and views.

Every landscape is curated with care, balancing horticultural richness with refined hardscape elements. We elevate the design of our outdoor spaces with purposeful destinations — inviting visitors to gather around pools and terraces, fire features, and open-air kitchens. Plantings are thoughtfully selected not only for their aesthetic beauty but also for their seasonal rhythms and long-term vitality. Views are framed, privacy is preserved, and moments of quiet discovery are naturally woven into the land.

With a hands-on role during preparation and installation, our landscape architecture team ensures that each environment continues to evolve gracefully over time. The result is more than a finished garden — it is an extension of the home designed to grow with its inhabitants.