50 Years of Designing Places to Be and Belong
In 2026, Meyer proudly celebrates 50 years of creating inspiring, thoughtful spaces that reflect our commitment to design, sustainability, and community. From our humble beginnings in 1976 to becoming a nationally recognized architecture and design firm, our journey has been shaped by creativity, resilience, and collaboration. Along the way, we’ve embraced innovation, navigated challenges, and expanded our impact across industries and geographies. To honor this milestone, we invite you to explore the Meyer timeline – a visual story of our history, defining moments, and the people who have made it all possible. Join us as we reflect on the past, celebrate our accomplishments, and look ahead to the next chapter of Meyer’s legacy.
1970s · Foundations
Humble Beginnings
Deborah Meyer launches the firm from her first apartment, working at two drafting tables.
First Office Opens
Meyer opens its first office in Narberth, Pennsylvania. The firm focuses exclusively on corporate interior design.
1980s · Growth & Resilience
Employee Spotlight · Suzanne Nicholson
Suzanne Nicholson joined Meyer in 1980 and played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s interior design capabilities, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of how design supports complex business objectives.
Persevering Through Recession
During a severe recession, Meyer’s checking account dropped to just $7. When Deborah Meyer asked the team if they wanted to continue, everyone committed fully, pitching in to help the firm persevere through challenging times.
Employee Spotlight · Norman Liedtke
Norman Liedtke joined Meyer in 1982 and went on to lead the firm’s growth into a nationally respected architecture and design practice rooted in relationships, leadership, and design excellence.
Technology Arrives
Meyer installs its first fax machine, marking a major shift in how the firm communicates and collaborates.
Employee Spotlight · George Wilson
George Wilson founded Meyer Architects in 1987, growing the practice, mentoring generations of architects, leading award-winning projects, and championing sustainability and WELL building standards for over 35 years.
Start of Meyer Architects
Traditionally an interior design firm, 1987 marked an important evolution and the formal start of Meyer’s architecture services. Early architectural clients included Maier’s Bakery Headquarters in Reading, PA and Republic Bank Headquarters in Upper Darby, PA.
Employee Spotlight · Chris Scarafile
With nearly four decades of experience, Chris Scarafile has led national corporate interior projects across the country, applying decades of experience and meticulous planning to some of the firm’s most complex work.
1990s · Early Expansion
Employee Spotlight · Dan King
Dan King has grown the Living Studio into a nationally recognized senior living and multi-family practice, leading with expertise, advocacy, and a people-first approach.
The Fire: Resilience in Ardmore
In January 1994, a fire devastates the Ardmore office on one of the coldest days of the year. The team is operational within days and fully restored within 11 months, losing only one client. A defining moment that solidified the team and culture.
Entering the Digital Age
Meyer completes its first project using CAD—a $2M renovation and addition at Swarthmore College, marking the firm’s transition from analog drafting to AutoCAD.
Employee Spotlight · Phil Burkett
Since joining Meyer, Phil has helped grow Meyer’s national presence in the Corporate and Life Science sectors, known for his can-do approach, industry leadership, and community involvement.
Breaking the Million-Dollar Mark: GMAC
Meyer completes its largest architectural project to date: GMAC Headquarters for Liberty Property Trust (approx. 900,000 SF), marking the firm’s first fee exceeding $1 million.
Employee Spotlight · Mike Stanczak
Since joining Meyer in 1998, Michael Stanczak has evolved from leading large-scale architectural projects to overseeing firm operations, ensuring Meyer’s culture, policies, and people remain at the center of its success.
Employee Spotlight · Alicia Karr
Alicia joined Meyer in 1999 as an administrative assistant and has grown into her role as CEO, leading the firm’s strategic vision, culture, and evolution into a nationally recognized architecture and interior design practice.
Employee Spotlight · Debra Breslow
In her time at Meyer, Deb Breslow has become a nationally recognized workplace design strategist, championing people-centered, wellness-driven environments that reflect culture, belonging, and sustainability.
2000s · Growth in a Changing World
Designing Through Y2K
Meyer navigated Y2K-era uncertainty by working with multiple dot-com companies and delivering major design-build projects at Millennium II & III in Conshohocken. The team led extensive risk assessment planning, helping clients prepare for potential disruptions.
Reflection and Reassessment
September 11 profoundly impacted the architecture and design industry. Multi-story projects were placed on hold as clients grew more cautious, prompting a reevaluation of building height, safety, and security. The moment reshaped how designers and clients alike approached risk, resilience, and responsibility in the built environment.
Employee Spotlight · Melinda McCann
In her time at Meyer, Melinda McCann has led business development and client strategy, strengthening Meyer’s relationships with global brands and industry leaders while driving thoughtful market growth.
Going National
In the mid-2000s, Meyer transitioned from a regional practice to a national design firm, expanding its reach, client base, and influence while laying the groundwork for sustained growth across markets.
Launching Broker Club
Meyer launched Broker Club, an educational initiative designed to help young commercial brokers better understand architecture and design, strengthening relationships and positioning the firm as a trusted industry partner.
2010s · Expanding Influence
Expanding Global Reach
In 2011, Meyer co-founded One Global Design, expanding the firm’s global reach and strengthening its collaborative network to better serve clients across international markets.
Employee Spotlight · Shannon Remaley
Since joining Meyer, Shannon Remaley has led the strategic vision for the firm’s living and healthcare markets, advancing people-centered design that prioritizes wellness, collaboration, and impact.
The Senior Living Practice
Meyer launched the Senior Living Studio, formalizing a rapidly growing practice area and reinforcing the firm’s commitment to specialized expertise and focused client service.
Leadership Transition Begins
Looking towards the future, Norman Liedtke divests a portion of his ownership stake to the next generation of Meyer through the creation of an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Program). He forms his Executive Leadership Team, who leads the firm today.
Meyer Gives Back
Meyer launched Meyer Gives Back, formalizing the firm’s commitment to community engagement and service. That same year, the firm earned its first “Best Places to Work” recognition, reflecting a culture rooted in purpose, people, and shared values.
2020s · Looking Forward
Connecting Through Uncertainty
As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the workplace, Meyer launched Corporate Roundtables to foster meaningful dialogue with clients and industry partners, helping navigate unprecedented change through shared insight and collaboration.
Redefining the Brand
Meyer launched its refreshed brand, redefining the firm’s identity and strategically positioning it for future growth and impact.
A New Generation of Leadership
Meyer announced a leadership transition as Alicia Karr was promoted to CEO and Norman Liedtke assumed the role of executive chairman, aligning with the firm’s five-year strategic plan and continuing its evolution as a nationally recognized, employee-owned design firm.