Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects

06/17/2026

As we welcome the official beginning of summer 2026, we can't help but think about what an extraordinary spring it's been, especially with the recent celebration of the grand opening of the Crispus Attucks York History & Culture Center! 🌟 On April 30, donors and partners gathered for an intimate preview, followed by the community-wide ribbon cutting on May 2, a moment nearly 95 years in the making.

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is honored to have designed this transformative new space, created to celebrate the legacy of Crispus Attucks, tell difficult stories honestly, and welcome every visitor into an environment of light, reflection, and community.

The building’s mass timber structure is the first in Central PA. Its cascading skylit stair, “sliver” neighborhood-view windows, Unity Courtyard, and rooftop learning terrace were all intentionally crafted to connect visitors with York’s history, neighborhoods, and people. 🫂

During the grand opening, attended by hundreds, Crispus Attucks York CEO Bobby Simpson reflected on the generations who built and sustained the organization, reminding attendees to “appreciate, appreciate, appreciate Crispus Attucks’ legacy, involvement, and contribution to the community.”

We are deeply grateful for the collaboration of so many who brought this vision to life, including our team members Patrick Ness, Harper Kvasnovsky, and Ashley Updegraff; Stewart & Tate construction manager; exhibit designers and fabricators; and the countless community partners who supported this seven‑year journey. 💌

Designing this Center has been, in the words of Frank Dittenhafer II, President of M&D, “a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.”

We hope the community continues to explore, learn, gather, and return again and again. Congratulations to Crispus Attucks York on this historic milestone!

06/15/2026

A decade of vision, collaboration, and community pride came together at the recent ribbon cutting on April 30 for the Northern Schuylkill Center for Education, Business, and the Arts (CEBA) in Shenandoah, PA. 🙌

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is proud to have designed a new building that reflects both Shenandoah's rich history and its forward‑looking aspirations. From brick masonry that echoes the surrounding streetscape to a sculptural black concrete block stair tower inspired by the borough's anthracite coal mining history, CEBA's state-of-the-art technology center blends context, craft, and innovation.

More importantly, the facility brings vital resources under one roof: Education, healthcare, business incubation, arts, and community gathering spaces. It’s a place built to spark opportunity in a region ready for renewal.

"Resources like a Culinary Kitchen, Penn State University's classroom, Shenandoah Heath Center, and Maker Space should have a profound effect on the borough's renewal," said Patrick Ness, Associate Principal at M&D.

Influential figures attended the ribbon cutting, including Senator David G. Argall and PA State Rep. JoAnne Stehr, showcasing the project's profound community and regional economic impact. Congratulations to Downtown Shenandoah, Inc., The Primary Health Network, and all partners who helped make this milestone possible.

05/18/2026

At Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, we believe that sacred spaces are more than just buildings. They’re the heart of a community’s history. ⛪🕍

We dove into how we approach faith-based projects with a deep-seated reverence, ensuring historic landmarks continue to serve modern congregations for generations to come.

From the chancel modernizations and exterior improvements at Roland Park Presbyterian Church to the inclusive redesigns and technical upgrades within the Sanctuary at Beth Tfiloh Synagogue, see how we’re bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary worship.

👉 Read the full story on our blog:

When breathing new life into a historic landmark, we prioritize a design philosophy that bridges past and present.

05/12/2026

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects team members recently had the pleasure of attending the Horn Farm Center Ribbon Cutting, and it was a true full-circle moment! 🎀✂️

After four years of working from temporary trailers and nearly five years of rebuilding following the devastating 2021 lightning strike and fire, the event on April 24th marked a celebration of resilience, collaboration, and community spirit.

M&D Architects who designed the restored and renovated building joined Quarry View Building Group, local officials, community members, and the Horn Farm Center board and staff to officially open the farmhouse as the Horn Farm Education Center, which features office, classroom, and multi-purpose space for a wide variety of programs. Everyone celebrated what this restored building will make possible for years to come. ✨

We’re honored to have played a role in giving the farmhouse a new life and helping create a place where the Horn Farm Center can continue its mission of education, sustainability, and community connection.

04/23/2026

Baltimore County is investing in resilience. 💪

New fire and police stations are being constructed to strengthen emergency response and support those who protect our communities every day. Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is proud to have designed the new Catonsville Fire Station, Wilkens Police Precinct and Essex Police Precinct.

Discover how thoughtful design is shaping safer, more sustainable public safety facilities.

👉 Read the full story on our blog:

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has been working on a range of projects for Baltimore County’s first responder community, which require a unique Architectural design approach.

04/20/2026

Join us in celebrating the ribbon cutting of the newly opened Carroll County Family Shelter, a project that reflects years of collaboration, vision, and commitment to supporting families experiencing homelessness. 💙

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects is honored to have designed the renovation of this important community facility, transforming a portion of an existing non-descript building into a flexible environment that accommodates up to 10 families, each with private rooms and bathrooms, along with additional emergency bed space to meet urgent needs. The family-friendly space also includes an outside playground.

We’re grateful to have contributed to a project that strengthens and supports the essential work of the Human Services Programs of Carroll County, Inc.

Enjoy the photos from the March 17 ribbon cutting! ✂️

04/13/2026

Recently, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects transformed their Design Studio into a community dining experience! 🥂

M&D had a stellar time participating in Downtown York, PA’s Spring “Sip & Savor” event on March 28. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our “c o d” gallery building, home to our interior design department and design collaboration center, on W. Market St. to enjoy the experience.

And a special shout‑out to Fig & Barrel for providing an incredible selection of food and beverages for our guests. Their flavors truly elevated the evening.

We’re grateful to be part of such a vibrant community and look forward to the next opportunity to connect and celebrate local business.

04/06/2026

🌟 Join us in welcoming Julie McGill‑Kopp, the new Senior Interior Designer at Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects! 🌟

M&D is excited to welcome Julie McGill‑Kopp, NCIDQ, LEED AP, FMP as our new Senior Interior Designer.

Julie brings four decades of interior design and facility planning experience for an array of project types including Corporate, Industrial, Government, Healthcare, Banks, Religious Facilities, Higher Education, and more . A few highlights include:

• Managing 260,000 square feet of office and common spaces for BAE Systems
• Leading major workplace renovations, including a 60,000-square-foot leased office project and multiple corporate interiors
• Designing impactful environments for Harley‑Davidson, Carlisle Construction Materials, York County Administrative Center, and Northrop Grumman

Julie has a consciousness for sustainable, innovative, and creative design practices. We’re thrilled to have her talent, leadership, and passion on board, enhancing our team and the spaces we create.

04/02/2026

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects has the pleasure of being a stop on the YCASE Art Walk, a multi-location art scholars exhibition for the York community, for over 10 years now.

For the 2026 event in February, we were one of 11 stops on the tour, which featured the artwork of 180+ talented student artists from 13 York-area high schools.

At M&D, we're grateful to be a part of such a creative and supportive community and we can't wait until next year's event! Follow Marketview Arts to get a heads up on 2027 dates.

03/05/2026

Did you know?

Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects designs houses and residences, too!

While commercial projects make up the vast majority of our work, we've had the pleasure of partnering with clients on a range of custom residential designs, like:

🌳A house nestled into a hilltop with panoramic vistas for miles
⛵A custom "modernist" boathouse on the lake
🌆Chic urban lofts within Central PA cities
🚗A multi-story garage with dedicated his & hers spaces

The best part about working with clients on residential designs? "Together, we launch a journey with a shared vision, and it lands with a design that exceeds everyone’s expectations," says M&D President Frank Dittenhafer II.

Enjoy these photos of some of M&D's past and ongoing residential projects: