Founded in Covington in 2001 by Shiloh Moates and Michael Hunley, MSH Architects was built on a simple but powerful belief: strong communities don't happen by accident; they happen by design. While the firm has completed projects throughout the region, its greatest passion has always been serving Southeast Louisiana through thoughtful architecture and meaningful community partnerships.
"Our core mission is to serve our community by providing design advice and services to local entities as a partner in the mutual mission to make the community that we share a better place for everyone," said Michael Hunley.
Over the past 25 years, MSH Architects has partnered with schools, educational research facilities, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, including Hope House. Beyond their professional work, the firm's leadership also dedicates time to serving on local boards and commissions that share a common goal of strengthening the Northshore.
That same commitment to community is what led MSH Architects to Hope House.
Michael Hunley first connected with Hope House Executive Director Thomas Mitchell while participating in Leadership St. Tammany in 2019. Watching Mitchell's leadership and learning more about Hope House's mission left a lasting impression.
"Children that have been harmed by adults, especially by the same adults who are supposed to protect them, need strong, effective advocacy," Hunley said. "Hope House provides advocacy, justice, and healing for children. Our children are our future and our most important asset, and they need to be protected."
Family has always been at the heart of MSH Architects' story. In fact, creating more time with family was one of the primary reasons Hunley left a large New Orleans firm to start MSH Architects in Covington. Building a local business allowed him and his wife to remain active in their children's lives while still pursuing successful careers.
"Our office has always been a welcoming and understanding place for employees with families, and we always encourage them to prioritize family over work," he said.
That philosophy continues to guide the firm's culture today, creating an environment where both exceptional design and healthy family life are valued.
As MSH Architects celebrates its 25th anniversary, the firm reflects on hundreds of millions of dollars in completed projects and the countless lives those spaces have touched. Yet, for Hunley, some of the most meaningful work happens beyond blueprints and construction sites.
"We hope that our partnership with Hope House will help them more effectively fulfill their mission of helping children heal. Healthy children are the key to a healthy community now and into the future," he said.
When asked what he would say to other businesses considering supporting Hope House, his answer was simple:
"The mission of Hope House is one of the most important missions of any nonprofit. While there are many organizations doing essential work in our community, Hope House provides advocacy, justice, and healing for our most vulnerable community members."
Hunley also encourages everyone, not just businesses, to become involved.
"It is often difficult and uncomfortable to talk about child sexual abuse, but it is important to remember that we are all a community, and we are stronger when we stand together and defend the people who will become our future."
MSH Architects also encourages community members to participate in Hope House's free child abuse prevention and advocacy trainings, reminding us that everyone has the ability to make a difference.
At Hope House, we're so grateful for partners like MSH Architects whose investment extends far beyond financial and professional services support. Their commitment to protecting kids reflects the very values that make our community stronger.
Learn more about MSH Architects at:
msh-architects.com
