Known as “the Freshman Village,” this dynamically programmed area was designed to demonstrate the value of living on campus. The new four level, 100-bed suite-style residence hall will feature a multi-purpose room with supporting kitchen, collaborative study spaces, laundry facility and vending amenities. To aid with accessibility, the residence hall will have an elevator, as well as a second entrance lobby through the building’s lower level.

Davis & Elkins College Freshman Residence Hall

Mills Group’s relationship with Davis & Elkins dates back to 2010, working on extensive interior architectural upgrades to the lower level of the Myles Center for the Arts. These upgrades included the creation of an art department, technology labs, studio space, and a total renovation to the auditorium lobby consisting of new restrooms, office space, and retail center.

In 2019, the firm master-planned the Myles Center for the Arts and the Myles Plaza. The building was increased by approximately 6,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of The Joni and Buck Smith Arts Forum and creating the Senate Commons, which has become a student and community event center.

The exterior plaza has been completely re-thought with a new organic circulation system that ties in seamlessly with the new building addition. It boasts a custom-built bronze statue inspired by the arts and is accented by exterior gathering spaces and a tiered seating area that can be used as an outdoor classroom.

Davis & Elkins Myles Center

Sitting high above Cheat Lake in Morgantown, WV, we designed this 5,550-square-foot modified French Country-style private residence. Vaulted ceilings and exposed rafters give height to the dwelling while the tongue and groove ceiling provides rich texture and warmth. The central wood-burning stone fireplace creates a cozy lodge-like atmosphere as a central design feature. 

Large overhangs and porches provide shade to the southern facing rear elevation, which has been designed with several large operable openings to capture the magnificent view. The private bedrooms are accessed by an elevated wrought iron walkway on the second floor while the lower level features a full-service bar and entertainment room, workout room, two additional bedrooms, a separate apartment, and a wine cellar with built-in shelving for 1,000 bottles of wine.

Cheat Lake Residence

The Iconic Ruffner Mansion preexists the entire capital complex in Charleston. Constructed in 1815, It is arguably the oldest surviving home in the city and today stands adjacent to West Virginia’s Governor’s Mansion. This historic home has been selected to house the State Historic Preservation Office team. Mills Group is working with SHPO to bring this building up to the requirements of its new residents. It began with the documentation of the existing conditions. Again, laser-scanning and photography were utilized in creating a digital 3D model set to create accurate existing conditions drawings. Triaging the mansion’s character-defining elements and any maintenance and structural issues, The firm has developed a preservation approach and is working on developing a strategy to bring the historic home up to code as a public office.

Holly Grove Mansion

Mills Group is proud to lead this transformative multi-use development project slated for construction in the heart of Downtown Wheeling. The estimated $60 million dollar project, currently in the design phase, will encompass the area on 14th Street between Main and Water Streets adjacent to WesBanco Arena and the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center. Plans and renderings depict a vibrant complex featuring a 122-room hotel, a spacious 2,600 square-foot event center, dedicated retail space, residential living units, and a captivating rooftop bar and entertainment area boasting stunning views of the Ohio River. The development project supports the City of Wheeling’s downtown revisioning plan and the demand for hotel accommodations and residential housing in the downtown area.

Wheeling Waterfront Hotel 

Dave Thomas, the President & CEO of Clear Mountain Bank called on our firm to create a design for a new bank branch that had the potential to become a billboard for the institution. The site's location in the Evansdale/Suncrest area is on the corner of one of the most active four-way intersections in Morgantown. 

The new 2,300-square-foot facility provides many new amenities including the bank’s video teller service that will enable customers to bank during extended hours with a live video teller from the comfort of their car. The new branch also offers secure, self-serve safe deposit boxes, a tech/coffee bar, three banking offices, a meeting room, and three drive-thru lanes. The main spatial components of the bank were designed to reflect the customer hierarchy as the main focus as well as the supporting spatial components focusing on the staff.

The building boasts very contemporary exterior design aesthetics with clean lines and bold colors, while the interior reflects Clear Mountain Bank's established modern layout. The glass front offers great views of the area and features a prominently displayed LED mountain light feature representing the bank’s logo, through the interior and exterior of the building.

Clear Mountain Bank 705

For more than 18 years, the architects, designers, planners, and historians of the Mills Group have collaborated with our clients to improve communities through the latest design techniques while preserving the rich architectural character of the past. This blend of modern technology and story-telling makes for timeless, inspired design.

We are committed to designing with our clients, not for our clients. Understanding and respecting your needs, schedule, and budget are of the highest priority to us. We are also committed to understanding the history of the building or place and how that plays into the design. These contextual concerns make all the difference in creating truly special places.

Home

Project Focus: Pro Bono Work

The expansion of Monongalia EMS stations is a vital step towards improving emergency response in our community. Mills Group is honored to contribute pro bono services to this important project, which will serve the needs of over 107,000 residents and a significant transient population. Together, we are building a healthier future for Monongalia County.

Mills Group selected the 4-H Camp Pioneer, in Beverly, WV, to receive probono services. They have been an asset to the community for many years, with a goal to construct a 50-75 bed facility close to their existing dorm. The new facility includes space for bunk beds, bathrooms, a common room that can be rented out for gatherings, and a beautiful green-space between the proposed and existing building.

Our conceptual renderings will be instrumental in helping them kick off a capital campaign to raise the necessary funds for this project.

In 1911, Annie Packette raised funds to build a theatre for the growing city of Charles Town, WV, that would take advantage of the active rail lines through town and help elevate the small town’s cultural offerings.In 1973, when the community theatre group restored the condemned building and had it recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, but the volume of needed restoration work meant the modest interior stayed. Now, 51 continuous seasons later, the OOH hosts over 11,000 patrons a year attending events presented by over 250 students and volunteers.

Mills Group is honored to be working on a design that takes the few elements of the historic theatre that exist and blending them into a new look for the theatre and lobby that honors the history of the building, and integrates the production equipment.

Duffields Depot, which is on the National Register, was in operation for passengers and freight trains from 1843 until 1884 when the B&O Railroad built their own station 150 yards west, but continued as a freight station until the early 20th Century.

Mills Group is providing conceptual infographic panel design and site planning to the Duffields Depot to bring more attention to the important history that is a huge source of revenue for Jefferson County, WV.

Employee Focus: Victor Greco Retires

After a remarkable decade as a Principal at Mills Group and years of dedicated service in architecture, Victor Greco has officially retired. His commitment to enhancing West Virginia’s built environment has left an indelible mark on our community. Vic’s exceptional architecture and project management skills have shaped numerous projects, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. We extend our heartfelt wishes for a fulfilling retirement.

Employee Focus: Anniversaries

Happy Anniversary to Julie Doerr (11), Ryan Baker (11), Ryan Hess (15), Sophia Gum (1), Tom Kilionski (2), and Xinyao Tignor (1).

Tech Focus: Photo Simulations

As with other specialties in our graphics/visualization toolbox, photo-simulations offer a helpful perspective into what a project could look like when complete. Technically speaking, photo-simulation is a spatially accurate and photorealistic visual simulation of the proposed design concept superimposed onto a photograph of the existing building or site.

Through the combination of accurate photographing techniques, modeling software, animation and lighting effects, and some Photoshop detail work, we can create a photo quality representation of a design concept that the Client can use to either help visualize the final project or even use to help market/fund-raise for a project. 

The restoration of Holly Grove Mansion, Charleston's oldest surviving home, marks a significant milestone in preserving our architectural heritage. Built in 1815 for the Ruffner family, this stunning mansion will become the new home for the State Historic Preservation Office team. Mills Group is excited to lead the restoration efforts, which will include museum-level work on the first floor and a preservation-focused approach on the upper floors. This project is a testament to our commitment to historic preservation.

Morgans Grove Park

Mills Group provided conceptual design renderings and site planning for a new stage in Morgan's Grove Park, Shepherdstown, WV. The stage itself would be a new addition to the already beautiful meadowed site offering a platform for music and theater events for local talent and family-oriented events. 

Belington Behavioral Health

Mills Group is thrilled to report the completion of the construction administration for a 3,000 sqft addition to the Belington Behavioral Health building. This new addition includes vital spaces such as behavioral health offices, a group room, and a testing center, all linked to the existing building through an enclosed walkway. The design ensures a cohesive look with the original facade, and we are proud to have completed this project in under a year.

Mills Group Visit to Fallingwater

Mills Group recently put our drafting paper down and headed out to appreciate a classic in person, Fallingwater. Famously designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935, this squat, cantilevered achievement has always stood as a beacon for architecture that is inextricably connected to the environment it sits upon. This harmonious union of art and nature is evident as you cross under beams embedded into existing stone, natural ventilation channels circling through the homes strategically placed windows, viewing and sunlight angles carefully designed, and lets not forget the big item: the whole building is placed over the edge of an active waterfall. 

The breathtaking details of the design are too long to list here and the only real way to appreciate the masterpiece is by seeing, hearing, and feeling the space in person.

Do yourself a favor and visit, you'll never forget it. 

Issue 54

Mills Group is proud to team with Wheeling entrepreneur Barry Allen on a transformative multi-use development project slated for construction in the heart of Downtown Wheeling. The estimated $60 million dollar project, currently in the design phase, will encompass the area on 14th Street between Main and Water Streets adjacent to WesBanco Arena and the Robert C. Byrd Intermodal Transportation Center. Our plans and renderings depict a vibrant complex featuring a 122-room hotel, a spacious 2,600 square-foot event center, dedicated retail space, residential living units, and a captivating rooftop bar and entertainment area boasting stunning views of the Ohio River. The development project supports the City of Wheeling’s downtown revisioning plan and the demand for hotel accommodations and residential housing in the downtown area.

Mills Group Announces: Wheeling Waterfront Development

Michael is the founding principal of the Mills Group. With over twenty years of proven experience in historic preservation, architectural design, and planning, Michael inspires each Mills Group team member to approach architecture without arrogance but rather with a collaborative approach, building upon the talents of the staff and the vision of the clients. Michael's expertise is a combination of his detailed knowledge of the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Preservation and his extensive experience working with historic structures. Michael has created historic design guidelines and has solved issues related to the revitalization of downtowns across the country.

Hailing from Bethel, Vermont, Michael was the first in his family to pursue a professional degree from a nationally recognized institution and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Building Science degree and a Bachelor's of Architecture degree. After completing his education, Michael dedicated nearly nine years to architecture in Washington, DC and had the experience of working on some of the nation's most prestigious cultural resources. Michael began his work in West Virginia on the historic B&O Railroad Station in Grafton and was offered the opportunity to become the Vandalia Heritage Foundation's Director of Historic Preservation and Director of Planning. It was at Vandalia that Michael discovered a deep appreciation for the heritage of West Virginia and made the decision to start his own firm – focused on making a difference with the built environment in West Virginia.

In his free time, Michael enjoys woodworking and escaping to the mountains of West Virginia to fly fish, hike and relax.

As a leader in the West Virginia architectural community, Victor brings an extensive background of award winning projects to the Mills Group. His hard work and diligence provides unparalleled architecture and project management services. Victor leads the architectural studio with responsibility for the design and technical aspects of the work product and oversees the quality assurance and quality control for the firm. Working along side founder Michael Mills, AIA, he is accountable for overseeing the preservation and planning projects, strategic business development, firm administration, and staff development.

Originating from Weirton, West Virginia, "Vic" received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky. He joined the Mills Group after serving as the managing partner at SMG Architects' Wheeling office, where he worked with numerous historic preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse projects. He is also a member of the NCARB.

Vic loves spending time with his family and enjoys carpentry and the culinary arts. When he needs to relax, you will find him fly fishing along a mountain stream.

At Mills Group, Ryan brings a comprehensive understanding of green design and historic preservation to support the firm's portfolio of new construction and historic redevelopment projects. From the conceptual design, he emphasizes an integrative design process that combines historic passive design solutions with modern engineering solutions to create innovative, sustainable, and culturally relevant buildings. Additionally, as a project manager, Ryan places a strong focus on the triple bottom line of every project. He ensures that projects not only stay on schedule and within budget, but meet the rigorous requirements of high performance, green buildings.

Ryan joined the Mills Group following an extensive education in the fields of architecture, business, and engineering. He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University's School of Architecture, where he researched total building performance and sustainable solutions for the built environment. Upon graduation, Ryan became a LEED AP with the United States Green Building Council. Prior to postgraduate study at Carnegie Mellon, he earned a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University.

Ryan enjoys working and engaging with clients on many diverse projects while meeting their unique needs. Outside of work, Ryan loves being outdoors and enjoying the mountain landscape of the region.

Vivian works in the accounting department at Mills Group. She is responsible for maintaining office services by organizing office operations and procedures, preparing payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and keeping management informed by reviewing and analyzing financial reports. She also assists in the preparation of proposals and project photography. Vivian grew up in Morgantown, West Virginia, and joined the Mills Group after years of experience working in the engineering and architecture industries. Vivian loves interacting with clients and the Mills Group staff.

Vivian loves to travel and has a penchant for photography. She enjoys spending quality time with family and friends.

Imaginative and innovative, Ryan McClain, the Director of Creative Design and Planning at Mills Group, possesses a unique outlook for visual design, planning, and aesthetically-charged graphics. Ryan is an expert in utilizing visualization software, digital modeling, and virtual reality methods to illustrate a site’s true design potential. He is also well-versed in visioning and theming projects as well as branding/logo design, wayfinding, info-graphics, photography, and illustrative hand graphics.

Growing up in Morgantown, Ryan always hoped he would attend West Virginia University like his family before him. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attained a BS in Landscape Architecture in 2006. Soon after, he departed to work for over a decade as a firm-leading graphics & landscape planning manager in Tempe, Arizona. Recently, Ryan felt the urge to return to his roots, reconnect with family, and work on projects more geared towards revitalizing and preserving the wonderfully wild state of West Virginia.

In the past 7 years. as he settles back into life in the Mountain state with his wife Paula, daughters Briar and Quill, and their gaggle of cats, Ryan can be found enjoying loud music, slaying video game bosses, watching classic horror movies, and munching on an occasional under-baked cookie.

Christopher Clark joined Mills Group as a project designer where he is responsible for project conception through construction administration. He previously worked with SMG Architects from 2001-2006, before accepting a position with HGA Architects designing hospitals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 2010, Chris moved back east and served as a retail architectural design specialist for Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Pittsburgh, PA. At the invitation of partner Vic Greco, Christopher joined the Mills Group in January 2014.

Chris has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kent State University and while at school, studied abroad in Florence, Italy. When not designing buildings, Chris enjoys tinkering in his workshop creating furniture and musical instruments. Chris lives with his wife Darcy and daughter Dakota in Washington PA.

Julie works as the office manager for the Wheeling office. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, as well as maintaining the computer network to ensure the fluidity of office operations. A Wheeling native and Wheeling Jesuit University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Julie oversees and participates in the production of architectural drawings and specifications for all projects. Her keen eye for detail and love of photography allows her to assist with preparing project photography, proposal requests, and marketing material.

Mike Kennedy is an Architectural Design Associate in our downtown Shepherdstown office. He provides architectural production assistance and design work to the project managers via 3D models and construction drawings.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Mike has lived in West Virginia for the past 20 years. When the Mills Group office in Shepherdstown opened, he reached out about potential job openings. His current position offers him exciting local and regional architectural design opportunities and a better life/career balance with a more manageable commute.

Mike obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Florida A&M University School of Architecture. An achievement he is most proud of is designing and overseeing the construction of his own house while being a stay-at-home Dad and caring for his two children.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, playing guitar, finding/listening to new music, painting, disc golf, soccer, running, hiking, and Irish Road Bowling.

Ryan joined the Mills Group after landing a summer internship with Victor Greco, our Principal. He is responsible for assisting in the construction of 3-D models and documents as well as rendering building views and scenes. After graduating from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science and Technology in the field of Architecture, Ryan received his Master of Architecture from Miami University. Originating from St. Clairsville, Ohio, Ryan enjoys the outdoors and all of the activities it has to offer such as fishing, camping, and hunting.

Logan Patrick has joined the Mills Group as an Architectural Design Associate. Logan provides production assistance to the project managers in 3D modeling and construction drawings.

Originally from McMechen, WV, Logan came to Mills Group for a summer internship in 2017 after hearing about the firm from a classmate who had previously interned with Mills Group. He completed his Master's in Architecture degree from Miami University in May of 2018 after receiving his Bachelors of Science in Architecture from Fairmont State University in 2016.

He is most proud of completing his graduate thesis, “A Search for Identity: How to Reinvent the Post-Industrial Past to Lead Towards a Vibrant Future”. The thesis was set in Wheeling, promoting personal and inspiring work for Logan.

Logan enjoys all things sports related. He likes playing baseball and hockey and going to Pirates, Steelers, and Penguins games.

Alexis Behrens, a West Virginia native, joined Mills Group as the Director of Interior Design. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from WVU & brings nearly three decades of interior design experience specializing in construction project management of various healthcare, office, behavioral health, hospitality, and daycare spaces. With each project, Alexis strives to make each space warm and welcoming for each person. Professionally she is most proud of her two years spent as the Chairman of the NCIDQ Practicum Committee and her years as one of the 8-person committee that wrote several of the Interior Design Qualifying exams.

Outside of the office, Alexis enjoys traveling, hiking, scouting, and drawing. She lives with her husband of 27 years and two teenage children, Inez and Will, in Bridgeport, WV. She is also involved in the Boy Scouts of America as the Venturing Crew 14 Advisor, and Troop 14 Committee Chair. She has been a leader and member of the GFWC (General Federation of Woman’s Clubs) WV Juniors and Bridgeport Juniors for 25 years.

Michael West joined the firm as an Architectural Design Associate at our Morgantown Office. He provides architectural production assistance and design work to the project managers via 3D models and construction drawings.

Originally from Plano, Texas, Michael was exposed to Mills Group projects through several visits to Morgantown to see friends. After receiving a bachelor's in Architecture from the University of Texas, seeing the firm's work, and being charmed by Morgantown, it seemed like the perfect fit.

The achievement Michael is most proud of is receiving his degree in Architecture and accepting a job right after graduation. Another accomplishment he is proud of is recording a folk-rock album that he wrote during his last year at school.


Michael's favorite hobby is playing music, specifically guitar among a few others. He also enjoys listening to music, running, hiking, crafting projects, and playing video games.


Stephen DeNeui brings expertise to Mills Group as the Preservation Associate in our Morgantown office. Stephen researches and documents historic buildings and towns, assists in writing historic structure reports and historic rehabilitation tax credit applications, and provides a contextual background to the architects and designers working with historic resources.

Originally from a small town in rural Minnesota, Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Navy which brought him to the greater Chicago area where he met his now wife. Upon the arrival of their first child and the completion of his contract, Stephen began his studies of Architecture at the University of Kentucky’s College of Design. Building on the discipline and problem-solving of his Navy career, Stephen excelled in his program, being awarded The History & Theory Award, The A4LE Research in Design Award, The Sustainability & Passive Design Award, and The CoD Studio Award.

After graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Kentucky with his bachelor’s in architecture, Stephen was given the chance to undertake a MSc of Historic Conservation in Oxford, England. He wrote his MSc’s thesis on the historic preservation of post-conflict sites that was awarded a Distinction. His time in England ended on a high note, being awarded The Stephen Levrant Prize for his work in Historic Conservation Area Planning and receiving his MSc with a Distinction.

After returning to the US, Stephen was hired by a legacy historic preservation architecture firm where he worked in Williamsburg, VA. It was then, that Mills Group reached out to Stephen and asked if he would join the ongoing efforts of saving history right here in West Virginia. He joined the firm in 2022 and has been in awe of the beauty of The Mountain State, its historic architecture, and its legacy of storytelling.

Outside of work, Stephen loves spending time with his wife and children reading, exploring, playing and designing games, and, of course, telling stories.

Amber Kwasniewski joined Mills Group as a Project Manager and Senior Interior Designer. Originally from Beverly, WV, Amber attended the University of Charleston where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design.

After years of working in Washington, DC, she returned home to focus on a budding family business. After selling her portion of the business, she desired to return to practicing architectural and interior design.

Besides starting and establishing a successful business, her biggest achievements have been through problem-solving. It might be helping someone utilize their space better or coming up with a creative way to make a farm task more efficient.

Outside the office, Amber enjoys propagating fig trees, playing volleyball, helping on her family’s farm, painting, and creating handmade Halloween costumes.

Tom Kilionski has joined Mills Group as a Project Manager bringing over 35 years of experience in the building industry. Starting as a carpenter’s apprentice in 1983, and advancing through various levels of labor, management, and administration, Tom developed a well-rounded knowledge of residential contracting.


Originally from Simi Valley, CA, Tom moved to Morgantown as an independent contractor for residential and commercial projects. A number of these projects he worked directly with Michael Mills which developed the relationship.

Tom attended West Virginia University where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History. An achievement he is most proud of is the family and friends he has with his wife.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time working on anything mechanical in nature.

RJ Spellman joined Mills Group as an Interior Design Associate in our Morgantown office. He is responsible for assisting with digital modeling, finish selections, research, existing condition documentation, and space planning.

Originally from Hopwood, PA, RJ attended Pierpont Community and Technical College where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Interior Design in 2019.

An achievement RJ is most proud of is making the Dean’s or President’s Lists every semester at Pierpont with the support of his family and husband.

Outside of work, RJ enjoys landscape and architecture photography and hiking state and national parks.

Hannah Tarcy joined Mills Group as the Office Manager and works in our Morgantown location. She is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and assisting in the preparation of proposals and social media posting.

Hannah grew up in Smithfield, Pennsylvania, and attended Penn State University where she studied communications before attending the Gemological Institute of America where she graduated in the study of Jewelry Design and Gemology.

In her free time, Hannah enjoys oil painting, designing jewelry, singing, traveling with her family, and most of all her Pug/Boston Terrier "Ego."

Dan Garvin joined Mills Group as a Project Manager after having worked at a healthcare architecture firm in Pittsburgh, PA, and before that a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm that served the state of West Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region. Originally from Wheeling, WV, Dan earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Fairmont State University.

With over 10 years of experience, Dan has been involved in a wide range of different project types. The most important thing to him when designing a building is understanding how the occupants will inhabit the space and finding creative solutions to complex problems.

In his free time, Dan enjoys traveling as often as possible and experiencing new places, drawing, reading, playing guitar, building things, and spending time outdoors hiking and camping.

Keatan Wheeling joined Mills Group as an Architectural Design Associate at the Morgantown location after working at a civil engineering firm for over a year. She has experience in master planning, realistic renderings, and virtual reality. At her previous job, Keatan had the opportunity to become a utility coordinator and took responsibility for closeout submittals for multiple state and federal projects in Texas. Keatan graduated from Penn State University with an interdisciplinary degree in architecture.

Sophia Gum joined Mills as a Landscape Design Associate after interning with the firm and completing her bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture at West Virginia University in 2023. After seeing first-hand the experiences and possibilities that Mills Group can provide, she is glad to have the opportunity to kick off her career in the state she has always called home. Sophia assists with digital renderings, landscape design, master planning, and graphic design in our Morgantown office.

In her free time, Sophia takes any opportunity to spend time outdoors, draw, or snuggle with her two cats.

Xinyao Tignor joined Mills Group as an Architectural Design Associate in our Morgantown location. With over ten years of diverse work experience in Washington DC, Virginia, and New Mexico, Xinyao has been involved in various project types.

Xinyao accomplished her Master of Architecture degree in the University of New Mexico with the Henry Adams Medal of Excellence from AIA.

In her free time, Xinyao enjoys playing music, outdoor biking, reading architecture books, and spending quality time with her family in West Virginia.

CJ Smith joined the firm as a Project Manager at our Morgantown Office.  He is responsible for assisting in the construction of 3-D models and documents as well as rendering building views and scenes. 

Originally from Belle Vernon, PA, CJ was exposed to Mills Group projects through a friend. After receiving an associate's in Architecture from Penn State University, CJ continued his education at Fairmont State University completing both a bachelor's degree and master's degree in the Science of Architecture.

CJ is most proud of becoming a father and completing his master's degree while working full time. His favorite hobbies include exploring the great outdoors, golfing, fishing, art, woodworking, photography and spending time with his two children.


Ellie serves as the Mills Group mascot and office greeter. She is an enthusiastic worker and is an expert in tail wagging, document retrieval, and envelope licking. Ellie is an instrumental member of the team and provides valuable input, ensuring that doggie doors and lots of space for playing fetch are incorporated into designs whenever possible. When she’s not hard at work, you can find Ellie engaging in a variety of winter sports, birdwatching, or taking long walks on the Rail Trail.


Mills Group has a broad focus on architecture, assisting clients with residential, commercial, public, and interior designs. We work with our clients to create structures that improve their lives and their communities. Every project is developed with an emphasis on traditional design principles, vernacular design influences, and long-term sustainability.

When we design for commercial spaces, we always begin with an understanding of the practical usage of the space, the functional requirements of the space, cost limitations, any environmental circumstances, and the stakeholder's vision. Success is a result of combining all the factors into a stunning design.

Few things are more personal than the design of a home. Residential design needs to be a reflection of the homeowners needs, tastes and personality. Our team takes great care to "walk in our clients shoes" in order to understand project requirements before beginning the creative design phase.


Creating spaces that inspire educators to teach and empower students to reach their potential is always our goal. These buildings need to provide the modern technology required for educational institutions, while still preserving the sense of campus community.

Welcoming spaces that foster outstanding guest experiences is of the utmost importance to our hotel and resort clients. Our team works with hoteliers to create these spaces in the most practical and fiscally responsible manner possible.

Religious buildings are a source of inspiration and beauty to all communities. We work with congregations to create designs that reflect the values of the community and become an integral part of their spiritual family.

Mills Group does the research and considers contextual concerns to design community spaces that become landmark buildings that serve current and future generations.

Architecture

Our clients entrust us with creating the overarching plan that will foster a rich and engaging environment for people to live, work, and play. We approach the planning process of greenfield and infill sites with the desire to create a strong sense of place through a well-researched and detailed plan. Mills Group carefully considers the complex interaction of functional, economic, and social needs of our clients, while also providing the needs of the site's users.

We pride ourselves on extensive design due diligence to assess the existing constraints and opportunities, historic context, solar orientation, and transportation and circulation issues. We have experience with private developers and public agencies, so we understand greenfield and infill design challenges from both perspectives.

Proper planning and urban design will significantly enhance the real value of any proposed site development and facilitate compliance with zoning, infrastructure, and environmental regulations.

Planning

At Mills Group, we maintain a commitment to the rich cultural heritage of our region. Buildings tell the story of our past and each building provides a unique set of requirements and conditions to share that story. Sensitive and responsible preservation and restoration work must be responsive to the historic significance of the building.

Our team performs historical research and assesses existing conditions. We compile our findings into a comprehensive feasibility study and/or historic structures report for the owner. This document will begin the planning for the next phase of use for the building.

We strive to achieve a balance of the overall "Preservation Objectives" with those of the client's needs for the building's use. Our objective is always to maintain the building’s original historic character while incorporating provisions for life safety and accessibility requirements, indoor air quality, and energy conservation requirements.


The documentation and assessment of structures is an essential element for Mills Group. We provide conceptual design services that produce alternatives for the building's reuse, detailing what work will be necessary, its effect on the environment, and local and state regulations, as well as an estimation of costs associated with the project. Often, as a part of structural documentation, Mills Group utilizes its research to complete National Register of Historic Places nominations for significant structures which provide opportunities for financial support that will often help fund the next phases of the building's preservation and restoration.

                                                                                      Mills Group approaches any project that requires interpretation in a manner of maintaining a balance between financial availability, optimizing the visitor experience, and completing the goals and requirements of the client. We have a qualified staff with experience in determining the physical and operational needs of a facility, as well as utilizing the methods that best sustain archival collections.


We develop facility maintenance plans that prescribe routine work necessary to sustain a structure given its historic materials and components. With proper facilities maintenance programs, small problems do not have to evolve into big or even irreversible ones.

Preservation

In our architectural designs, sustainability is one of the first considerations. Whether it is constructing a new home maximizing solar exposure or adaptively reusing an old building and its materials, we strive to emphasize long-term occupancy, use of local materials and labor, incorporating green products when feasible, and working with the topography, rather than against it.

Mills Group designs new structures, but we also specialize in the renovation and adaptive reuse of existing structures, striving to emphasize their cultural, historical, and environmental contexts. Our new offices in Morgantown are a wonderful example of an adaptive reuse project that compliments our community.

Sustainability

Mills Group designs for individual families and multi-story complexes for residential development. We believe in creating designs that reflect the needs and personality of the homeowner and add value to the community. We closely collaborate with our clients to develop a design that meets their vision and budget, while exceeding their expectations.

Residential

Mills Group takes a strategic approach to interior architecture, aimed at maximizing available working and living space within a building. Our goal is to not just design a space that reflects individual style but to produce an environment that is appropriate, functional, and usable for every unique occupant.

Our integrated interior architecture services, spanning the needs of commercial, public, and residential clients, have been employed throughout municipal government, health care, higher education, and corporate business facilities.

Interiors

Thousand Total Staff Hours Dedicated to Projects

Projects Scanned with Point Cloud Technology

One of our strongest technology tools is our Virtual Reality (VR) headset which brings our designs into fully-realized virtual environments for our clients. This technology creates interactive guided tours for clients to be immersed in a project and to view the site from unlimited perspectives.

The Virtual Reality capability also allows for an experimental design and review process and a deeper insight into the project details in real time. During the conceptual phase, our designers can enter the virtual space to prove or disprove concepts early on and in truly integrated ways. Checking dimensions, sight lines and testing the overall feel of space in first person are not possible without the help of VR.

Another client benefit of our Virtual Reality workflow is that it is optimized for web use which allows our teammates and clients to collaborate from anywhere. The web based software allows clients without VR headsets to still have the ability to join us in a virtual space to see their project take shape right before their eyes.

Virtual Reality

The integration of point cloud scanning is one of the most important and game-changing additions to our ever-evolving technology toolkit. This scanning process works by sending out and then collecting and analyzing a large set of data points within a given coordinate system, also known as a ”point cloud.” These data points gather details on the location being scanned that pertain to distance, size, shape, and color and then return that information back to the scanner. After canvasing an entire location of interior and/or exterior spaces, the scanner then registers a highly accurate composite point cloud model which is used by our architects to verify existing structures as well as create trustworthy models for new designs.

In addition to the incredible sub-centimeter accuracy of the scanning data, it also gathers 360° HD imagery that can be used to give our clients fully-immersive walkthroughs of their space. These images can also be integrated into our Virtual Reality interface for an even greater effect.

Further benefits to leveraging this technology include measuring and analyzing unreachable areas, utilizing the thermal camera to understand heat transmission or reveal insulation vulnerabilities, and to present our designs in visually rich and dynamic ways.

3D Scanning

Mills Group specializes in hand-crafted videos and project-related graphic packages that create a complete visual experience for our clients. Custom voice-over and narration, info-graphics, special effects, and soundtracking are all woven together in a cohesive package that can help illustrate the story behind the project and create a believable vision of what could be. Our video capabilities include utilizing both DSLR cameras (digital single-lens reflex) and GoPros to capture HD imagery and silky smooth video at ultra-high resolutions.

Our animation workflow starts with our accurate 3D models being integrated into our motion software. The software allows us to add a realistic atmosphere through the use of landscape plants, water effects, sunlight and weather, and moving people and traffic among other entourage assets. We create a visual storyline through scene scripting and wireframes to direct our in-program cameras to track. After perfecting the story, recording our scenes, and stitching the clips together seamlessly, we then overlay special effects, music, and narration to create a complete experience for our clients.

Animation & Video

Our 360° imagery and spherical capture is a great tool for helping our designers and clients with understanding space from almost any perspective. We can create these by capturing them from existing locations through our point cloud scanner or from our 3D modeled designs through our animation software. By combining several location captures, we are able to create virtual tours that help illustrate linear progressions through sites as you would see them in real life.

Some of our most impactful client meetings involve creating hybridized tours that contain spherical images of both existing conditions and modeled conceptual designs. These sessions allow for a quick recall of what the space feels like currently and then immediately highlights how the space can feel from the exact same location under the exact same conditions with our proposed design.

360° Imagery

A difficulty that we often face is adhering to strict federal and state guidelines that dictate responsible preservation, life safety, and sound architectural practices. These guidelines can be very complex and involved without the help of a knowledgeable advisor. Our team of experts are able to transform the complexity of these practices into functioning, intuitive, and user-friendly formats.

Our clients can easily navigate these guidelines using our hand-crafted, interactive PDF documents that guide users step-by-step through each phase. Whether it be creating linear, choice-based pathways or labyrinthine, multi-branching procedures, we transform the complicated into the concise.

Documents such as our Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Interactive Roadmap guide the user to ensure that no important steps are missed on the way. This particular document highlights the stages involved in determining whether a project is eligible to receive tax credits and then directs users through the application process. The Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Interactive Roadmap uses a straightforward, single-choice interface and a clickable flow chart that can lead users to any step in the progression.

Interactivity

Through the Remote Pilot Certification of Ryan McClain, the Director of Creative Planning and Design, Mills Group is able to provide fully-fledged drone services to our residential and commercial clients.

These drone missions or "sUAS" (small unmanned aircraft systems) will allow our entire firm to benefit from internally collected aerial photography and video as well as photogrammetry, which is the technology of obtaining reliable and accurate information about physical objects in the environment through the process of recording, measuring, and interpreting photographic images and patterns of electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomena.

Data distilled from our software will allow us to harness important, yet difficult to gather, site information like terrain slopes, cut/fill volumes, drainage elevations, roof profiles, site areas, hardscape distances, turf health, plant counts, and many other elements. In addition, we can now also use all the imagery and video we collect for enhanced marketing efforts and project graphics.

Designing on the principles of the past and preserving for the future.

2023 By the Numbers

Services

Architecture

Planning

Preservation

Sustainability

Residential

Interiors

The Mix

CJ Smith

Clear Mountain Bank 705

Sustainability

Interactivity

Mills Group Announces: Wheeling Waterfront Development

Issue 54