Material Design Architects began as the evolution of Spiegel Nance Design, a practice originally established in San Diego in 1998. The firm quickly gained recognition for its thoughtful approach to healthcare design, serving several major healthcare systems throughout the region. In 2000, Suzanne Mayes joined Spiegel Nance Design as a junior designer and steadily advanced through the firm, gaining deep experience in healthcare planning and design.

Following the retirement of the founding Spiegel Nance Design partners in 2020, Suzanne assumed ownership of the practice and invited Matt Teichner to join her as a partner. Together, they set out to build upon the firm’s foundation while expanding its vision. In 2023, Joe Lowe was invited to join the leadership team, bringing extensive experience in managing a design practice.

Together, Suzanne, Matt, and Joe rebranded the firm as Material Design Architects in 2023, establishing a renewed approach that leverages their combined expertise and emphasizes exceptional client service. The leadership team brings together Suzanne’s design background, Matt’s owner-side experience as an owner’s representative for Sharp Healthcare, and Joe’s operational and management expertise, creating a balanced, client-focused practice.

Material Design Architects has grown from a six-person studio in 2022 to a 20-person firm today. The practice has expanded its reach beyond San Diego, now serving clients throughout Northern California and the Los Angeles and Orange County regions. To support this growth, Pilar Mendez was invited to join the firm in 2026 and lead the opening of the Los Angeles office, extending service to Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Pilar’s addition to the leadership team reinforces MDA’s commitment to an owner-centered, service-driven practice aligned with her professional experience.

Our passionate, talented, diverse, and high-performing team of architects and interior designers work toward a culture of unity and commitment to excellence. We conduct our business by…