Adam Scott has been a member of the MDP Inspired Design Team for over 10 years. With over 20 years of design experience, he enjoys bringing aspects of his previous residential and healthcare work to create vibrant senior living environments.
Creative & Educational Pursuits
Creativity was fostered in Adam at a young age. During his early preschool years, he would spend hours drawing, following in the footsteps of his artistic older brother. His passion for pencil drawings led to a variety of art classes in school. As he transitioned to middle school, he relished all the hands-on experiences through woodshop, industrial arts and home economics classes. “I enjoyed any opportunity to make things,” says Adam.
In high school he always opted for art electives and honing his creative skills. Career focused tests throughout school continuously pointed in the direction of architecture. This sparked his interest and as graduation approached it was a logical path to explore.
Growing up in central Pennsylvania, Adam loved any opportunity to head to the city. The proximity of Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science (now Thomas Jefferson University) to downtown Philly as well as a small scholarship helped everything fall into place for his college years.
“The thing I liked the most about school was where I was,” describes Adam. “I loved being so close to the city and all of the high rises. In fact, designing a high rise was my favorite project in school. Beyond the buildings, I love the city because of its faster pace and all of the exciting things going on. There is always something to do.”
Career Milestones
This love for the city helped guide his post college decision making. He didn’t want to head back home, so he was determined to find a job in Philadelphia. Adam started his career path as a kitchen designer at Home Depot. “This experience is something that still helps me to this day,” says Adam.
Staying connected to fellow students led to an opportunity with a large firm where he focused on healthcare design. While he loved the firm and the people he worked with, his career took him to a smaller firm and then another large firm before the economy upended the industry. As he looked for work within a tough economic landscape, his connections once again paid off—introducing him to MDP. He started as a contract employee in 2012, and it wasn’t long before he was brought on as a full-time member of the MDP Inspired Design Team.
Adam’s background in healthcare supported his transition to the senior living world. He was excited about applying this knowledge to the design of more home-like environments.
When it comes to his work in senior living and multifamily at MDP, he enjoys the opportunity to work on a variety of spaces. “I love the fact that we get to work on a lot of different kinds of spaces. There are small projects within the larger projects, with everything from resident rooms and cafes to small stores and corridor redesigns. We get to do a lot of everything. The variety is the best part of what we do.”
While Adam typically touches every project in the MDP office, his level of involvement is different from one to the next. He has enjoyed working on numerous Parker Health Group projects since he started at MDP. He laughingly refers to himself as “The Parker Guy.” He has also been deeply involved with Jenkintown Flats, Crossings at Brick Station and a number of SageLife projects.
“For over a decade, Adam has been one of the most talented and reliable members our team. If we need something accomplished—no matter how difficult the task is—I know if we ask for Adam’s assistance it will just get done. Most importantly, it will be done right. There is just no other way for Adam. Our team and our clients know this and really appreciate it.” –Bruce Hurowitz, Principal | MDP
Family Fun & Extracurricular Activities
When he is not working, you most likely will find him sitting on the sidelines or in the bleachers as the number one fan of two of his sporty children. His one son plays lacrosse and wrestles, and his daughter plays field hockey and lacrosse.
Adam is active cyclist himself. He enjoys it for both exercise and entertainment. He participates in fundraising events such as the MS150—a two-day, 150-mile bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis— and American Cancer Society (ACS) rides. “We build teams and ride as a group. It is a lot of fun,” says Adam.
His wife now shares his cyclist enthusiasm. “The two of us go out and ride—it is a way for us to unplug and connect,” says Adam.
In addition to sport-focused activities, Adam flexes his creative muscles at home. He supports the artistic pursuits of his middle son as well as any math and art focused homework that needs supervising for all three of his children. He also tackles many projects around the house, everything from painting to a full bathroom and kitchen remodel. His love for hands-on creative endeavors has never faded.
Whether a home remodeling project or his work with MDP, he enjoys seeing all of the details come together. “At MDP our projects can take years of planning and long hours. It is great to see the end result of all of that work, and it is very rewarding to see people enjoying the space we helped create.”
Enjoy this Q&A with Adam:
1. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Why?
I don’t know about a theme song, but the most played song in my Spotify is “You’re Gonna Go Far Kid” by The Offspring.
2. If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
Fox. A fox thinks quickly about the best solutions and moves swiftly through challenges and obstacles. He analyzes things and observes keenly, and this helps him navigate life. The fox is good at problem-solving because of its intelligence and wisdom.
3. Share a mantra or inspirational quote that is meaningful to you.
Just keep going.
4. Where is your favorite place to travel?
Any beach.
5. What is your favorite meal to cook?
Anything on the grill.
