Getting to Know More…About Chris Mullin

MDP News, MDP Team

Chris Mullin has been a member of the MDP Inspired Design Team since 2013. With over 29 years of industry experience, he loves working with the talented MDP team members and being part of the firm’s inspired design process.

“Everyone is really good at what they do. Our small, yet experienced team is able to innovate and produce quality documents for numerous jobs,” says Chris. “At MDP, we challenge each other, fellow consultants, and clients to create inspired design.”

When it comes to his path to architecture, Chris highlights the artistic talents of his entire family. From his grandfather being a “Mummer” to a musician brother as well as a brother who is a colorist for Marvel Comics, Chris has always been surrounded by creativity, art and culture. He needed a little structure and math to frame his creative pursuits. He credits his high school drafting teacher, Mr. Frank, for uncovering his architectural talents by giving him increasingly challenging assignments. Chris also has a passion for art history and ancient ruins, so he found his way to the architecture program at Drexel University.

Chris feels the structure of the Drexel program positioned him for success. The program balanced six months of classroom time with six months of job experience. As he completed his schooling, he already had over two years of practical experience. His career path since college has provided unique project opportunities as well as key networking moments that have been instrumental in his career moves. He met current MDP team members, Christine Kepko and Ted Watson, at a previous employer. This position involved working on $100 million prisons, gaining experience in K-12 and higher education as well as involvement with medical office buildings, clinics and health centers. It was his later work with Ted Watson that introduced him to the world of senior living.

Ted and Chris worked together at another firm before Ted joined MDP. Soon after, upon Ted’s recommendation, Chris was added to the team. “I have worked with Ted Watson for a long time,” says Chris. “His passion and drive to get the details right inspire me to create better spaces. Over the years, his passion for architecture rubbed off on me.”

Chris truly enjoys MDP’s inspired design process as well as the firm’s work in senior living. He loves that the team is always pushing the envelope and exploring new concepts. With senior living, he finds it gratifying to provide elderly people with comforting spaces that show them respect.

“It is an exciting market to be a part of as we look at new ways to make private living spaces more home-like, while making commons areas more like a boutique hotel,” describes Chris. “We are pushing the limits of the dining experience and creating really interesting designs for every aspect of these communities. Everything in this industry is constantly changing—even more so as we navigate Covid—so we are changing, innovating and creating what’s next.”

While Chris typically is involved with every MDP project, a few of particular note that are examples of pushing the envelope are The Vista, Echo Lake and Vantage House.

Enjoy this Q&A with Chris:

1. What are a few interesting things people should know about you?

I am an adrenaline junkie—I love fast cars & motorcycles. Scuba diving & traveling? Yes, please. I also love sports. I am a true home team fan— Go Flyers! Go Eagles! And, I have been in or the Commissioner of the local architecture softball league for 27 years.

When it comes to work, I am all in Monday through Friday and put in the extra hours to get the work done…because weekend time is “me time”. It is my time to recharge, so I can give it my all again Monday morning.