Business Details
20 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Frederick, MD
For over four decades, our firm has remained committed to delivering responsible architectural designs and specifications tailored to the unique needs of our clients. Our team operates across diverse sectors including retail, commercial interiors, hospitality, and residential projects, prioritizing hands-on client engagement and educational collaboration. Headed by C. Marty Bates, AIA, our practice combines 35+ years of expertise with a dedication to merging client-driven solutions with aesthetically pleasing and functional architecture. Based in historic Frederick, Maryland, our designs extend throughout the mid-Atlantic region, reflecting our adaptability and deep understanding of varying project complexities. We emphasize environmental and social sustainability, as seen in our integration of solar panels, native landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.Our portfolio showcases completed and in-progress projects, from medical clinics to historic restorations, each rooted in the cultural context of its location. Recognized for excellence in design, we have received industry awards for commercial projects and historic renovations. Our team of architects and designers brings specialized skills to every project, ensuring innovative solutions for commercial, public, and residential clients. We invite clients to visit our office to explore our portfolio and discuss how our approachable, creative team can transform architectural visions into reality.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Medical Interiors
Historic Preservation
Adaptive Reuse
Hospitality Design
Retail Spaces
Public Architecture
Sustainable Design
Project Planning
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in commercial and residential architecture.
- Our client-driven designs merge functionality with architectural aesthetics.
- We prioritize environmental sustainability in all project phases.
- Our team includes AIA-certified architects with regional expertise.
- We maintain a proven track record in historic preservation projects.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services focus on creating functional, code-compliant spaces for retail, office, and institutional clients. We prioritize client-specific needs while integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Projects include adaptive reuse of historic buildings and ground-up developments.
Medical Interiors
Specialized medical interior design addresses patient flow, equipment requirements, and regulatory compliance for clinics and hospitals. We create calming environments that enhance patient care while optimizing staff efficiency through strategic spatial planning and material selection.
Historic Preservation
We preserve architectural heritage through meticulous restoration of historic structures while incorporating modern functionality. Our approach maintains original design elements while meeting current building codes and sustainability standards for adaptive reuse projects.
Residential Design
Custom residential design services focus on creating livable, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to homeowner needs. We specialize in renovations that expand living areas while maintaining structural integrity and designing new homes that harmonize with their surroundings.
Adaptive Reuse
Our adaptive reuse expertise transforms underutilized buildings into functional modern spaces. This approach preserves architectural character while implementing energy-efficient systems and contemporary layouts for commercial, residential, and community projects.
People
C. Marty Bates
Principal | Senior Architect
With over 35 years of experience, C. Marty Bates leads the firm's architectural vision. A licensed AIA architect, he specializes in complex projects requiring creative problem-solving and has guided the firm's growth since its founding.
Forrest Popkin
Vice President and Partner
Forrest Popkin brings extensive project management expertise to commercial and residential developments. As a partner, he oversees design teams and ensures technical excellence across all project phases from concept to construction.
Jennifer Litchfield
Vice President | Commercial Interiors
Jennifer Litchfield specializes in commercial interior design, focusing on creating functional workspaces that reflect client brand identity. Her expertise includes office renovations and tenant improvement projects for corporate clients.
Ben Bates
Vice President | Architect
Ben Bates contributes architectural design expertise with a focus on historic preservation. He has received industry recognition for restoration projects that balance modern functionality with heritage conservation principles.
H. Mitchell Goldberg
Architect
Mitchell Goldberg provides architectural design and technical documentation for diverse project types. His experience spans commercial, residential, and institutional projects, with particular strength in sustainable building practices.
Questions
What architectural services does Bates Architects offer?
We provide commercial, residential, and public architecture services including historic preservation, medical interiors, adaptive reuse, and new construction projects across the mid-Atlantic region.
How long has Bates Architects been in business?
The firm has operated for over 40 years, with formal establishment in 2006, combining decades of collective experience in architectural design and project management.
Do you specialize in historic building renovations?
Yes, we have extensive expertise in historic preservation projects, maintaining original architectural elements while implementing modern functionality and code compliance.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Frederick, Maryland, we serve clients throughout the mid-Atlantic region including Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
How does Bates Architects approach sustainable design?
We integrate environmental considerations through solar panel installations, native landscaping, energy-efficient systems, and adaptive reuse of existing structures to minimize environmental impact.
Can you handle complex medical facility designs?
Yes, we specialize in medical interior design, creating functional spaces for clinics and hospitals that balance patient comfort with operational efficiency and regulatory requirements.