Business Details
38 Years
experience
Integrated Architecture & Engineering Solutions
Arium AE is an integrated architecture, MEP engineering, and interior design studio serving clients across the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 1988, we have combined architectural innovation with engineering precision to deliver functional, buildable spaces for secure government facilities, biotech labs, office fit-outs, and complex renovations. Our multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and interior designers collaborates under one roof to streamline timelines, reduce change orders, and ensure seamless coordination from concept to construction.With 37 years of experience and a focus on practical design, we prioritize client partnerships, local permitting expertise, and sustainable solutions tailored to diverse project needs. Our principals maintain direct client engagement, supported by 56 years of combined leadership experience and a track record of delivering 675 projects in 2024 alone. We specialize in balancing creative vision with technical execution, serving corporate, government, biotech, educational, and industrial clients while maintaining a 80% repeat client rate.
Services
Architecture
MEP Engineering
Interior Design
Planning
Green Design
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We offer 37 years of experience in integrated architecture and engineering solutions
- Our in-house teams reduce change orders through coordinated design processes
- We maintain an 80% client retention rate through consistent delivery performance
- Our principals provide direct client access with 56 years of combined leadership experience
- We combine local permitting expertise with nationwide project execution capabilities
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Responsive, practical, always on time
Trusted partners
Smarter solutions
Proven results
Seamless coordination
Services
Architecture
Our architecture team creates functional, code-compliant buildings optimized for real-world use. We handle ground-up construction, renovations, and adaptive re-use projects with expertise in SCIF facilities, laboratories, and commercial spaces. Our integrated approach ensures designs balance aesthetic vision with technical feasibility while meeting budget and schedule requirements. The team maintains deep knowledge of ADA standards, life safety codes, and anti-terrorism regulations.
MEP Engineering
Our in-house MEP engineers deliver HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems that enhance building performance. We specialize in secure government facilities and complex commercial interiors, focusing on energy efficiency, code compliance, and maintainability. Early integration with architectural design ensures coordinated solutions that reduce field conflicts and operational costs throughout the building lifecycle.
Interior Design
We create functional commercial interiors that support productivity and brand identity. Our designers coordinate layouts, material selections, and branded environments while collaborating with engineers to ensure systems integration. Services include workplace strategy, amenity design, and furniture coordination for government, corporate, and retail clients requiring durable, code-compliant spaces.
Green Design
Our sustainability experts implement LEED-certified strategies and energy-efficient systems without compromising buildability. Services include energy modeling, material consultation, and envelope optimization to achieve performance goals. The team includes 9 LEED Accredited Professionals who integrate sustainable practices into every project phase while avoiding cost overruns.
Planning
We provide comprehensive planning services covering feasibility studies, code compliance, and construction documentation. Our team ensures projects start with clear parameters through early-stage analysis of site constraints, regulatory requirements, and budget considerations. This proactive approach minimizes risks while establishing realistic timelines for complex developments.
People
Brian Frels
Principal & Co-Owner
With decades of experience leading architectural projects, Brian directs design strategy while maintaining direct client engagement. His expertise spans secure facilities and complex renovations.
Stephanie Bounds Nunn
Principal & Co-Owner
Stephanie oversees interior design initiatives and client relationships, bringing technical precision to workplace and government projects through integrated team leadership.
Scott Walthour
Principal & Co-Owner
Scott leads engineering efforts with focus on MEP systems integration, ensuring technical excellence and code compliance across diverse project types.
Questions
What services does Arium AE AE specialize in?
We provide integrated architecture, MEP engineering, interior design, and planning services for commercial, government, and institutional projects.
How long has Arium AE AE been in business?
Our firm has delivered architecture and engineering solutions since 1988 with 56 years of combined leadership experience.
Do you handle sustainable design projects?
Yes, we incorporate LEED-certified practices and energy-efficient strategies into all project phases through our 9 accredited professionals.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia with nationwide project execution capabilities.
How does your integrated design approach benefit clients?
Our in-house collaboration reduces change orders, accelerates timelines, and ensures coordinated construction documents from day one.
