Business Details
38 Years
experience
Integrated Architecture, Engineering & Interior Design Services
Arium AE is an integrated architecture, MEP engineering, and interior design studio serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 1988, we have specialized in creating functional, buildable spaces for secure government facilities, biotech labs, office fit-outs, and complex renovations. Our approach combines creativity with technical precision through in-house collaboration between architects, engineers, and interior designers. We emphasize practical solutions that meet deadlines, budgets, and evolving client needs while maintaining expertise in LEED certification, permitting, and adaptive reuse projects.With offices in Baltimore and Northern Virginia, our principals directly engage with clients to deliver coordinated designs that prioritize performance, safety, and long-term value. Our team of 56 years of combined leadership experience has completed 675 projects in 2024 alone, including 315 MEP-focused and 2,246 interior projects over five years.
Services
Architecture
MEP Engineering
Interior Design
Planning
Green Design
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- We integrate architects, MEP engineers, and interior designers under one roof for seamless coordination.
- Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals with expertise in sustainable design.
- We offer 37 years of experience in secure facility design and government projects.
- Our principals provide direct client engagement with 56 years of combined leadership experience.
- We maintain 100% in-house coordination between design and engineering teams.
Associations and certifications
- LEED Accredited Professionals
- Green Associates
What people say
Responsive
Practical
Always on time
Trusted partners
Proven results
Services
Architecture
Our architecture team creates functional, buildable designs for new construction and renovations. We specialize in code compliance, feasibility studies, and construction documentation while integrating sustainability and security requirements. Our work spans commercial, government, and institutional sectors with a focus on practical solutions that meet budget and timeline constraints.
MEP Engineering
In-house MEP engineers design HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems that enhance building performance. We prioritize energy efficiency, life safety compliance, and seamless integration with architectural elements. Our expertise includes secure facility systems, retrofit projects, and peer review services for complex institutional and industrial facilities.
Interior Design
We create functional commercial interiors that support productivity and brand identity. Services include space planning, material selection, furniture coordination, and branded environments. Our team collaborates with architects and engineers to ensure interiors meet technical requirements while maintaining aesthetic quality and long-term durability for workplaces, government facilities, and retail spaces.
Planning
Our planning services include test fits, code analysis, and strategic advisory to assess project viability. We help clients understand spatial requirements, zoning constraints, and budget considerations before design begins. This proactive approach reduces risks and ensures projects start with clear parameters for commercial, government, and institutional developments.
Green Design
We integrate energy-efficient strategies throughout the design process, including LEED certification guidance, energy modeling, and sustainable material selection. Our team of 9 LEED professionals develops practical solutions that reduce environmental impact while maintaining building performance and compliance with green building standards for diverse project types.
People
Brian Frels
Principal & Co-Owner
With decades of experience, Brian leads complex architecture and engineering projects while maintaining direct client engagement for Arium AE's most challenging assignments.
Stephanie Bounds Nunn
Principal & Co-Owner
Stephanie oversees interior design and planning initiatives, bringing technical expertise and creative vision to commercial and institutional projects across the Mid-Atlantic region.
Scott Walthour
Principal & Co-Owner
Scott directs MEP engineering operations, ensuring technical excellence and innovative systems design for secure government facilities and complex commercial developments.
Questions
What services does Arium AE AE offer?
We provide integrated architecture, MEP engineering, interior design, planning, and green design services for commercial, government, and institutional clients.
Do you specialize in secure facility design?
Yes, we have extensive experience with SCIF projects, data centers, and other secure government facilities requiring strict compliance standards.
How does your integrated design approach work?
Our architects, engineers, and interior designers collaborate from day one to reduce change orders, accelerate timelines, and improve coordination.
Are you experienced with LEED certification?
We have 9 LEED Accredited Professionals and Green Associates who help clients achieve sustainability goals through energy-efficient design strategies.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia with expertise in local permitting jurisdictions.
