Poster Mirto McDonald

What Poster Mirto McDonald does

Poster Mirto McDonald is a privately held architecture, planning, and historic preservation firm founded in Tucson, Arizona in 1984 by Corky Poster. The firm operates as a single integrated practice with three service lines: historic preservation (assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of buildings, including specialized expertise in non-stabilized mud adobe and Sonoran vernacular construction), community architecture (institutional, educational, civic, transportation, and multi-family residential buildings), and urban planning (site planning, neighborhood and master planning, Form Based Code, and community engagement). Headquartered at 317 N Court Avenue in downtown Tucson with approximately 11 staff members, including three partners and LEED-accredited professionals, PMM serves government and institutional clients (Pima County, City of Tucson, University of Arizona) and non-profit affordable housing developers (Gorman & Company, Newport Partners Development, Primavera Foundation).

The firm has no proprietary technology platform; its competitive differentiation rests on accumulated craft knowledge, credentialed expertise (National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award, multiple Governor's Heritage Preservation Awards, LEED Platinum deliveries), and repeat-client relationships spanning 40+ years. Notable completed projects include the $66 million Benedictine Monastery Apartments, $62 million UA Student Success District (with Miller Hull Partnership), $37 million Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (with SmithGroup), $18 million Pima County Courthouse rehabilitation, and multiple LEED Platinum-certified affordable housing developments.

Revenue is generated entirely through project-based professional fees for design, construction administration, and related planning services, with no subscription, licensing, or technology revenue streams. Delivery relies on RFP/RFQ procurement for public sector work, direct engagement with non-profit developers, and collaborative partnerships with larger national firms (SmithGroup, Miller Hull, Shepley Bullfinch) on projects exceeding PMM's in-house capacity. The geographic footprint remains concentrated in Southern Arizona with occasional extensions to Central Arizona and border communities such as Nogales and Globe.

Name

Poster Mirto McDonald

Legal name

Poster Mirto McDonald

Website

https://pmm.design

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Poster Mirto McDonald is a privately held, 11-person architecture, planning, and historic preservation firm in Tucson, Arizona, serving government, institutional, and non-profit affordable housing clients across Southern Arizona with specialized expertise in Sonoran vernacular and adaptive reuse design.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Architecture Services

NAICS

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413)

akta.pro primary industry

Urban Planning & Master Planning (BPAHAKAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Urban & Regional Planning (Land Use, Zoning, Master Planning) (BPAIANAD)

Keywords

• Architecture services
• Historic preservation
• Urban planning
• Community architecture
• Adaptive reuse

Headquarters

HQ city

Tucson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Architecture Services: Project-based professional fees for architectural design services including new construction, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation projects. Revenue is generated through design fees, construction administration, and related professional services on a per-project basis.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Poster Mirto McDonald is a full-service architecture and planning firm delivering design services across three core areas: Historic Preservation (assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of buildings, including traditional materials like non-stabilized mud adobe), Community Architecture (design of civic, educational, transportation, and community-focused buildings), and Urban Planning (site, neighborhood, and master planning, zoning, and community engagement). Services span master planning, grant writing assistance, assessments, documentation, design, construction documents, specifications, permit approvals, construction administration, and maintenance recommendations.

Product overview

Poster Mirto McDonald is a full-service Architecture and Planning firm operating as a single integrated practice rather than a platform with separate modules. The firm specializes in three primary service areas: Historic Preservation (assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of buildings), Community Architecture (buildings serving non-profit organizations, educational facilities, transportation facilities, and commercial spaces), and Urban Planning (site planning, neighborhood planning, master planning, and zoning services). Their portfolio includes completed projects across preservation, architecture, multi-family housing, and planning categories, with their services encompassing master planning, grant writing assistance, assessments, documentation, design, construction documents, specifications, permit approvals, construction administration, and maintenance recommendations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Historic Preservation Services Comprehensive architectural conservation and historic preservation services including assessment, rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse of buildings and structures, with specialized expertise in working with traditional materials (including non-stabilized mud adobe), National Register compliance, and SHPO coordination. Targeted at government agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations with historic assets.
• Community Architecture Services Architectural design services for community-focused buildings including neighborhood centers, social housing, educational facilities, transportation facilities, downtown commercial spaces, and interior architecture. Designed for non-profit organizations, public agencies, and community-serving institutions.
• Urban Planning Services Certified planning services (AICP) including site planning, neighborhood planning, master planning, urban design, innovative zoning including Form-Based Code, community process facilitation, and park and commons facility planning. Delivered for municipalities, counties, and private developers in Southern and Central Arizona.

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved LEED Platinum certification on multiple affordable housing projects (Sonrisa, Las Abuelitas)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and primary client.

• SmithGroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024True partnership with SmithGroup as local expert collaborating with forensic design experts on Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner. PMM provided local expertise while SmithGroup contributed specialized forensic facility design knowledge for this $37 million, 32,600 SF project.
• Gorman & CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Development partner on Milagro on Oracle project - 63-unit affordable senior housing as part of HUD Choice Neighborhoods program. Gorman & Company served as development partner with PMM providing architectural design.
• Gorman General ContractorssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2024Contractor (CMAR) for Milagro on Oracle affordable housing project ($13.49 million).
• Gorman & CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Development partner on Hill Street School Apartments in Globe, Arizona - adaptive reuse of 1920 Henry Trost school into 64 units of affordable senior housing ($15.4 million).
• Shepley BullfinchcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership on UA Chemistry & Commons project involving renovation of 1936 Roy Place building and new addition. Shepley Bullfinch served as partner architect on the LEED Silver certified project.
• The Miller Hull Partnership, LLPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Joint architecture partnership for UA Student Success District project. PMM served as architect of record with Miller Hull as collaborative design partner on this $62 million, 200,408 SF project that integrated four buildings including Main Library, Bear Down Gym, Science-Engineering Library, and new Bartlett Center.
• Sundt ConstructioncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2021Design-Build contractor for UA Student Success District ($62 million) and Benedictine Monastery Apartments ($66 million). Collaborative delivery method on major projects.
• Ralph Appelbaum AssociatescoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Collaboration on exhibit design for UA Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum at Historic Pima County Courthouse. Ralph Appelbaum Associates designed exhibits, galleries, and visitor attractions while PMM designed repurposed contemporary interiors.
• Gorman General ContractorssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Bowman Senior Residences in Nogales, AZ - 48-unit adaptive reuse of 1917 Bowman Hotel ($8 million).
• Nogales Community Developmentprimary clientChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClient and development partner for Bowman Senior Residences - non-profit community development organization serving Nogales, Arizona.
• Sellers & Sons IncsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Simpson Rowhouse restoration project - adaptive reuse of historic Sonoran row house in Barrio Viejo ($750,000).
• Sellers & SonssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Sonrisa Independent Housing - LEED Platinum 10-unit supportive housing project ($1.5 million).
• Lloyd Construction CompanysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor (CMAR) for Las Abuelitas Family Housing - LEED Platinum 12-unit kinship housing in South Tucson ($3.2 million).
• Lloyd Construction CompanysupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for UA Alfie Norville Gem & Mineral Museum exhibit build-out at Pima County Courthouse ($6.7 million museum cost).
• Kitchell Contractors, Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCMAR contractor for Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner - 32,600 SF forensic facility ($37 million).
• Ten Eyck Landscape ArchitectssupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLandscape architect for UA Chemistry & Commons project.
• Cypress Civil DevelopmentsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCivil engineer for UA Chemistry & Commons project.
• Martin White GriffissupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerStructural engineer for UA Chemistry & Commons project.
• Affiliated Engineers, Inc.supportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerMEP engineer for UA Chemistry & Commons project.
• Robert F. Mahoney & AssociatessupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAcoustical consultant for UA Chemistry & Commons project.
• MW Morrissey ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor with Oden Construction for Teatro Carmen and Elks Lodge Facade Restoration Phase I ($850,000).
• MW Morrissey ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCMAR contractor for Fort Lowell Park Commissary Rehabilitation - 6,800 SF historic preservation ($4.62 million).
• Chasse Building TeamsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCMAR contractor for Sprouts House - adaptive reuse of historic bungalows for UA School Garden Workshop ($2.5 million).
• Tofel Dent ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCMAR contractor for The Marist on Cathedral Square - 83-unit LIHTC project ($16 million).
• Tofel Dent ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Newport at Amphi - 40-unit family housing in Tucson ($8.25 million).
• Tofel Dent ConstructionsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerContractor for Newport at the Rodeo - 77-unit workforce housing on Tucson's south side ($20 million).
• Strafford ArtworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Teatro Carmen restoration - acquired building in 2021 with plans to restore as fully operational theater. Partnership with Pima County for multi-phase restoration.
• Newport Partners DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner on Newport at the Rodeo and Newport at Amphi affordable housing projects. PMM provided architectural design for these LIHTC-funded developments.
• City of Tucsonprimary clientChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClient for Fort Lowell Park Master Plan - 70-acre regional park master planning following City acquisition of Adkins Parcel.
• Pima Countyprimary clientChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner with City of Tucson on Fort Lowell Park Master Plan; assisted with acquisition of Adkins Parcel joining Commissary parcel and Hardy parcel.
• City of Tucsonprimary clientChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorClient for Downtown Links Urban Overlay District - revision to Unified Development Code creating Tucson's first Form Based Code for transportation project area.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• The Miller Hull Partnership: National architecture firm with expertise in civic, library, and higher education projects; partnered with PMM on the UA Student Success District — a comparable peer operating at the same interface of regional collaboration and national scope.
• Shepley Bulfinch: National architecture firm with a strong higher education, civic, and adaptive reuse practice — PMM has partnered with Shepley Bulfinch on the UA Chemistry & Commons project, making them a comparable broader-scope peer.
• SmithGroup: Large national architecture and engineering firm with deep higher education, justice, and civic portfolios — PMM partnered with SmithGroup on the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, making them a directly comparable incumbent partner/competitor.
• DLR Group: National integrated design firm with a strong civic, K-12/higher education, and public-sector architecture practice — competes for the same institutional and government RFPs as PMM across the Southwest.

Direct peers

• Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE): Engineering and architecture firm specializing in the investigation, preservation, and rehabilitation of historic structures, with expertise in traditional materials including masonry and adobe — closely comparable to PMM's preservation and adobe specialization.
• Will Bruder Architects: Arizona-based architect known for regionally contextual, sustainable, and award-winning desert architecture — comparable regional peer with similar small-firm scale and design ethos.
• Rob Paulus Architecture: Tucson-based architecture studio known for modern contextual design and residential/commercial work rooted in the Sonoran Desert vernacular — a comparable local peer with similar regional design sensibilities.
• Jones Studio: Arizona-based architecture firm specializing in community-focused and civic projects with deep experience in higher education, public buildings, and historic context — a closely comparable regional peer with similar design philosophy and project types.
• Architectural Resources Group (ARG): A national historic preservation and adaptive reuse architecture firm recognized for award-winning rehabilitation work on courthouses, civic buildings, and landmark structures — directly comparable to PMM's preservation practice and credentials.
• Richärd Kennedy Architects: Phoenix-based community architecture firm focused on civic, educational, and non-profit projects across Arizona — comparable in scale, mission, and public-sector client mix to PMM.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/PMM
• Facebookfacebook.com/PosterMirtoMcDonald
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/poster-mirto-mcdonald

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Poster Mirto McDonald