Food for Thought

On Tuesday night, principals from MASS Design Group offered up a different, uniquely tasty slice of the firm’s robust-and-hearty practice. Excuse the food metaphors—abundance was the theme of the night, and being so close to Thanksgiving, it was hard not to read a gustatory dimension into the presentations (all seven of them). The whole family — all 28 principals — were together for the event and a principals’ retreat, their first such gathering post the departure of founder Michael Murphy two months ago.

MASS, of course, is best known for its work for developing nations, particularly in the field of healthcare. But much else, from food systems to memorials to aging, was on the table. (Last one, I promise!) Caitlin Taylor spoke about agriculture, Jha D Amazi detailed her work as the director of the firm’s in-house Public Memories and Memorials Lab, and Christian Benimana discussed the many Rwandan projects he’s overseen in his time at MASS. Quilian Riano, who later moderated a conversation with the group, marveled at the seemingly effortless way these diverse people…