Across the nation, universities are expanding their residential housing to accommodate a growing number of first-year students who want to live on campus. Purpose-built student housing has evolved beyond simple dormitories; it now serves as an integral part of the student experience, promoting connection, inclusion, and academic success.

Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) has helped colleges and universities meet this growing need through innovative on- and off-campus residential projects that blend modern amenities with long-term durability and community-driven design. The firm’s portfolio includes a range of student housing developments for public and private institutions, with recent examples demonstrating how MAA creates environments that reflect each school’s culture while maximizing efficiency and sustainability.

A few examples include: 

• Daniel House at Southern Methodist University (SMU): Completed on a fast-track schedule, the three-story apartment-style building reflects a modern approach while thoughtfully integrating with the campus’s traditional architectural context.

• Northwood University Student Housing: This on-campus residential facility accommodates 300 students and features shared spaces and a community lounge designed to complement the campus’s wooded setting.

• Aspen Heights: Aspen Heights provides distinctive off-campus housing for students across the country, featuring cottage-style residences with two-, three-, four-, and five-bedroom floor plans. Merriman Anderson Architects has designed Aspen Heights communities at Texas A&M University in College Station, Iowa State University in Ames, the University of Tampa in Tampa, and Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

• 21 Rio: Situated just off the University of Texas at Austin campus, this high-rise student housing project offers a balance of comfort and convenience, with five structured parking levels and 16 floors of residential living.

MAA focuses on design solutions that enhance the quality of student life and strengthen a university’s recruitment and retention efforts. The firm’s in-house services of architecture, interior design, master planning, and project management enable cohesive, cost-effective results across all phases of development. The firm is helping universities reimagine residential life through thoughtful design that responds to today’s students’ needs, including flexible study areas, social gathering spaces, and sustainability features that align with institutional goals.