Phoenixville Small Business Spotlight: Miller Designworks

There’s a story lurking behind the glass pane of every shop, and there’s oftentimes an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape the town.

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

Business name: Miller Designworks

Owners: Steven Miller

Address: 400 Franklin Avenue, Suite 118, Phoenixville, Pa.

Website: www.millerdesignworks.com

When did you go into business?

“The business was started in 1984 as Bennett Designworks, with Steve Miller as the first employee. He then bought the business from the former owner in 1990.”

How did you come up with the name?

“Using the name “Miller” signifies a sincere, personal trust and “Designworks” was born out of a blue collar work ethic. We think that organizations who invest in thoughtful, creative, strategic design can gain a competitive edge, and therefore, we believe strongly in our tagline – Design Works for Building Business.”

Why start a business here?

“Over the first 15 years, we have tried locations in King of Prussia, Berwyn and Norristown, but for the past 16 years we’ve called Phoenixville home. We love the mix of historic and new, blue collar and high tech, and we wanted to be a part of the rebirth of this great town. Our first office in town was in the historic Byrne Building and we really enjoyed the converted factory space with huge windows and original flooring.”

“When that was sold and turned residential condo we wanted to find another place in town where reuse and repurposing was going on. The Franklin Commons was one of our clients so we decided to put down roots and refit on the north side of town. We subsequently designed and built out a raw 2 story industrial space into a floor plan with open, collaborative office space.”

“We really enjoy the eclectic mixed use of the building, and we are looking forward to the completion of the new Renaissance Academy Charter School here this fall.”

What business are you in?

“MDW is a visual communications and digital design agency. We have expertise in marketing strategy and branding, web design and app development, interactive and graphic design, video production, 3D and motion graphics, and environmental design. We service a broad range of clients from many industries including building materials, legal and finance, healthcare, global logistics, as well as a number of civic, environmental, cultural and non-profit organizations.”

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

“Extreme transitions in technology and rapid changes in our general industry continue to challenge and excite us. We continue to search out and find that perfect application of new technologies to visual communications challenges.”

What’s been your favorite moment/proudest achievement since opening?

“We take the greatest pride in our clients’ successes, and their milestones are our landmark accomplishments. But by far, my greatest blessing and achievement is working with the people who make up the Miller Designworks family, several who have been here for more than 25 years.”

How does your business give back/get involved in the community?

“We have served as a design and planning resource for the Colonial Theatre as well as the Main Street Storefront program and have been part of a local owner-level SMB business peer to peer organization.”

“Additionally, we have been able to provide a significant amount of pro bono design and marketing work for area cultural and charitable organizations, as well as working when we can as individuals and as a team in efforts such as TedX, Habitat for Humanity, and the Schuylkill River Sojourn.”

Do you have a business, or know of one, that deserves the spotlight? Email justin.heinze@patch.com.