Michaud Cooley Erickson (MCE) designed the MEP systems for the facility including general and specialty lighting, including the controls throughout the complex. Beyond the 75,000 square feet of exhibit space, MIM also includes a 300-seat performance theater, conservation lab where museum guests can observe activities related to the care of the collection, back of house spaces, restaurant/coffee shop, office and public areas.

MCE was also involved in the design of other aspects of the complex including the exterior/courtyard landscape lighting, roof mounted photovoltaic energy system, infrastructure for the state-of-the-art audio/visual technology in the galleries and fire suppression systems. Key factors in the mechanical systems design was to develope systems that maintain constant temperature and humidity in the Exhibit Spaces and the Conservation Lab/Collection Storage.