Building Communities, One Design at a Time
At WPA, we are dedicated to creating buildings that not only serve as functional spaces but also contribute to the growth and development of our cities. Our expertise lies in Historic Renovation, Adaptive Reuse, New Construction, and Interior Design. We take pride in our work, which encompasses a wide range of residential and commercial projects, including multi-family dwellings, commercial spaces, high-end modern residences, and restaurants.
Our Philosophy
We believe that thoughtful design fosters positive change in our communities. Our approach is built on the principles of creativity, collaboration, and a strong culture of teamwork. We strive to create innovative and holistic solutions that not only meet our clients' needs but also enrich the fabric of our cities.
Our Services
Adaptive Reuse: We specialize in the rehabilitation of historic structures, where we work to preserve the luster of the past while providing value for the future. Our expertise in Federal and State Tax Credit programs has enabled us to successfully ensure our clients' success.
New Construction: Our new construction projects are urban infill, mixed-use buildings with a high residential component. We work within the existing street grids and city fabric to create architecture that will stand the test of time.
Interior Design: We complement our buildings by providing interior design services, creating leasing offices, clubhouses, and other amenity spaces. Over time, we have branched out into designing restaurants, single-family houses, and offices. We see interior design as integral to the architecture; each discipline must complement one another to create a holistic final product.
Meet the Team
Our firm was founded in 1993 by Walter Parks, a Registered Architect (RA) and Principal of WPA. With his leadership, our company has grown into a nearly 20-person studio. We have a strong culture of collaboration across disciplines, and we believe that a strong culture of collaboration is at the heart of who we are as a firm.
Our Team
- Walter Parks, Principal Registered Architect (RA)
- Sarah McInerney, Senior Project Manager Registered Architect (RA)
- Nate Goodenow, Senior Project Manager Registered Architect (RA)
- Sean Wheeler, Senior Project Manager Registered Architect (RA)
- Alison Whitehead, Interior Designer
Design and Architecture
The reviews suggest that the design and architecture of the group's buildings are a major point of contention. One reviewer, David Paul, had very negative comments about the group's designs, calling them "boring" and "uninspired." He also referred to the buildings as "horrible- dated looking" and expressed a desire for the group to go away. In contrast, Michael Simon had a very positive view of the group's work, describing them as "professional" and "easy to work with."
Communication
While there is only one review that addresses communication, it appears to be a major strength of the group. Michael Simon praised the group's professionalism and ease of communication, suggesting that they are a pleasure to work with.
Overall Impression
The overall impression of the group is quite mixed. David Paul's scathing review suggests that the group is capable of designing very poor buildings, while Michael Simon's glowing review implies that they are a talented and professional organization. It is unclear which of these opinions is more representative of the group's actual abilities.