We are thrilled to announce that after three years of working with BRW, Taro Matsuno has received his professional architectural license. Since joining our firm, Taro has distinguished himself not only as a skilled professional, but a natural leader in our affordable housing studio.
We are seeking an executive administrative assistant to support the daily operations and professional services of our firm. This position requires in-person presence (our office is fully vaccinated and has covid protocols in place). Must be technologically proficient, highly organized, reliable and proactive, and have access to a vehicle.
We’re delighted to announce our newest Architectural Associate, Ying Fan!
Ying moved from China to attend the University of Virginia where she earned her Masters of Architecture in 2021. We were drawn to her impressive and thoughtful approach to architecture beyond her years of experience. Since she joined BRW in September, she has brought joy to our office culture.
Senior Associate David Timmerman began his tenure with the Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review in January 2022. David has provided design leadership for commercial projects at brwarchitects since he joined the firm in 2014. From the sophisticated interiors at 701 Water Street to the sensitive historic preservation at 225 East Main, David is known for leading complex projects to success.
Karim Habbab continues the brwarchitects tradition of serving the community in his role on the Charlottesville Planning Commission. Karim began this position in the Summer of 2021 during a critical period for Charlottesville as the long-awaited Comprehensive Plan was approved in November. Karim has worked with brwarchitects since 2015 and has developed into one of the firm’s leaders in neighborhood organizing and resident-led development.
We’re very excited to welcome Taro Matsuno as a Design Associate to our firm! In addition to graduating from UVA with his M.Arch this past year, Taro brings a professional background in equitable and inclusive planning, community organizing, and affordable housing advocacy in Boston and Pittsburgh.
Taro lives in Crozet, Virginia in an old farm house with his wife, Suzannah, their daughter, Rosemary, and their two dogs Merle and Patience.
We liked our 2020 Erwin-Ramsey Fellow so much that we hired him! Taha joined BRW Architects in January 2021 after graduating from the University of Virginia with a M.Arch. In his first nine months with our firm, Taha has embraced the distinctive “BRW experience,” working on everything from large-scale multi-family affordable housing developments to construction phases for automotive dealerships to conceptual design for private residences.
Over the holiday, Principal Bruce Wardell pulled out sketches of the Poyner Hill property where he and his wife, Ginny, spent vacations as newlyweds. Back in those days, this house was the only structure (other than the coast guard station) for hundreds of yards.
After four decades, working with pen and paper (or pencil, or legos!) remains central to our creative process.
Has the pandemic lead you to any new creative hobbies?
Brwarchitects is celebrating two accomplished individuals this November as they were recognized by the Central Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Society AIA.
BRW Principal Kurt Keesecker, AIA, was recognized by the Honors Committee as a Chapter Honors Recipient. BRW Architect Whitney McDermott, AIA, was recognized with the Young Activist in Architecture Award.
We are beyond thrilled to announce that our very own Whitney McDermott has been awarded the Virginia Emerging Professional Award by AIA Virginia. This award recognizes emerging leaders for their contributions to the profession and service to the community.
Congratulations Whitney!
As an undergraduate student in architecture coming into the office for the summer, my experience with real projects was very limited. In school, we are given only theoretical projects with no client, no budget, and very few other constraints. Students are encouraged to focus on creating beautiful, efficient, environmentally-friendly spaces; there is much less consideration for the people that would inhabit them.
This summer I got to experience a community redevelopment project in which the focus is not only on improving the living conditions for the residents but also including them in the planning process and giving them a voice for the future of their neighborhood.
brwarchitects is pleased to announce that Kurt Keesecker, AIA, has joined firm founder Bruce Wardell as Principal and Partner. In addition to 20+ years of experience as an Architect and Senior Associate, Kurt is a visionary community leader, amateur game designer, and master storyteller.
Kurt’s passion is for community infill projects and the relationship between private enterprise and public good. His memorable projects include The Belmont Lofts, architectural and planning support for the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s mountaintop restoration, and numerous visionary studies for Charlottesville’s urban core. After serving for nearly a decade on the Charlottesville Planning Commission, Kurt will use his new role at brwarchitects to think deeply about how our community can be more beautiful and more just.