We are listeners, facilitators, and creative problem-solvers.
We believe that architecture tells the story of each client, congregation, and neighborhood. From master planning to urban infill and affordable housing, our design process is compassionate and community-led.
repurposing suburban retail spaces at riverside medical plaza
The decline of big box stores and suburban shopping centers has left urban planners and developers with the dilemma of how to repurpose these large-footprint buildings. Not all attempts are successful: some conversions to town attractions or greenhouses lacked sustainability. The most successful examples of reuse have been in the public interest: community centers, libraries, churches, and medical plazas.
On Route 29 North, the former Riverside Center retail shopping center is currently under redevelopment, lead by developer Norm Brinkman with brwarchitects acting as design firm for the complex’s Building 1.
brw welcomes whitney mcdermott and gerardo hernandez
Brw is pleased to welcome Whitney McDermott and Gerardo Hernandez to our design team.
Whitney is a Virginia native who studied civil engineering as an undergrad at the University of Virginia, and earned her Master of Architecture and Urban and Environmental Planning in 2015. Gerardo earned his Masters of Architecture after an established career in design and construction management, and is a native Spanish speaker.
brw recognized in bright horizons guild of architects
brwarchitects has been recognized as one of eight national firms for the Bright Horizons Architects Guild for childcare and early education centers. These firms have an expertise in the design and creation of environments specifically for infants and very young children, whose needs and wishes are distinct from older children. These environments are designed to be aesthetically and ergonomically age- appropriate; to create healthful environments that inspire both creativity and safety; and to balance the needs of very young children with those of their adult caregivers. In collaboration with Bright Horizons, brwarchitects completed the design of the Sharon L. Hostler Child Development Center at the University of Virginia in 2014. Currently the firm is working with Bright Horizons on projects in Virginia and Pennsylvania.
hiring: intern architect
brwarchitects is hiring architectural interns with 3 to 5 years of experience in design, detailing and production of small to mid-sized architectural projects.
We believe our design process holds the opportunity to tell a unique story for each of our clients, from the initial design through presentation, detailing and construction. This means an ideal candidate is proficient in presentation skills (both hand drawn and digital), production of contract documents (we use REVIT), and who is interested in continuing their involvement through the bidding and construction process. In this position, you will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, including new homes, urban planning, early childhood development centers, commercial offices, interiors, and historic projects.
city library addition in the news
“Libraries are the repositories not only of books, but of feelings. There’s the love of a good read, of course, but bookworms harbor other associations with libraries, too: discovery, solitude and the satisfaction of working hard. When architect Bruce Wardell and his colleagues were asked to design a library addition for a Charlottesville homeowner, they learned that their client wanted the new space to evoke just those kinds of emotions.”
brw welcomes karim habbab
“Sitting by drafting boards since I was 3 years old, and drawing floor plans by grade 3, I was attracted to architecture from a very early age. As I grew older I looked forward to an opportunity to be creative and challenge myself in that regards, whether it be a hypothetical fantastical project in a Virginia ghost town, or a residential building in an alley way in Berlin. Challenging my creativity is what drives me to better myself. Design has always been a part of who I am as I re-imagined space around me, and I am always interested in learning new things and broadening my horizons.”
Karim is a graduate from the undergraduate architecture program at UVA and is currently working toward licensure.
stony point sanctuary addition nears completion
Construction is ongoing at Stony Point Reformed Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. The renovation of the existing building has completed, and church staff is moving into the offices and enjoying newly modified accessible facilities. The Sanctuary Addition is...
Collaboration Guides the Design Process in Lexington, Virginia
brwarchitects has a longstanding reputation of working cooperatively with religious congregations throughout the planning process, ensuring that both historic renovations and new facilities result in a sense of communal ownership and shared space. After a summer of...
Faith Temple Church Expands To Serve Thriving Community
Nestled in the valley below Monticello, off Avon Extended, the Faith Temple Church congregation has been flourishing and doing good for the community. With an ever-strengthening ministry and increasing size, the Church is now at a point where they need more space to...
Bruce Joins New City Arts Board of Directors
brw Principle Bruce Wardell has joined the Board of Directors for New City Arts, a collaborative non-profit fostering engagement with the arts in the greater Charlottesville area. In addition to facilitating creative events and spaces, and hosting...
embracing its place: an arts and crafts estate branches out from tradition
Erika Howsare, Abode (March 2015) In architecture, to honor tradition is no simple matter. But the land is a good place to start. Whatever materials are native to the site can become an indelible link between building and ground. Such was one of the goals at Green...
Start to Finish: Checking in with Architect Bruce Wardell
Cville.com (January 2014) We asked brwarchitects principal Bruce Wardell to give us insight into the state of architecture in the area, what inspires him, and why he chooses to practice in Virginia. Here's what he had to say. READ THE FULL Q&A HERE