A bit about who we are...

In our twenty-four years, the partners of BCWH Architects have shared a common vision to create great architecture, to provide excellent service to clients and the community, and to have a successful practice distinguished as a leader in the Virginia market. This practice is founded on a commitment that the personal and professional fulfillment of our staff factors significantly in the delivery of high quality work. For us, that means creating a collaborative environment that's more about client relationships than projects in our portfolio. It means fostering an atmosphere of loyalty and growth for each of our architects, interior designers and other members of our team.

Over the years, we've maintained a deliberate commitment to strategic planning, sound business practices, integrity, and entrepreneurial acumen. Through this, BCWH Architects has not only endured, but has excelled.

Today, we can assure you -- with confidence -- that we remain dedicated to:

Stretching our creativity.
We exist for collaborative place-making experiences that enrich and inspire. We begin all our design work with a commitment to specific project values: creating a vibrant place that is well suited to its purpose, firmly rooted in context, capable of sustaining a legacy of service, and embraced by a community of stakeholders. We are fortunate to have been able to work with clients who share these same values. In our history, we have worked on a wide variety of project types.

Our firm resume includes public and private educational projects (ranging from elementary schools to high schools), one-of-a-kind non-profit facilities, courthouses, libraries, recreational facilities, private residences, and college & university facilities. Regardless of the type of work, we have strived to be creative and innovative in the solutions we develop. This has resulted in a work environment that promotes both the challenging of assumptions and the sharing of ideas.

Getting involved.
Our commitment to architectural excellence and innovation extends beyond design and construction. Collectively, we are constantly looking for ways to expand our experiences beyond the day-to-day rigors of our work. We're eager to participate in high school Career Days; education, architecture and interior design conferences; volunteering with non-profits; and even teaching the occasional high school architecture course. That's what keeps it fresh and fun.

Since 1986, firm members have been engaged in a wide range of activities in the city and surrounding areas. Partners and staff have volunteered for many local non-profit boards and foundations. In numerous instances, BCWH staff have served in leadership roles for these organizations. Partners have served on the Richmond City Planning Commission and other local regulatory boards. Many of our architects have served on numerous local, state and national organizations for the advancement of education, including, the Council of Educational Facilities Planners International, Virginia Association of School Boards, and Virginia Educational Facilities Planners. BCWH principals and associates have lectured and presented to numerous groups and boards on issues relating to education and design.

The firm has sponsored many community events. We annually participate in "Canstruction", which benefits the Food Bank. We have operated a Boy Scouts "Explorers" Post from our office that focused on architecture and design. Staff have donated time to the Friends of the Homeless feeding program. We have mentored students in the Richmond Public Schools and we have taught architecture courses in public and private schools as well as local universities.

Throughout our twenty-two years, we have maintained a continuous commitment to the architectural community and have consistently supported firm members in their personal efforts to serve the AIA. Members have served on VSAIA PAC, Inform Magazine Editorial Board, and held many positions within the James River Chapter and the Virginia Society.

Rob Comet, a founding partner, received the VSAIA Distinguished Achievement Award in 2002 and in 2006 Roger Richardson, another partner, received the Marcellus Wright Jr. Award for outstanding achievement in service to architecture. The firm is also founding member of the Virginia Foundation for Architecture.

Being a great place to work.
Our culture is based on long-term relationships -- with our staff as much as with our clients. We bring in young architects and partner them with established project leaders, helping them learn every phase of a project right from the start. We've created a hierarchy-free model that values everyone's ideas. We vigorously support the professional development of our staff while striving to maintain a fun, collaborative environment that fosters individual growth. Each year, for example, we tour recent projects by charter bus, allowing us all to learn from one another's experiences.

Designing for our clients, the environment, and the future.
BCWH believes all design should respond to issues of sustainability and energy efficiency and these principals are incorporated into all our projects. We have been actively involved in introducing sustainable design concepts to our clients for many years. We have created an in-house sustainable design teaching series open to our clients, consultants, and even other local architectural firms. Further, members of our staff helped co-found the James River Green Building Council.

We recognize our responsibility, as designers, is to work with our clients to find ways that minimize the adverse impact the building and its operations may have on the environment. This is part of what "good design" is all about. Walking the talk. BCWH is passionate about the work we do, the communities we serve, and the team members who make it happen. When we look clients in the eye and talk about a commitment to service, we're not just saying what they want to hear. We say we'll be there when they need us and we mean it. Our commitment to the community, our clients and our people is woven into the very fabric of our practice. We hope you have gained an insight into what makes us who we are.

BCWH is passionate about the work we do. Let's talk about how we can put our experience and enthusiasm to work for you.

Contact us today.