WPA Studios

WPA Studios WPA Studios, PLLC was started in 1993 in Richmond, Virginia. We provide unique architectural and interior design in Richmond and surrounding areas.

Our discipline expertise is in historic renovation, adaptive reuse, new construction, and interior design. Walter Parks Architect, PLLC was started in 1993 in Richmond, Virginia. We provide unique and creative architectural design services to a select group of private individuals and developers. The practice has grown from its origins of a two-person office to its current staff of fifteen. We are

enthusiastic about the projects we work on and have an interest in seeing the City of Richmond’s downtown become a thriving area to live, dine, and shop. Our practice believes that energy efficiency and environmentally friendly design are important components for Architecture today. In recent years the focus has been mixed use renovation projects, such as warehouse buildings made into loft style living with retail and restaurant spaces available. Notable projects include, a new five story building on Broad Street that is integrated with an adjacent Historic Tax Credit Rehabilitation and a twelve story Mixed Use renovation where the rotting 1970’s façade was stripped away and the Historic 1905 Architecture was reconstructed. Although, primarily based in Richmond, projects extend throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Projects range in size from housing for “Neighborhoods in Bloom” to the renovation of entire city blocks.

We love it when outdoor amenities become an extension of the architectural experience.Located between Shockoe Bottom and...
05/29/2026

We love it when outdoor amenities become an extension of the architectural experience.

Located between Shockoe Bottom and Church Hill, the rooftop terrace at Main 2525 features a pool and restored Airstream pavilion, perfect for spring and summer evenings in Richmond.

Timmons Group Speight, Marshall & Francis Purcell Construction Corp

Swipe to see the transformation of a building once considered the “worst on the block” in the Arts District.Now home to ...
04/30/2026

Swipe to see the transformation of a building once considered the “worst on the block” in the Arts District.

Now home to Kicks Boomin and 14 new apartments, this once-vacant space is bringing new life and energy back to Broad Street.


UrbanCore Construction

We are thrilled to share that The Carousel received the award for Best Historic Renovation Project at this year's Greate...
04/23/2026

We are thrilled to share that The Carousel received the award for Best Historic Renovation Project at this year's Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE) Awards!

Thank you to the amazing team who made this achievement possible:
The Carousel RVA
Audeo Partners
PRG Real Estate
KBS, Inc.

Construction progress at 200 E Marshall St!This former parking lot in Jackson Ward is on its way to becoming a 12-story ...
04/16/2026

Construction progress at 200 E Marshall St!

This former parking lot in Jackson Ward is on its way to becoming a 12-story mixed-use building with 255 apartments, plus rooftop amenities and sweeping skyline views.

Developer: SNP Properties
General Contractor: Clancy & Theys Construction Company
Structural Engineer: Speight, Marshall & Francis
MEP: Summit Engineers
Civil: VHB

Ten years ago, the Butterworth's Building began its next chapter.From a late-1800s department store to a furniture store...
04/10/2026

Ten years ago, the Butterworth's Building began its next chapter.

From a late-1800s department store to a furniture store to an art center, this 116,000 SF building has been part of Petersburg’s story for generations. Its latest transformation, supported by state and federal historic tax credits, brought 49 apartments, artist studios, galleries, and event space to life.

Cheers to 10 years ✨

Meet Sarah – our resident expert in turning challenging existing buildings into places people love. Fresh out of grad sc...
04/03/2026

Meet Sarah – our resident expert in turning challenging existing buildings into places people love. Fresh out of grad school, she rolled into WPA Studios 23 years ago and was immediately handed a multifamily HUD project with historic tax credits. Trial by fire? Maybe. But she’s been hooked ever since. Give her a historic building, and she’ll transform it into multifamily magic without missing a beat.

She thrives in every phase of a project, from crawling through tight spaces with a tape measure and headlamp to the moment residents walk through the door for the first time. The stranger the space, the better. Sarah has a knack for uncovering what makes a building special and bringing those details front and center in a fresh, thoughtful design.

Outside the office, you’ll find her biking and camping with her husband, FaceTiming with her daughter and grandson, or getting lost in a good audiobook. If you listen closely, you might even catch a glimpse of her Canadian accent, proof that after 34 years in the US, some things just stick.

What word(s) do you most overuse when talking about design?
◾ Character. Historic buildings provide so much of it!
What is a Richmond building you admire?
◾ Model To***co. It is an iconic building, and I was lucky to be part of the team that brought it back to life. It was a special day when the MODEL TO***CO letters were lit again. Fun Fact: It was featured in the 1941 issue of Architectural Record.
What is your favorite type of project to work on?
◾ Historic Tax Credit projects. I love learning the history of a building and giving it a new story while showcasing its historic fabric.

Favorite brunch spot?
◾ My backyard. The drinks, food, and company are top-notch.
Favorite side of the river?
◾ I go either. Even for a float down the river.
Can you fold a fitted sheet?
◾ Sure, unless someone is judging.

If not architecture, what would be your dream career?
◾ Coffee Barista. Everyone is happy, and if not, you make them a new coffee!
Favorite hobby?
◾ Currently taking classes to learn French! Parlez-vous français?
What snacks do you miss from Canada?
◾ Coffee Crisp, Ketchup chips, and Pink Crush!

Our second annual Chili/Soup/Stew Cook-Off is in the books! Melody earned the Golden Ladle for her traditional Colombian...
03/18/2026

Our second annual Chili/Soup/Stew Cook-Off is in the books! Melody earned the Golden Ladle for her traditional Colombian ajiaco, with Gaelan’s chili con carne and Lile’s Mexican chorizo chili among the many standout dishes in a seriously delicious lineup. Congratulations to our winner—and until next year, chefs!

A snapshot of some of our work in Shockoe Bottom over the years. From historic rehabilitation to new construction, these...
03/10/2026

A snapshot of some of our work in Shockoe Bottom over the years. From historic rehabilitation to new construction, these projects help shape one of Richmond’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

The Collection at American To***co Center The Masonry Landing

Ten years ago, we completed Hatcher To***co Flats, a 152-unit affordable housing community in Manchester, helping bring ...
03/05/2026

Ten years ago, we completed Hatcher To***co Flats, a 152-unit affordable housing community in Manchester, helping bring much-needed housing to the growing neighborhood. The project used 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and features covered parking, a clubhouse, a fitness center, and complimentary cable and internet for residents.

The design incorporates a mix of brick, 4" CMU block, metal siding, fiber cement siding, and steel, materials that nod to the area’s industrial character while also creating visual interest and supporting long-term durability.

Cheers to 10 years!

Owner: Genesis Properties
Civil: Timmons Group
MEP: ONeil Engineering Services, Inc.
Structural: Koelzer and Associates

***coFlats

Lots of progress at our 500 Maury St. project! KBS, Inc.
02/24/2026

Lots of progress at our 500 Maury St. project! KBS, Inc.

Address

313 N Adams Street
Richmond, VA
23220

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+18046444761

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