Our dynamic team of architects, designers, and urban planners have the hands-on experience and technical acumen to tackle a multitude of projects: new build, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, comprehensive urban plans, downtown revitalization studies, conceptual development, building proformas, and historic tax credit consulting. 

Since our founding in 1982, we’ve built a diverse portfolio of historic renovation and adaptive reuse projects that not only honor our collective histories, but also contribute to the density and sustainability goals of our communities. Along the way, we’ve become fluent in the language of building project finances, capital stacks, and bridging the finance gaps in historic project funding, guiding our clients through the numerous state and local tax credit opportunities.

Champions of projects large and catalytic or small, but mighty—we empower people to take on transformation.

Intentional about the company we keep—we respect and support our team, our partners, and our clients.

Passionate about helping communities move forward—we design for change and celebrate history. 

A project takes a team and we're grateful for the recognition.

Recent awards

Old Courthouse Center, Woodstock, IL
Landmarks Illinois
Richard H Driehaus Foundation
International Economic Development Council 2024 Excellence Award
Chicago Building Congress Merit Award Finalist

Rockford Public Library, Rockford IL
AIA Prairie
SCEC IL Engineering Excellence Awards

Midtown Faust, Rockford IL
AIA Illinois

Prairie Street Brewhouse, Rockford, IL
Landmarks Illinois
Richard H. Driehaus Foundation

Lock & Mule, Lockport, IL
Landmarks Illinois
Richard H. Driehaus Foundation

Kennay Farms Distilling, Rochelle, IL
AIA Prairie

Lux Cuts, Beloit, WI
Wisconsin Main Street

Community

When we create environments that facilitate the interaction and interconnection of people, a thriving community is the natural result.

As a firm, we’re committed to improving our communities with thoughtful design, as well as making sure our team members have the time and resources available to volunteer and support the organizations meaningful to them. Our desire is to make a positive, measurable contribution to the communities in which we live and work.

People socializing on a rooftop patio with outdoor seating, a fire feature, and city skyline views at sunset.

Here are just a few of the organizations to which we dedicate our time and financial support.

Logo of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) featuring a black stylized eagle on a red background next to the black letters 'AIA'.
Logo of the City of Monroe featuring a black outline of the city, a red shield with a white cross, and the text 'City of Monroe' in white and black
Logo of Bike Rockford with a circular design and a banner in the center.
Logo of the City of Rockford, Illinois, USA with stylized graphic elements.
The image displays the word 'Medlies' in stylized green and gray text on a white background.
A collage of four logos and the text 'LANDMARKS LINOS' at the bottom.
Logo for Laurent House with white text on a pink and black background
Transform Rockford logo with stylized green and blue geometric shapes and text
Logo of Northern Illinois Hospice with leaves design and text 'Northern Illinois Hospice, First in caring for life's final months'
Map outline of Illinois with the text 'ILLINOIS Gorls of Lincoln'
Graphics of a bridge over water with sunshine and clouds above, and the text 'RUA' and 'River District' below.
Logo of the Natural Land Institute with green text reading 'Natural Land Institute'.
Main Street Monroe logo with a stylized red and black flame and green lines, and blue text

The furry friends of Studio GWA.