Business Details
49 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design Services in Richmond, VA
Founded in 1977, Winks-Snowa Architects has established itself as a leader in architectural design with a focus on multifamily housing, senior living communities, and student housing. Our approach integrates aesthetic vision with technical expertise, ensuring compliance with building codes and cost efficiency. The firm holds specialized certifications including EarthCraft Multifamily, LEED Accreditation, and Virginia Housing Universal Design Certification, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable and inclusive design.With decades of experience in HUD and VHDA financing programs, we deliver tailored solutions for affordable and luxury housing projects. Our team, composed of American Institute of Architects members and Urban Land Institute affiliates, prioritizes collaborative problem-solving to meet client needs while maintaining a legacy of repeat clientele.
Services
Multifamily Housing Design
Senior Living Communities
Student Housing
Commercial Renovations
Residential Design
Master Planning
Site Design
Architectural Documentation
Affordable Housing Solutions
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized experience in multifamily and senior living design.
- Our team holds EarthCraft Multifamily and LEED certifications for sustainable development.
- We maintain active involvement in HUD and VHDA financing programs for housing solutions.
- Our architects are certified in Virginia Housing Universal Design standards.
- We combine technical expertise with creative problem-solving for client-specific solutions.
Associations and certifications
- EarthCraft
- LEED
- American Institute of Architects
- Urban Land Institute
Services
Multifamily Housing Design
Specializing in multifamily housing from affordable units to luxury apartments, we create functional, code-compliant designs tailored to client needs. Our expertise spans HUD and VHDA financing programs, including EarthCraft-certified projects. With decades of experience, we deliver market-rate and income-restricted housing solutions that balance aesthetics with construction efficiency.
Senior Living Communities
We design comprehensive senior living environments including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities. Our portfolio features Continuing Care Retirement Communities like Galloway Ridge in North Carolina. Focused on accessibility and comfort, our designs integrate community amenities while meeting strict regulatory standards for senior housing developments.
Student Housing
Creating modern student housing solutions for universities and colleges, we combine functionality with contemporary design aesthetics. Our experience includes projects for Virginia Commonwealth University and Richard Bland College, addressing specific needs for student populations while maintaining cost-effective construction methods and compliance with educational institution requirements.
Commercial Renovations
We provide adaptive reuse and renovation services for commercial spaces including offices, retail structures, and medical facilities. Our approach preserves architectural integrity while modernizing functionality, as demonstrated in our office's conversion from a historic warehouse. We specialize in transforming existing buildings into efficient, code-compliant commercial environments.
Master Planning
Offering comprehensive master planning services, we create holistic site designs that optimize land use and circulation patterns. Our process integrates architectural vision with practical considerations, ensuring cohesive development for multifamily complexes, senior communities, and mixed-use projects. We focus on long-term viability and regulatory compliance for large-scale developments.
People
Megan McIrvin Shope
Principal, President
As Principal and President, Megan McIrvin Shope leads design and construction documentation while mentoring interns. With architecture degrees from University of Virginia and registrations in three states, she holds LEED and EarthCraft certifications. Her expertise spans building code analysis and sustainable design implementation.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in multifamily housing, senior living communities, student housing, commercial renovations, and master planning with expertise in sustainable design certifications.
How long has your firm been in business?
Winks Snowa Architects has provided architectural services since our founding in 1977, with over 45 years of experience in residential and commercial design.
Do you work on affordable housing projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience with HUD and VHDA multifamily financing programs, including the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program for affordable housing developments.
Are your architects certified in sustainable design?
Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals and EarthCraft Multifamily-certified designers, with multiple projects achieving EarthCraft Multifamily Certification.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Richmond, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and South Carolina for multifamily and senior living projects.
Can you handle complex development projects?
Yes, we manage complex projects requiring master planning, regulatory compliance, and technical coordination, with experience in both new construction and rehabilitation projects.
