Business Details
11 Years
experience
Architectural Design for Cultural & Public Spaces
Our practice is dedicated to planning and architectural design for public spaces and cultural centers, including museums, libraries, plazas, and gardens. As a small firm, we combine the comprehensive services of a large practice with greater responsiveness and flexibility, allowing us to focus intensively on client needs and assemble tailored project teams. We collaborate closely with clients and communities to create architecture that is inclusive, sustainable, adaptable, and inspiring. With decades of experience in cultural and institutional projects, we specialize in translating strategic visions into architectural solutions that reflect community values and enhance public engagement. Our work spans museum design, urban planning, and historic preservation, emphasizing sustainability through certifications like LEED AP.We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring each project aligns with the mission, leadership, and community support of our clients. Our portfolio includes transformative projects like the American Civil War Museum and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, demonstrating our commitment to meaningful, community-driven design. We approach every project with a spiderweb-like strategy, weaving diverse perspectives into cohesive designs that evolve with client needs. Our founder, Madge Bemiss, brings over 40 years of expertise, having led teams at prestigious firms and contributed to iconic projects globally. We remain dedicated to advancing architectural excellence through innovation, sustainability, and a deep understanding of cultural contexts.
Services
Exhibition Design
Public Gardens
Museum Design
Museum Planning
Brocade Studio
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- 25 years leading architectural teams for cultural institutions
- LEED AP certified for sustainable design solutions
- Community-focused approach integrating stakeholder input
- Proven expertise in museum planning and renovation
- Flexible, responsive service tailored to client needs
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
Services
Museum Design
We create architectural designs for museums that reflect institutional missions and community values. Our approach integrates sustainability, accessibility, and adaptability, ensuring spaces foster engagement and education. Projects include the American Civil War Museum and Black History Museum in Virginia.
Museum Planning
Our planning services develop architectural programs aligned with museum goals. We conduct stakeholder consultations, interpretive planning, and feasibility studies to guide renovations or new constructions, ensuring long-term relevance and functionality.
Public Gardens
We design public gardens and plazas that enhance urban environments. Projects like the Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art combine aesthetics with community needs, creating spaces for recreation and cultural connection.
Exhibition Design
Our exhibition designs create immersive, educational experiences. We focus on spatial storytelling and interactive elements, as seen in projects for the Museum of the Mississippi Delta and Virginia Historical Society.
Brocade Studio
Brocade Studio offers specialized design solutions for cultural projects. We blend creativity with technical expertise to deliver unique spaces that align with client visions and community expectations.
People
Madge Bemiss
Architect
Madge Bemiss is a LEED AP-certified architect with over 40 years of experience in cultural and institutional projects. She founded Madge Bemiss Architect in 2005 after leading teams at Glave & Holmes and Mitchell/Giurgola. Her work focuses on community-driven design.
Questions
What services does Madge Bemiss Architect offer?
We specialize in architectural design, museum planning, exhibition design, and project management for cultural institutions and public spaces.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Richmond, Virginia, with projects across the U.S., including Mississippi, New York, and Virginia.
Are you certified in sustainable design?
Yes, our founder Madge Bemiss is a LEED AP-certified architect focused on sustainable solutions.
How do you involve communities in projects?
We collaborate with stakeholders and communities to integrate their perspectives into inclusive, mission-driven designs.
What experience do you have with museums?
We have over 25 years of experience leading museum projects, including the American Civil War Museum and Black History Museum in Virginia.
