Firm Profile
Established in 1988, BWA Architecture + Planning is led by principals Richard Winston, AIA, and Morris Zimmerman, AIA, LEED bd+c, who have more than 60 years combined experience as architects and builders. In projects ranging from renovation and restoration to new construction, our clients value our enthusiasm, service, technical knowledge, design ability, and our capacity to take on projects of varying size.
Located in Center City Philadelphia, we are within easy reach of your project. We make sure that we are available to our clients and present at the job site as the pace and conditions of the project demands. We believe the growth of our reputation is a direct consequence of our concern for providing conscientious service to our clients.
Significant among the firm’s strengths are the following:

Recycling old buildings is one of the most effective strategies we employ to save energy in the construction process and manufacture of materials, to reduce consumption of material resources and conserve open land—often with the added benefit of preserving our historic heritage. With the proper selection of low-impact and non-hazardous materials and, at times, with recycled and naturally degradable materials, we are able to avoid damage to the environment.
Our Team


Education
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture
Princeton University, Bachelor of Arts, School of Architecture and Urban Planning
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware; NCARB Certified

Education
Drexel University, Bachelor of Architecture
Arizona State University, Architectural Engineering
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland; NCARB Certified
LEED Accredited Professional – Building Design and Construction

Education
Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Architecture
University of Copenhagen, Architectural Studies Degree
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Massachusetts

Education
University of Pennsylvania, Masters of Architecture
Colgate University, Bachelor of Architecture
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Massachusetts

Education
Yale University, Bachelor of Architecture
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture

Education
Savannah College of Art and Design, Master of Architecture
Savannah College of Art and Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture
Recognition
Bryn Mawr, PA
2002, Historical Architectural Review Board Award for Preservation and Renovation
Byron Story Foundation: Alternative High School
Philadelphia, PA
2007, Community Design Collaborative Community Design Award
2007, 1% Solution Award for Good Design in Pro-Bono Work
Congregation Rodeph Shalom Sanctuary Restoration
Philadelphia, PA
2006, AIA Philadelphia Preservation Award
2006, AIA Pennsylvania Citation of Merit
2006, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
2006, Preservation Pennsylvania
2005, Cover story of Traditional Building Magazine
Connelly House
Philadelphia, PA
2010, AIA Philadelphia Community Design Award
First LEED Gold high-rise supportive housing facility in Philadelphia
Cyber Village Senior Housing
Philadelphia, PA
2007, 1% Solution Award for Good Design in Pro-Bono Work
Hood College Shriner Hall
Frederick, MD
2003, ABC Baltimore Chapter, Outstanding Construction Management
2002, ABC Baltimore Chapter, Outstanding Preservation/Adaptive Reuse
The Library Company of Philadelphia Cassatt House Renovations and Additions
Philadelphia, PA
2003, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia “Grand Jury Design Award”
Saint Joseph’s University Learning Commons
Philadelphia, PA
2013, American Libraries Magazine Library Design Showcase
University of Pennsylvania Federal Credit Union
Philadelphia, PA
1989, Interiors Magazine Design Award
University of Pennsylvania Sigma Delta Tau Sorority
Philadelphia, PA
1993, University City Historical Society Historic Preservation Award

Principal in Charge, Project Manager
rwinston@bwa-architects.com
Co-founder and principal of BWA architecture + planning, Dick Winston has over 35 years experience in all facets of the building delivery process. Virtually unique among his peers, Dick has over 15 years direct contracting experience—a valuable asset when making decisions about the economy and constructability of designs. Dick is frequently sought as a consultant on the modification of existing structures and on construction processes. As an educator, Dick has guest-lectured on professional practice at University of Pennsylvania and Temple University and has taught design at Drexel University. Deeply committed to both his craft and his community, Dick serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Design Collaborative and is a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Society for College and University Planners.
Education
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture
Princeton University, Bachelor of Arts, School of Architecture and Urban Planning
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware; NCARB Certified

Principal in Charge, Project Manager
mzimmerman@bwa-architects.com
Active in the design industry for over 25 years, Morrie Zimmerman has led many award-winning new design, restoration, and renovation projects. He provides technical expertise during design and construction phases—a skill he has honed through years of construction experience both as a builder and as a trained architect. He also is an expert in sustainable design and is fully knowledgeable of the LEED certification process for buildings. Morrie’s excellent organizational and communications skills help to assure that projects run smoothly and teams stay on track.
Education
Drexel University, Bachelor of Architecture
Arizona State University, Architectural Engineering
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland; NCARB Certified
LEED Accredited Professional – Building Design and Construction

Project Manager, Project Architect
William Collett is a skilled project manager and architect who has been designing and leading projects at BWA for more than ten years. Bill has remarkably diverse project experience, having worked for several firms in Philadelphia as well as firms in other states and in the Netherlands. This background spans projects for SEPTA, the Philadelphia Free Library and other public projects, apartment buildings, both here and abroad, institutional and higher education buildings and work with not-for-profit organizations. Bill is also our “go-to guy” for matters involving application of building codes, including accessibility.
Education
Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Architecture
University of Copenhagen, Architectural Studies Degree
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Massachusetts

Project Manager, Project Architect
Active in the design industry for over 15 years, Thomas Kirchner has designed for a range of project types, including affordable housing, non-profit, residential, institutional, historic preservation and health care. As project architect, he has designed several award projects. Tom is proficient in Building Information Modeling software [Revit Architecture], and provides expertise in the implementation of three-dimensional information modeling in all project phases. An adjunct professor at the Philadelphia University since 2007, he teaches architectural design studio courses in the first, fourth, and fifth years of the program
Education
University of Pennsylvania, Masters of Architecture
Colgate University, Bachelor of Architecture
Professional Registrations
Licensed Architect in Massachusetts

Project Architect
Kathy Lent has been designing and providing project support at BWA for four years. She has prior experience working for architecture firms in San Francisco, New York, and Boston on projects ranging from residential to healthcare. At BWA, Kathy assists project architects on renovations for a broad range of building typologies including institutional, higher education, and multifamily residential. She is actively involved in the emerging professionals group of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has played a key role on several design projects for local not-for-profits as a volunteer with the Community Design Collaborative.
Education
Yale University, Bachelor of Architecture
University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture