Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to announce the following promotions.  Stuart Billings, AIA, has been named a Principal of the firm. With more than 30 years of experience, he has managed numerous independent school projects, including recent projects for the George School, Mercersburg Academy, Washington International School, and Barnesville School. He is currently leading the design of the new Intercollegiate Athletic Center at Georgetown University. Billings earned his Master of Architecture degree from Rice University, and his Bachelor of Arts from Brown University. He is a Registered Architect in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and Utah, is NCARB Certified, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is a member of the Washington, DC Chapter of the AIA.

Dennis Findley, AIA, Associate has been named a Project Manager. A practicing architect since 1982, he joined Bowie Gridley Architects in 2006. His diverse experience includes residential, commercial mixed-use projects, and a variety of facilities for public and private schools, as well as colleges and universities. He currently serves as Project Manager for projects at the University of Virginia. In addition, he is completing a Master Plan for the Ransom Everglades School, in Coral Gables, Florida. Findley received his Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University, and his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University. He is a Registered Architect in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC, is NCARB Certified, and is a member of the Washington DC Chapter of the AIA.

Wakefield High School, located in Arlington, Va. and designed by Bowie Gridley Architects (BGA), has been recognized by the Community Appearance Alliance of Northern Virginia with a Community Appearance Award.

The new, replacement high school, which opened in September, is located along the Arlington and Fairfax County borders, at the Route 7 and Leesburg Pike Corridor. The building’s strategic location creates a community gateway providing a welcoming and open campus environment which reinforces and connects the neighborhoods of South Arlington.

Wakefield High School was designed to minimize its footprint while not overwhelming the adjacent neighborhoods by creating friendly streetscapes and pathways throughout the site. Large, park-like open spaces establish a buffer between the new school and surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition, the award recognizes the buildings attractive and useful outdoor and indoor gathering spaces, including courtyards, a rain garden, and a unique “town hall” space for gathering between classes or school events.

“The award is a testament not only to the school’s impressive design, but also to the collaboration that was sought between the school district, county, and community to deliver a 21^st century learning facility for students and the wider community, that fits contextually on the site.” said Cal Bowie, AIA, a founding principal at BGA.

The firm hosted design charrettes with the County and School planning committees, to establish goals for the new facility. Wakefield High School, a 400,000 square foot building designed to accommodate more than 1,600 students, includes an aquatics center and auditorium. It is sustainably designed and registered for LEED Gold certification.

Founded in 1981, Bowie Gridley Architects specializes in work for institutions of community significance – academic and student life facilities, performing arts centers, libraries, athletic and recreational facilities, museums and cultural centers. The architecture, planning and interior design firm is based in Washington, D.C. and works with clients throughout the U.S and abroad.

Principal Paul R. Lund, AIA LEED AP BD+C presented the Arlington Public Schools Wakefield High School project with APS Superintendent of Facilities, John Chadwick AIA RIBA at the 2014 Virginia Education Facilities Planners Annual Conference, held March 3-4, 2014 in Williamsburg, VA.

“Wakefield High School – A Community Gateway” is an hour-long presentation that informs attendees about the process of designing the replacement Wakefield through an inclusive-process to establish it as the popular community asset it is today. (Messrs) Chadwick and Lund highlighted how Arlington Public Schools worked with Bowie Gridley Architects to develop the goals and priorities for the new Wakefield High School, and how the design process achieved those goals. The presenters suggested strategies for engaging various community stakeholders in the planning and design process.

Washington, DC – Bowie Gridley Architects is pleased to announce that Pritthijit (Raja) Kundu has joined the firm as a Senior Project Architect.  Kundu brings more than 28 years of experience in educational and institutional planning and design, working with schools and universities throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.  Kundu received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas in Lawrence and his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Jadavpur University in Calcutta, India.  He is NCARB certified, a LEED Accredited Professional, and is a member of the Washington, DC chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Bowie Gridley Architects, established in 1981, specializes in work for institutions of community significance.  Projects include academic, science, and student life facilities, performing and visual arts centers, libraries, athletic and recreational facilities, museums and cultural centers.  The architecture, planning and interior design firm is based in historic Georgetown and works with clients throughout the U.S. and abroad.