Business Details
46 Years
experience
Award-Winning Sustainable Architecture Studio
Founded in 1980, TKWA is a full-service architecture, planning, and interior design studio rooted in a philosophy of Wholeness. Our practice integrates human activity, natural systems, and built environments to create regenerative spaces that strengthen communities. Over four decades, weve prioritized sustainability, earning recognition as Wisconsins first Public Benefit Corporation and receiving the AIA Firm Award, the states highest architectural honor. Our team includes AIA, LEED, Living Building, WELL, and NCARB accredited professionals with expertise in diverse building types, from historic preservation to large-scale educational facilities.We maintain offices in Milwaukee, Cedarburg, and Seattle, serving clients locally and globally while advocating for equitable, environmentally responsible design. Accountability drives uswe participate in the JUST label to publicly measure our internal practices. Our culture balances rigorous design with staff wellness, equity, and community engagement, ensuring our work reflects the interconnected values of people, planet, and place.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Historic Restoration
Public Realm Design
Educational Facilities
Residential Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Regenerative Design
Urban Planning
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in sustainable architecture and planning.
- Our Wholeness philosophy ensures designs harmonize with natural ecosystems.
- Recognized with the AIA Firm Award, Wisconsins highest architectural honor.
- Team includes AIA, LEED, and WELL accredited professionals with global expertise.
- First Wisconsin design firm to become a Public Benefit Corporation.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Architecture
TKWAs architectural services create functional, sustainable spaces tailored to client needs and environmental contexts. Our approach merges innovative design with technical precision, ensuring structures enhance both human experience and ecological systems. Projects range from single-family residences to complex institutional buildings.
Sustainable Design
We prioritize regenerative materials, energy efficiency, and site-sensitive planning to minimize environmental impact. Our sustainable designs achieve certifications like LEED and Living Building standards while creating healthy spaces for occupants and ecosystems.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in adaptive reuse, we restore historic buildings while integrating modern functionality. Our work preserves cultural legacy through meticulous research, material conservation, and code-compliant updates that extend a structures lifespan.
Public Realm Design
We design inclusive public spaces that foster community engagement. Projects include parks, plazas, and civic buildings that prioritize accessibility, ecological health, and long-term usability for diverse populations.
Educational Facilities
Our educational designs create inspiring learning environments. We focus on flexible layouts, natural lighting, and sustainable materials to support student well-being and pedagogical innovation across K-12 and university campuses.
People
Tom Kubala
Co-Founder
With 40+ years of experience, Tom Kubala co-founded TKWA in 1980. His design philosophy emphasizes harmony between architecture and nature, shaping the firms Wholeness approach and commitment to regenerative design.
Allen Washatko
Co-Founder
Allen Washatko co-founded TKWA, driving its focus on sustainable practices and community enrichment. His collaborative design ethos and technical expertise have guided award-winning projects across residential and institutional sectors.
Vince Micha
Partner
Vince Micha leads TKWAs Milwaukee studio, specializing in urban revitalization projects. With expertise in public realm design, he advocates for equitable spaces that strengthen community connections and economic vitality.
Erik Hancock
Partner
Erik Hancock focuses on educational and cultural projects, blending sustainable strategies with functional aesthetics. His work emphasizes creating inspiring environments that support learning and community engagement.
Claire Hitchcock Tilton
Project Designer
Claire Hitchcock Tilton specializes in residential and small-scale commercial projects. Her designs prioritize user experience and environmental integration, reflecting TKWAs commitment to Wholeness and regenerative principles.
Questions
What architectural services does TKWA offer?
TKWA provides full-service architecture, interior design, urban planning, and sustainability consulting for residential, commercial, cultural, and educational projects.
How does TKWA incorporate sustainability into designs?
Our Wholeness philosophy integrates buildings with natural systems, using regenerative materials, energy-efficient strategies, and site-sensitive planning to minimize environmental impact.
Which geographic areas does TKWA serve?
We operate from Milwaukee, Cedarburg, and Seattle, serving clients across Wisconsin, the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and international markets like China.
What makes TKWA a Public Benefit Corporation?
As Wisconsin’s first design-focused Public Benefit Corporation, we legally commit to balancing profit with positive social and environmental impact through transparent practices.
What project types does TKWA specialize in?
We excel in historic preservation, educational facilities, public realm design, residential architecture, and large-scale commercial projects with a focus on sustainability.
