Waldon Studio Architects, the firm that designed Bay Area Community Church in Annapolis, Maryland, shown here, has joined Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, New Jersey.
Michael Graves Architecture (MG), an award-winning global leader in planning, architecture, and interior design based in Princeton, NJ, announces the acquisition of Waldon Studio Architects (WSA), a Maryland-based planning, architecture, and interior design firm. Part of a long-term strategic growth plan for MG, the acquisition will combine the distinct strengths of the two firms to cultivate shared expertise across design sectors and further invigorate the late Michael Graves’ enduring legacy of creativity and innovation.
"We will grow the company in scale, and in doing so, maintain the boutique feel to our clients as we integrate the firms so we continue to deliver creative solutions and extraordinary customer service.”
Joe Furey, President and CEO, Michael Graves Architecture, Princeton, NJ
Joe Furey, President and CEO, Michael Graves Architecture, Princeton, NJ
“When approaching this acquisition, we set out looking for a company with a deeply rooted set of core values that we share, and we knew right away we had found this in Waldon Studio Architects,” explains Joe Furey, President and CEO of MG. “Our teams not only complement each other in our design approach and deep market sector knowledge, but also through our shared values, particularly in our devotion to innovation, commitment to quality, and unwavering client service.”
Ravi Waldon, Principal and Head of the Faith-Based Sector, Michael Graves Architecture, Princeton, NJ
This potent combination of brand recognition, aligned values, and commitment to a culture of innovation make for what will be an exciting new chapter for MG that simultaneously honors the firm’s established heritage. Michael Graves, a renowned Architect who passed away in 2015, left behind a committed and talented team and an incredible legacy of innovation and design brilliance in the firm. This acquisition will allow the firm to strengthen its expertise across the healthcare, education, and worship sectors. Additionally, the firms will come together in their commitment to sustainable design and historic preservation.
Under the new company structure, WSA Founder and Principal Ravi Waldon will serve as principal as well as head of the firm’s faith-based sector. Additional WSA principals and directors will be thoughtfully incorporated into the company’s organizational makeup as principals of various practice sectors. Joe Furey will oversee the ongoing integration and continued future acquisition strategy as part of MG’s forward-looking strategic plan. About this strategy, Furey notes: “The future of our company is not as a corporate bureaucracy. We will grow the company in scale, and in doing so, maintain the boutique feel to our clients as we integrate the firms so we continue to deliver creative solutions and extraordinary customer service.” This plan will continue to develop the company’s depth and diversity of expertise, expand its physical presence in top-tier cities across the U.S., and ensure the continuation of its founder’s legacy for the next 50 years and beyond.
WSA is already an award-winning top architectural firm in the region and nationally recognized for faith-based work. Ravi Waldon states, “I want to ensure a bright future for my talented team, much in the way that Michael Graves paved the way for the continued success of his firm. At Waldon Studio Architects, our calling has always been to create and serve. When we met with Joe and his team, we felt an immediate sense of mutual respect and were impressed by MG’s culture of thoughtfulness. We’re excited to work together to broaden our horizons and present new and existing clients with excellent service and innovative design solutions.”
For over 50 years, MG has provided clients across the globe with pioneering, humanistic solutions in architecture, product design, interior design, master planning, graphic design, and branding across many market sectors, including hospitality, civic, education, workplace, and residential. Recent projects include The St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, Egypt; a Fortune 100 company headquarters at Midtown Center in Washington, D.C.; The Loutrel Hotel in Charleston, South Caroline, and 1776 by David Burke featuring Topgolf Swing Suites in Morristown, New Jersey.
Notable recent WSA projects include the Center for Health Care and Healthy Living at the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Baltimore, Maryland; many affordable and senior living projects in the region, ongoing work for the University of Maryland, Johns’ Hopkins University and Healthcare; Billie Holiday Elementary School, Baltimore, Maryland, and education design for 10 school districts; Bay Area Community Church, Annapolis, Maryland; and over 200 church projects throughout the U.S.
