Business Details
Your Trusted Architects in Bala Cynwyd, PA
At Converse Winkler Architecture, we approach every project with a commitment to understanding our clients' unique needs and aspirations. Our process begins by asking two fundamental questions: Who are you? Where are you going? This philosophy ensures our designs reflect both functional requirements and the distinct character of each client. With decades of combined experience across educational, residential, institutional, and commercial sectors, our team of licensed architects and designers delivers solutions that balance aesthetic excellence with practical efficiency.We specialize in creating spaces that harmonize with their environment while addressing modern challenges through sustainable design practices. Our LEED-accredited professionals maintain active involvement in community initiatives and industry organizations, reinforcing our dedication to responsible architecture. From initial concept to construction completion, we prioritize clear communication and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every project achieves its full potential as both a functional space and a meaningful place.
Services
Architectural Design
Sustainable Design
Building Renovation
Institutional Architecture
Residential Projects
Commercial Architecture
Historic Restoration
LEED Certification
Space Planning
Project Management
Highlights and features
- We are LEED-accredited architects with specialized expertise in sustainable design
- Our team includes principals with over 30 years of regional architectural experience
- We maintain active involvement in community development and non-profit initiatives
- Our responsive staff oversees projects from concept through construction completion
- We integrate modern architecture with regional traditions for context-sensitive solutions
Associations and certifications
- LEED
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We synthesize modern techniques with regional traditions to produce context-sensitive solutions. Our process emphasizes understanding client culture and operational requirements while maintaining strict budget and timeline controls.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices throughout all project phases, from material selection to energy-efficient systems. Our LEED-accredited professionals employ passive design strategies and life-cycle analysis to minimize environmental impact while maximizing long-term value for clients.
Historic Restoration
Specializing in historic building preservation, we maintain original character while implementing modern upgrades. Our team combines technical expertise with historical research to restore architectural integrity while meeting contemporary functionality requirements and building codes.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from concept through completion. Our services include contractor coordination, quality control, budget tracking, and timeline management. We maintain direct communication with all stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
Space Planning
Our space planning services optimize building functionality through efficient spatial organization. We analyze workflow patterns and user needs to create layouts that enhance productivity and comfort while maintaining aesthetic coherence and compliance with accessibility standards.
People
Mimi Winkler
Founding Principal
With over 30 years of experience, Mimi Winkler leads educational and residential projects. She balances design quality with functionality while supporting community initiatives like library development and wildlife conservation.
Susan Chisholm
Managing Principal
Susan Chisholm directs large-scale public projects and emphasizes harmonious integration of built and natural environments. She leads the firm's Bike MS fundraising efforts and maintains multiple state architectural licenses.
Nicole Dress
Principal
Nicole Dress specializes in institutional renovations and community empowerment through architecture. With 30+ years in Philadelphia, she serves on architectural boards and focuses on healthcare and educational facility upgrades.
Peter Everett Brown
Designer
Peter Brown combines conceptual design skills with technical expertise across K-12, higher education, and residential projects. He teaches design studios and contributes to community art initiatives through award-winning hay maze designs.
George Buckmann
Architect
George Buckmann brings 25+ years of experience in affordable housing and community-focused projects. He balances quality control with production demands while leading volunteer construction teams for Habitat for Humanity.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in architectural design, sustainable solutions, historic restoration, and project management for residential, institutional, and commercial clients.
How long has your firm been in business?
Our principals have over 30 years of combined experience in Philadelphia, with individual licenses spanning multiple states and project types.
What makes your firm different from others?
We combine LEED-certified sustainable design with context-sensitive approaches that respect regional traditions while addressing modern functional requirements.
Do you handle both design and construction phases?
Yes, we provide full-service architecture including design development, documentation, and construction administration oversight through project completion.
Can you work with historic buildings?
Yes, we have extensive experience in historic preservation projects, maintaining architectural integrity while implementing modern upgrades and code compliance.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate LEED principles throughout design, focusing on energy efficiency, material sustainability, and passive design strategies tailored to each project's specific needs.
