Architecture

architecture is community art.

GWA Dots

We have broad expertise with commercial, municipal, residential and mixed-use buildings. As specialists in adaptive re-use, we enjoy the challenge of renovating existing buildings into new purposes. At the same time, new construction provides the opportunity for additional creativity and a clean slate. We work with owners to achieve their vision, incorporate important design details that will stand the test of time, and aim for practical budgeting that ensures a project’s success.

 

Garrison School Lofts

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design, Development Services

Rockford’s oldest school is transformed into new living space, with townhomes designed to complement a traditional neighborhood context Located in Rockford’s historic Signal Hill neighborhood, the Garrison School Lofts &…

Nicholas Conservatory

Nicholas Conservatory

Rockford, IL

Architecture

a tropical oasis that embraces nature, inside and out The Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is situated along the banks of the Rock River in Sinnissippi Gardens. The Conservatory is the…

Main Office Architecture - Wahl Clipper

Wahl Clipper Corporate Headquarters

Sterling, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

a century-old company conveys its past and future in a new corporate campus Wahl Clipper is a world leader in professional and home grooming devices. Founded in Sterling, Illinois over…

Historic preservation and design - Prairie Street Brewhouse deck

Prairie Street Brewhouse

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a landmark mixed-use facility, a catalyst for downtown revitalization, and the home of studio gwa Located on the east bank of the Rock River, the Prairie Street Brewhouse has become…

Interior - Metropolitan Hall Lofts

Metropolitan Hall Lofts

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a history as old as Rockford itself The history of Metropolitan Hall is intertwined with the history of Rockford. Built in 1856, this pre-Civil War building was the largest entertainment…

Interior - Woodfire Pizza

Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

a City Market favorite becomes a downtown staple Woodfire Brick Oven Pizza gained popularity with their mobile brick pizza oven, stationing it outside of breweries and within the Rockford City…

Historic preservation and design - The Standard

The Standard

Rockford, IL

Architecture

everything you need for your special event within this historic building 214 East State Street embodies a variety of uses and is home to The Standard, a rooftop venue in…

Historic preservation interior design - Company 251

Company 251

Aurora, IL

Architecture, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a 1900s industrial building is transformed into a luxury event space Company 251 is a 20,000 square foot event space imbued with industrial charm and modern luxury. Formerly the home…

Interior Design - Northern Illinois Hospice

Northern Illinois Hospice

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

a regional nonprofit extends quality care in a beautiful, versatile setting Northern Illinois Hospice has delivered compassionate end-of-life care in the Rockford, Illinois region for over 40 years. The organization’s…

Design rendering - Rockford Public Library Hart

Hart Interim Library

Rockford, IL

Architecture

Rockford’s main library branch finds a new, temporary home for serving downtown patrons The Rockford Public Library embarked on a challenging project: Repurpose a former department store turned detention center…

Kennay Farms Distilling

Rochelle, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

a 1930’s theatre becomes the backdrop for a top-notch distillery and event space Located on the iconic Lincoln Highway in downtown Rochelle, Illinois, Kennay Farms Distilling is an 8,500 square…

Design rendering - Sterling Riverfront

Sterling Riverfront

Sterling, IL

Architecture, Urban Planning, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

two riverfront properties with potential as large as the buildings themselves The Lawrence Brothers and Stanley-National complexes are former manufacturing buildings that have shaped the southern gateway to Sterling, Illinois…

Keefer Hotel

Hillsdale, MI

Architecture, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a historic hotel returns to its roots The historic Keefer Hotel was a social center for Hillsdale and many public and private functions were held there after its construction in…

Rockford Public Library

Rockford, IL

Architecture

a new public library returns to its historic site The main branch of the Rockford Public Library has been located along the banks of the Rock River since 1902. Prior…

Interior image of Haute Bridal Official

Haute Bridal Official

Beloit, WI

Architecture, Interior Design

giving “dark storefront” a whole new definition After opening their first location in 2019, Haute Bridal Official experienced such fast rates of growth and success that the idea of expansion…

Lux Cuts

Beloit, WI

Architecture, Interior Design

a vacant storefront inspires an entrepreneur’s dream What once housed an acoustical dropped ceiling, wood and molding wrapped columns, dated flooring, and prefabricated wall panels is now an industrial and…

2-12 North River Street

Aurora, IL

Architecture, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a two-story dome graces downtown Aurora once again The renovation of 2-12 N River St. includes the Hobbs Building, an 1895 landmark building originally built as a furniture store, and…

Dawn Theater

Hillsdale, Michigan

Architecture, Interior Design

a historic movie theater becomes a boutique event venue in the heart of downtown Hillsdale Located in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan, the Dawn Theater has been a staple in the community…

Image shows an indoor dining area and bar with guests at the Lock and Mule in Lockport, Illinois.

Lock and Mule

Lockport, IL

Architecture

a 1920’s car dealership becomes a new showroom for the Tangled Roots Brewpub The downtown historic district in Lockport, Illinois is home to a new craft brewery and restaurant: Lock…

Aerial image of the west elevation of 'Building 5', a historic building on the grounds of Colman Yards in Rockford, Illinois.

Colman Yards

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design

introducing Colman Yards: a reimagined mixed-use campus, built on a century of innovation The historic Barber-Colman campus along Rockford’s South Main corridor is synonymous with American ingenuity and manufacturing excellence….

Image shows the tower roof and historic cupola of The Iconic Building in Rockford, Illinois.

The Iconic Building

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Interior Design, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

all the views that are fit to print, all from an Iconic building Since the late 1800s, 99 East State Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois has been the primary home…

Midtown Faust

Rockford, IL

Architecture, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a values-driven project, built with likeminded community members Located in Rockford’s Midtown District, the Midtown Faust building is a project that is truly created by and for the community. As…

The Old Courthouse Center

Woodstock, IL

Architecture, Interior Design, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

a community gem on the square goes from underutilized to active, adaptable space Since 1857, The Old Courthouse Center has been the centerpiece of the town square in Woodstock, Illinois….