A visitor to a place is a participant in that place. Recognizing this, we believe creating landscapes and architecture that offer unexpected opportunities for access and engagement can elevate the human experience, triggering reflection, awareness, and action on the part of visitors. Well-designed places can result in more sustainable relationships between ourselves, our communities, and the earth.
At W Architecture and Landscape Architecture, we create meaningful places where city and nature come together and form new relationships. These new relationships work at multiple scales, connecting communities to one another, people to place, and places to natural systems. We have particular expertise working with urban waterfront sites, transforming neglected, marginal areas into vital places for people to gather and experience a diversity of life.
Our work is evolutionary: our designs are rooted in context, yet the effect can be catalytic. Our designs unlock potential for positive change and healthier, resilient communities. We grow places by examining the forces that exist at a site, creating new relationships that encompass physical, social, temporal, and political realms.
Barbara Wilks founded W Architecture and Landscape Architecture in 1999. With an international team of urban designers, architects, and landscape architects, we are able to bring an unusual breadth of capabilities to every job. With this professional diversity, we have an innately holistic approach to work, generating solutions that simultaneously solve challenges of scale, scope, and budget. Based in New York City, our award-winning projects are found throughout the world.
Barbara Wilks, FAIA, FASLA, founded W Architecture and Landscape Architecture in 1999 to create a design-oriented, multidisciplinary practice focused on urban issues. As a leader in design and interdisciplinary thinking, with over 40 years of experience in urban design, public, and institutional projects, she practices as both an architect and landscape architect. “Seen as a whole, we can no longer distinguish ‘Nature’ as a place apart or separate from human endeavor and habitation. We are immersed in and shaped by it. Embracing this is essential to how we live and design.”
Amy Mitchell is an award-winning and versatile landscape architect and project manager, whose work can be found in a range of settings from streets and schools to parks and specialized children’s environments around the country. In designing spaces, Amy strives to capture the spirit and the character of the communities that use them. To do so, she manages collaborative processes with extensive community outreach and needs assessments to uncover and reflect shared values.
With a degree in accounting and finance from New York University, it’s no surprise that Laquita enjoys solving Sudoku puzzles—“or anything with numbers.” Laquita joined W Architecture in 2000 as a bookkeeper and has grown with the office, now managing health, administration and financial matters.
Yi Lun Yang, RLA, is a Project Landscape Architect at W. She manages complex urban parks and landscape projects and is dedicated to shaping conceptual ideas into reality. Having worked on various urban waterfronts in the United States and internationally, both in planning and design, Yi Lun has gained diverse experience working with interdisciplinary teams on projects that address resilience, sustainability, and the uncertainties of climate change.
Yi Lun holds a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. She believes that landscape could be a fundamental medium that transforms how we interact with the natural systems within cities. Her interest in design is creating inclusive urban spaces and unique landscapes that intrinsically blend with local history, culture, and ecology.
“I believe the sensation of a space creates memories and feelings. And that’s what connects us and our environment. I am learning and sensing the world, and trying to deliver the beautiful moments through every phenomenon of the landscape.” Qi received a Master of Landscape Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design.
Ian is dedicated to designing with communities, collaborating toward, and implementing a more just, resilient built environment. He is particularly interested in historical and contemporary forms of landscape representation and their ability to communicate complex ideas. Prior to joining W, Ian received a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania and worked at the Ian L. McHarg Center.
Blair is a Canadian born licensed Landscape Architect currently living in Brooklyn, New York. With international design experience and technical expertise spanning two decades, he supports an interdisciplinary approach to design and remains a committed participant in our profession’s advocacy and discussion of the public realm.
Throughout his career, he’s dedicated himself to deepening his project management, technical, and professional knowledge beyond the confines of traditional practice to better understand and more closely engage the multi-disciplinary realities of our work – the psychological, artistic, and environmental values of placemaking. His design and management expertise are grounded in a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure and utility, knowledge of landscape materials and methods, and site construction. A solid understanding of the interconnectedness of both living and technological systems inform his ideas and how he resolves design opportunities.
W Architecture and Landscape Architecture has been recognized with many regional and national awards, including a 2005 American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design for West Harlem Master Plan and Waterfront Park, 2004 American Society of Landscape Architects National Analysis and Planning Merit Award for West Harlem Master Plan and Waterfront Park, 2003 ASLA National Design Merit Award for the Tide Point Promenade in Baltimore, and a 2004 American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for the DOMA Gallery in Maryland. In addition, Barbara Wilks was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows in 1999 and to the ASLA College of Fellows in 2010 for excellence in design.
ULI Global Award for Excellence,
St. Pete Pier Approach, St. Petersburg, FL
ULI Americas Award for Excellence,
St. Pete Pier Approach, St. Petersburg, FL
The Chicago Athenaeum,
International Architecture Award,
The Riverline, Buffalo, NY
The Chicago Athenaeum,
American Architecture Award,
The Riverline, Buffalo, NY
The Chicago Athenaeum,
The International Architecture Award,
St. Pete Pier Approach, St. Petersburg, FL
ASLA Honor Award,
The Riverline, Buffalo, NY
American Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
St Petersburg Pier Approach
ASLA-NY Merit Award
ASLA NY Chapter
St Petersburg Pier Approach
ENR Southeast’s Best Projects Award
Best Project in Landscape / Urban Development
St Petersburg Pier Approach
Rosa Barba Prize Selection
11th Barcelona Biennale
Special Mention: Public Projects
A+Firms Awards, Architizer
American Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
The Edge Park
Excellence on the Waterfront
Waterfront Center
The Pier Approach
Finalist, Category: Built – Large
WLA Awards
The Edge Park
Citation – Contribution to Community Life
AIA Design Awards, CT Chapter
Westport Library
ASLA New York Chapter
Honor Award
Julian B Lane Park and River Center – Tampa, FL
ASLA New York Chapter
Merit Award
The Valley Beeline – Chouteau Greenway – St. Louis, MO
Chicago Athenaeum Good Green Design
Green Urban Planning/Landscape Architecture 2019
The Valley Beeline – Chouteau Greenway – St. Louis, MO
American Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
Julian B Lane Park – Tampa, FL
American Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
Julian B Lane River Center – Tampa, FL
Future of the Region Award
Julian B Lane Park & River Center – Tampa, FL
ENR Southeast Best Projects
Julian B Lane Park & River Center – Tampa, FL
Architect’s Newspaper 2018 Best of Design Awards
Honorable Mention for Temporary Installation
85 Broad Street Ground Mural, New York, NY [Concept: W; Design: FXCollaborative]
Interior Design NYCxDESIGN Awards
Urban Landscape/Outdoor Finalist
85 Broad Street Ground Mural, New York, NY [Concept: W; Design: FXCollaborative]
Colorado ASLA
Merit Award
Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Tampa, FL
American Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
St Patrick’s Island – Calgary, AB
International Architecture Award
The Chicago Athenaeum
St Patrick’s Island – Calgary, AB
Merit Award for Built Projects
International Making Cities Livable
St Patrick’s Island – Calgary, AB
Public Design Commission
Award for Excellence in Design
Downtown Far Rockaway Urban Design & Streetscape Reconstruction
Public Design Commission
Award for Excellence in Design
Taxi & Limousine Commission Woodside
Excellence on the Waterfront Awards
Waterfront Center
St Patrick’s Island
Fast Company Design Awards
Honorable Mention
St Patrick’s Island
Mayor’s Award
Urban Design Catalyst Calgary
St Patrick’s Island
National Urban Design Award
Royal Architecture Institute of Canada
St Patrick’s Island
AIA NY Chapter Design Awards
Urban Design Honor Award
Plaza 33
ASLA NY Chapter Design Awards
Honor Award
Plaza 33
Canadian Society of Landscape Architects
Regional Merit Award
St. Patrick’s Island
ASLA Denver Chapter
President’s Award of Excellence
St. Patrick’s Island
AIA NY Chapter Design Awards
Urban Design Merit Award
St. Patrick’s Island
AIA NY Chapter
Merit Award
Cornell University, Human Ecology Building
ASLA NY Chapter
Merit Award
The Edge Park
“Making City” Exhibit at Rotterdam Biennale, NYC Department of City Planning
The Edge Park
Glipses 2040: NY/Amsterdam Exhibit
NYC Center for Architecture
St Patricks Island Competition
First Place (w/ Civitas)
MASterworks Awards
Neighborhood Catalyst
West Harlem Piers Park
Honor Award
ASLA NY Chapter
West Harlem Piers Park
Honor Award
The Waterfront Center
West Harlem Piers Park
American Architecture Awards
Sheik Rashied Bin Saeed Crossing
In partnership with FXFowle International, LLC
Role: Landscape Architecture
Merit Award
AIA New York Chapter
Sheik Rashied Bin Saeed Crossing
Dubai Roads and Transport Authority
In partnership with FXFowle International, LLC
Role: Landscape Architecture
Honorable Mention
Architectural Review Award Cityscape Dubai Future Projects
Mixed Use Waterfront Development Plan
UAE Winner
First Place
The Sixth Crossing, Dubai Creek Bridge Design Competition
Dubai Roads and Trans. Authority
In partnership with FXFowle
Role: Landscape Architecture
Honorable Mention
Envisioning Gateway Competition
Van Alan Institute, NPCA, Columbia U., and Tiffany and Co.
Citation
American Institute of Architects
New York State
West Harlem Piers Master Plan
Second Prize – competition
Seoul Performing Arts Center
National Honor Award for Regional and Urban Design
American Institute of Architects
West Harlem Master Plan and Waterfront Park
Merit Award
National Analysis and Planning American Society of Landscape Architects
West Harlem Master Plan and Waterfront Park
National Honor Award
American Institute of Architects
DOMA Gallery
Excellence in Construction Award
Associated Builders and Contractors
DOMA Gallery
National Design Merit Award
American Society of Landscape Architects
Tide Point
Design Excellence Award
AIA New York Chapter
DoMa Gallery
Honorable Mention
“Designing the High Line”
Competition
Friends of the High Line
Design Excellence Award
Tide Point Waterfront
AIA Maryland
Juried Exhibition
The Physical Fitness of Cities
Tide Point Waterfront Park
Winter Olympics, Salt Lake City
Maryland Smart Growth Award
Tide Point Office Waterfront Park
Baltimore Heritage Preservation Society Award
Tide Point Office Campus & Waterfront Park
Award for Design Merit Award
Eubie Blake National Jazz Museum
AIA Baltimore
Award for Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Flemming Community Center
Award for Design Excellence AIA Baltimore
Baltimore City Garage
Honor Award
AIA Maryland
Bryn Mawr Science Building
Grand Design Award
AIA Baltimore
Bryn Mawr Science Building
Award for Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Camden Station
Award for Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Eubie Blake National Jazz Museum & Cultural Center
Award for Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Central Corridor Light Rail
Grand Award for Design
AIA Baltimore
Bryn Mawr School
Award for Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Cho, Wilks & Benn Offices
Award for Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Goucher College, Elizabeth Connolly Todd Dance Studio
Third Prize
Coldspring Newtown National Competition
City of Baltimore National Association of Home Builders
Merit Award
Charles Plaza Renaissance '86
Award Distinctive Residential Architecture, Baltimore Magazine
Ridgely's Delight Housing
Award for Distinctive Residential Architecture, Baltimore Magazine
Orphan Alley
Award in Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Orphan Alley
Award in Design Excellence
AIA Baltimore
Brown's Arcade
First Place (competition)
Inner Harbor Piers 5 and 6 AIA Baltimore
Dynamic Geographies, Barbara Wilks, ORO Editions
Gamolina, Julia. “Natural Forces: W’s Barbara Wilks on Creating Her Own Space and Embedding People in Their Landscapes” Madame Architect, Jan 2021.
Sommer, Mark. “Nature as a refuge’: Final design for the Riverline is unveiled,” The Buffalo News, July 2021.
Barth, Brian. “No Plan Is An Island” Landscape Architecture Magazine, Jan, 2020.
“Why Cities Are Finally Showing Skateboarders Some Respect,” NY Times, November 2020.
Okamoto, Katie. “NYCxDesign 2019: How the Public Design Commission Encourages Better Design in NYC” Metropolis, April 30, 2019.
Morabito, Valerio.“Water ‘Scape – West Harlem Piers Park” PAYSAGE TOPSCAPE, isuue33, 2018
Willis, Beverly.“Unknown New York – The City That Women Built”Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), June 6, 2018
Ahel, Ana.”Ekon Chic”Elle Decoration Magazine Croatia”, March, 2017.
Barbanel, Josh. “Urban Sanctuary Takes Shape Near West Street”The Wall Street Journal, July 21, 2016
Wilks, Barbara. “Going With The Flow” Parks & Rec Business, September, 2016
“St Patrick’s Island” International new Landscape, 09.10.2016.
Zarate, Mozes. “At Plaza 33, a Break From the Crowd”The Wall Street Journal, Thursday August 27, 2015
Dailey, Jessica. “Penn Station’s New Public Plaza Is Actually Kind of Nice” CurbedNY. August 10, 2015.
Structuring Confluence: The Work of W Architecture and Landscape Architecture
Lasky, Julie. “The Edge is the Center” Landscape Architecture Magazine, June, 2012.
Silvestro, Tyler. “Troy, Troy Again! Architects revamping an Aging Waterfront”AN Blog, April 9, 2012.
Mcmurray, Jenna. “St. Patrick’s Island Extreme Makeover Edition” Calgary Herald, 3, April 26, 2012.
Pinet, Sophie. “Un Musee Suspendu” French Architectual Digest, 48-49, April 2012.
Zara, Janelle. “Design News” New York Magazine, June 1, 2011.
“Exhibit” Architect Magazine, 70.
Wilks, Barbara. “Marine Streets-A Living Marine Edge” Ecological Restoration292-297, Volume 29, Number 3.
“West Side Pier Helps Bridge Greenway Gap” NY1. May 20, 2009.
“Expanding the Long and Linear Open Space” Landscape Architect China, May 20, 2009: 08-17.
Son, Seok Beom. “West Harlem Piers Park” ELA: Environment, & Landscape Architecture of Korea 253, May 2009: 58-67.
Son, Seok Boem. “Tide Point” ELA: Environment & Landscape Architecture of Korea 252, April 2009: 58-67.
Dal Verne, Enzo. “La Grande Mela Verde.” LUNA magazine. October 2007.
Pollak, Linda. “The Landscape for Urban Reclamation.” Lotus 128, Summer 2007: 36-45
Zimmer, Jeff. “From Warehouse to Luxury Lofts.” The Hearld Sun. Durham, NC. 27 Apri 2006: A1, A4.
Scheineson, Andrew. “Officials Start Pier Renewal: Bloomberg Announces $18.7 Construction Plan for New Harlem Pier.” Daily Columbia Spectator. 1 Nov 2005: 1,4.
Schwartz, Neal J.Z., ed. “Constellations of Hope.” Emergent Memory: The National AIDS Memorial Competition. 2005: 62-63.
Jones, Will. “Radical Approaches to Contemporary Housing: New Residential Architecture: DoMa Gallery.” New Residential Architecture. 2005: 164-167.
“American Institute of Architects: 2005 Honor Awards: 10. West Harlem Waterfront Park.” Architectural Record. May 2005: 151.
“West Harlem Master Plan and Waterfront Park” Landscape Design. 2005: 14
“Barn Raising: Two art lovers turn a dilapidated barn at their weekend farm near Baltimore into a guesthouse that uniquely connects the old with the new.” House Beautiful. May 2005: 84-90.
Boschi, Antonello. “Doma Gallery 2003.” Case in vetro. Milano: Federico Motta Editore. 2005:336-45.
Buiso, Gary. “Red Hook: Waterfront Hamlet?: New Vision For Downtown Community.” Carroll Gardens/Cobble Hill Courier. Vol. XXVLI No.15, 12 April 2004: 1, 8.
Hoffberger, Catherine. “Shining Through: Even with two of its original walls gone, this structure remains a barn at heart.” Style: Smart Living in Baltimore. Dec 2003:174-181.
Freeman, Allen. “To the Point.” Landscape Architecture. Nov 2003: 2-11.
Amelar, Sarah. “DoMa Gallery Baltimore County, Maryland.” Architectural Record. July 2003.
“Designing the High Line: Ideas for Reclaiming 1.5 Miles of Manhattan.” High Line. 2003:306-307.
“Principles for the Rebuilding of Lower Manhattan.” New York Visions. 2002 Feb: 8-9.
“Designed Landscape Forum III: Tide Point.” Land Forum 13: The International Review of Landscape Architecture Garden Art Environmental Planning and Urban Design. 3rd ed, 2002
“Project 2002: W Architecture: DoMa Gallery House.” GA Houses. 70, 2002: 52-53.
