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.”
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.
David Ostrich brings over 30 years of experience in the design, management and implementation of projects in the public realm. He has extensive experience in large-scale open space projects that are challenging, complex or involve numerous, often competing interests. He is committed to the integration of natural processes into the urban environment. David’s horticultural background brings a depth of knowledge and experience in creating vibrant living landscapes. He is committed to our project partners, and the communities in which we work.
Elizabeth is most inspired by how humans use space at all scales. Combined with a 15 year career including strategic planning, academic research, and bringing concept to reality through visual media, telling the story of architecture, landscape architecture and urban design is the perfect synergy of her passions. Elizabeth earned a Masters in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University.
Julia manages complex urban parks and landscape projects from concept through completion. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, with a Master in Landscape Architecture, her pastimes inform her work: “The process of sketching and making models is important; it gives me a better understanding of the nuances of a space. During my time off, I enjoy exploring neglected or forgotten areas of Brooklyn and Queens. Both of these pursuits enrich my work in design: drawing helps unleash new ideas, and exploring the urban wilds allows me to daydream about what is possible.”
“Travel—including taking an occasional walk with no destination—are a couple of my favorite activities. As long as I find a way back, getting lost is always fun. It allows my thoughts to take me where they want to go. Sort of like the process of designing.” Holding a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania, Chieh is fascinated by the design synthesis between landscape and urbanism.
Coming from a background in environmental science and urban studies, Sam sees landscape architecture as a nexus of natural and social systems, with the ability to support community development through healthy, equitable, and beautiful landscapes, honoring history, context, and ecology. He received a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Michigan.
With a Master of Landscape Architecture degree from University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture from the South China University of Technology, Eve brings the benefits of a multicultural perspective to her designs. “Photographing patterns—in nature and in architecture—on walks throughout the city is one way I strengthen my artist’s eye.”
“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.
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.
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
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
Best of Year – Outdoor
85 Broad Street Ground Mural, New York, NY [Concept: W; Design: FXCollaborative]
Excellence on the Waterfront
Waterfront Center
St Patrick's Island
Honorable Mention
Fast Company Design Awards
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
Urban Design Honor Award
AIA NY Chapter
Plaza 33
Honor Award
ASLA NY Chapter
Plaza 33
Regional Merit Award
Canadian Society of
Landscape Architects
St. Patrick’s Island
President's Award of Excellence
ASLA Denver Chapter
St. Patrick’s Island
AIA NY Chapter
Merit Award, Urban Design
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
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.
