Business Details
46 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Solutions in Milwaukee
Founded in 1980, TKWA has spent over four decades cultivating a design philosophy centered on Wholeness, where human activity, natural systems, and built environments exist in harmony. Our practice, rooted in sustainability and community enrichment, led us to become Wisconsin's first design firm certified as a Public Benefit Corporation in 2018. With three studios in Milwaukee, Cedarburg, and Seattle, we serve diverse markets including cultural institutions, educational facilities, and residential projects across the U.S. and internationally.Our team of AIA, LEED, and WELL accredited professionals brings specialized expertise in regenerative design, supported by a collaborative culture that values equity, diversity, and measurable accountability through the JUST label. This commitment to holistic design principles has earned us the AIA Firm Award, the highest honor from Wisconsin's architectural community.
Services
Architecture
Planning
Interior Design
Sustainable Design
Public Realm Development
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of experience in regenerative design practices
- Our Wholeness philosophy guides every project decision and process
- First Wisconsin design firm certified as a Public Benefit Corporation
- Team includes AIA, LEED, and WELL accredited professionals
- Committed to equity, diversity, and measurable sustainability practices
Associations and certifications
- AIA Firm Award
What people say
Regenerative design expertise
Community-focused approach
Environmental stewardship
Collaborative process
Award-winning team
Services
Architecture
Our architectural practice creates site-sensitive structures that harmonize with natural ecosystems while meeting functional needs. We specialize in educational facilities, cultural institutions, and commercial buildings that prioritize environmental stewardship. Our approach integrates passive design strategies with cutting-edge sustainability certifications to deliver spaces that enhance human well-being.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that reflect each client's unique identity while optimizing spatial efficiency. Our ASID-certified designers focus on material health, daylight optimization, and biophilic elements to create regenerative interior ecosystems. From corporate offices to hospitality venues, our interiors promote occupant wellness and operational sustainability.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability experts implement Living Building Challenge principles and LEED certification standards across all project phases. Services include energy modeling, material transparency analysis, and regenerative site planning that reduces environmental impact while lowering long-term operational costs. We help clients achieve net-zero goals through holistic systems thinking.
Public Realm Development
We transform public spaces into inclusive community assets through participatory design processes. Our work includes park master plans, streetscape revitalizations, and civic building renovations that prioritize accessibility and ecological resilience. Projects emphasize social equity while creating lasting cultural landmarks.
Planning
Our comprehensive planning services address land use, zoning, and long-term development strategies that balance growth with environmental protection. We create visionary frameworks for campuses, mixed-use developments, and institutional facilities that adapt to future needs while maintaining ecological integrity.
People
Tom Kubala
Co-Founder
As co-founder, Tom Kubala established TKWA's Wholeness philosophy that guides all design decisions. With over 40 years of architectural experience, he champions regenerative design practices that integrate buildings with natural systems. His leadership helped position TKWA as Wisconsin's first Public Benefit Corporation.
Allen Washatko
Co-Founder
Allen Washatko co-founded TKWA with Tom Kubala in 1980, establishing its core values of collaboration and environmental stewardship. His design approach emphasizes humility and reverence for nature, influencing generations of architects at the firm. Together with Tom, he transitioned leadership to five partners in 2016.
Adam Voltz
Project Architect
AIA-certified Project Architect Adam Voltz specializes in educational facilities and sustainable design. With expertise in passive building strategies, he leads projects that reduce environmental impact while enhancing learning environments. His work reflects TKWA's commitment to regenerative architecture principles.
Vince Micha
Partner
Partner Vince Micha brings extensive experience in large-scale commercial projects and urban revitalization efforts. As a leader in TKWA's Milwaukee studio, he focuses on creating vibrant public spaces that strengthen community connections while maintaining strict sustainability standards.
Erik Hancock
Partner
AIA and NOMA member Erik Hancock specializes in culturally significant projects that celebrate diversity through design. His work emphasizes equitable access to quality architecture and has earned multiple awards for community impact. He represents TKWA's ongoing commitment to social responsibility.
Questions
What architectural services does TKWA offer?
TKWA provides full-service architecture, interior design, planning, and sustainable design solutions for cultural, educational, residential, and commercial projects.
What is TKWA's design philosophy?
Our Wholeness philosophy integrates buildings with natural systems, emphasizing sustainability, community enrichment, and regenerative design practices across all projects.
Where does TKWA operate?
We serve clients from studios in Milwaukee, Cedarburg (Wisconsin), and Seattle, with projects across the U.S. and international locations like China.
What sustainability credentials does TKWA have?
We're Wisconsin's first Public Benefit Corporation architecture firm, with team members certified in LEED, WELL, and Living Building Challenge standards.
How experienced is TKWA's team?
Our architects and designers have over 40 years of collective experience, including AIA award-winning professionals and multiple sustainability-certified experts.
Can TKWA handle large-scale projects?
Yes, we manage complex projects from single-family residences to large educational facilities and international commercial developments with proven expertise.
