About
Firm Profile
William Jelen Architect Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, innovative design shop producing dynamic and sustainable projects that serve both clients and community.
The firm was founded in 2007 and provides thoughtful Architecture, Planning and Interior design services for residential, multi-family, and commercial ventures.
Design Statement
Architecture can empower, inspire, and heal. I believe strongly that to achieve these lofty goals one must engage in a collaborative design process that includes all stakeholders.
Experience
My experience as an architect is broad but comprehensive. From residential work early in my career, to large municipal and complex university projects as a project architect, to my most recent work as a project principal developing and applying an ethos of sustainability, the range of my design experience allows me to offer a diversity of solutions for my clients. Perhaps most importantly, my design philosophy is centered on actively balancing three considerations: economy, client and community, and the environment.
Projects
The Girard House and Peabody Cooperatives, Washington DC
Both projects are complex renovations of mid-century apartment buildings in Washington DC. The projects had to meet both affordable housing guidelines and Green Communities Sustainability guidelines. Both projects total 41 units and 48,000 SF Mi Casa Inc. The projects include: new entry canopy, community rooms, kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a complete overhaul of the plumbing and electrical systems.
The Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land USA, Washington DC
William Jelen Architect has worked on several projects at this Monastery in the Brookland neighborhood: including Master Planning the placement and design of four new Hermitage (single occupant residences) on the forty acre Monastery property. The first hermitage was designed in conjunction with the Catholic University of America Design Collaborative and was the winner of the AIA DC Unbuilt award in 2010. The project is currently under construction. Simultaneously WJA has been working on the conceptual redesign of the Monastery’s visitors area and gift shop.
Academy of Hope, Edgewood Terrace Washington DC
A 6,000 square foot renovation project including a new entry, classrooms, and offices. As project principal on the project, I led communications with the various stakeholders including, building owners, the board, the tenant and the teachers and students in the program. The design applied sustainable materials and details as well as affordability and economy. This tenant-in-place project has just completed design.
George Mason University, Fairfax Virginia
A 100,000 square foot renovation and addition to an existing recreation building with the goal of becoming George Mason’s premier recreation and student life destination on campus. As project architect and planner, I created a Recreation and Athletics 10–year master plan. Project activities included interviewing key stakeholders, gathering consensus on programs, activities, and services, and creating a phased strategy for implementation of over twenty distinct projects all to be in balance with the overall campus master plan. I also co-authored a comprehensive 200-page report that detailed program data, comparative context with other universities and conceptual design solutions.
National Council of La Raza Headquarters, Washington, DC
Project Architect through the production of construction documents for a $5 million custom exterior and lobby renovation in an effort to completely re-brand this downtown commercial office building.
The Philadelphia Phillies Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Assisted project manager, project designers, and project architect for two years as this building went from the creation of construction documents to completion, including all aspects of construction administration. My responsibilities included engineering and design coordination for the entire ceiling and its systems. Organized and graphically presented entire site signage and art package for the art commission. Responsible for checking multiple submissions of shop drawings for pre-cast concrete panels, curtain wall, ceiling, and brick panels. I also co-designed the players parking garage, and was responsible for weekly construction site visits, field reports and interior punch lists.