SMBW’s Lou Wolf To Take On New Role As Principal Emeritus

SMBW has announced that Lou Wolf will be transitioning into a new role as Principal Emeritus.

With a vast wealth of architectural experience and a portfolio of award-winning works, Wolf has helped solidify SMBW’s position as one of Richmond’s leading design firms. In his roles as Architect, Principal, and President, Lou Wolf has had a hand in SMBW’s most significant cultural contributions and Richmond’s most beloved modern buildings, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts expansion, Main Street Station shed rehabilitation, Virginia War Memorial expansion, and Greater Richmond Convention Center.

Lou Wolf has influenced the development of countless burgeoning designers, the evolution of three design firms, and transformed cities through his body of work. Since the late 1990s, Lou has remained active in the American Institute of Architects and was recognized with the 2018 AIA Richmond Marcellus Wright, Jr. Award for his many years of thoughtful and dedicated service as a Board Member and President of AIA Richmond. His professional representation, through leadership roles in the Chapter, AIA Virginia, and the American Institute of Architects, has raised the goals of the organizations, and displays the potential of the profession to impact the environment in which we live. His dedication to the profession through his example has encouraged many to follow with service to the public, the Chapter, AIA Virginia and the Institute.

Through his 40 years of experience, Lou has developed his technical design skills leading to strong coordinated documentation and construction administration for large scale complex projects with a keen eye for building code, life safety analyses and the quality assurance/quality control process. Lou is known for his thoughtful and technical approach to each project and problem presented to him. He has led the SMBW Architecture team with confidence, has helped see some of Richmond’s largest cultural institutions come to life, provided years of dedicated service to the AIA, and his contribution to the fabric of the City of Richmond will be felt for generations to come.

Mentorship and education have been the cornerstone of Lou’s professional career. As Principal Emeritus, Lou will be increasingly focused on conveying his knowledge and experience to the next generation of architects and designers with a process-oriented and detailed focus approach to projects of all scales.

This change was made effective January 1, 2023.

About SMBW

SMBW is an interdisciplinary design firm for thoughtful, innovative, and client-centric architecture, interior design, graphic design and urban planning across a broad range of market sectors. As mentors, creators, and community leaders, our designers are rooted in Richmond, and actively seek out opportunities for design to support the community that has shaped our firm from its beginning. With architects like Lou Wolf supporting our team, SMBW can continue our mission of delivering award-winning spaces to Richmond businesses, organizations, and communities.

For more information about Lou Wolf’s transition into a new role as Principal Emeritus, please contact Emma Butterworth, SMBW Marketing Coordinator at ebutterworth@smbw.com