About
Winstanley Architects & Planners is a design studio specializing in projects of distinction that stand out for their design excellence, cultural relevance, and environmental responsibility. As innovators in design and technical execution, we pride ourselves on transforming our client’s ambitious visions into reality. Our work is frequently celebrated by peers and recognized through design awards, reflecting our commitment to excellence. With a deep understanding of the complexities of the built environment, we know how to get buildings constructed and master plans approved, ensuring success at every stage of the process.
Founded in 2004 by architect and planner Michael Winstanley AIA AICP, our firm champions a generalist approach, leveraging the cross-pollination of building typologies and construction techniques to deliver exceptional design in today’s fast-evolving environment.
Our portfolio spans academic, hospitality, workplace, residential, and public/civic projects, reflecting the breadth of our capabilities.
Our multidisciplinary approach—encompassing architecture, planning, and interior design—ensures that clients benefit from a fully integrated and cohesive design process. By uniting these three disciplines, we deliver results that are not only aesthetically compelling but also deeply functional, contextually appropriate, and sustainable. The diversity of our practice translates directly into richer, more effective solutions for our clients, who benefit from the breadth and depth of our experience.
Washington D.C. Design Workshop.
Our Washington, D.C. workshop is the cornerstone of Winstanley Architects & Planners, where our practice first began and our collaborative, cross-disciplinary design process was refined. Located in the historic Old Town neighborhood, this studio exemplifies our commitment to creating projects that respect and reflect the rich cultural and historical context of their surroundings.
Specializing in academic design, campus planning, and mixed-use urban infill within historic environments, this workshop integrates a deep understanding of placemaking with the unique cultural and architectural character of each site. Our work in nationally recognized historic districts such as Alexandria, VA, and Georgetown, DC, demonstrates our ability to design for the past, present, and future, blending contemporary needs with historical preservation.
Miami Design Workshop
With a growing portfolio in hospitality and a commitment to addressing the challenges of climate change, Miami became a natural choice for the next chapter in our journey. Perfectly positioned at the crossroads of innovation and necessity, Winstanley’s Wynwood workshop is shaping the future of Miami’s thriving urban landscape while contributing meaningfully to the global conversation on sustainable and climate-conscious design
This studio specializes in creating hospitality-focused designs that respond thoughtfully to coastal environments, balancing luxury and functionality with sustainability and resilience. In tackling the critical challenges posed by climate change, our Miami team develops forward-thinking solutions that address rising sea levels, extreme weather, and long-term environmental impacts.
Michael Winstanley
Design Director
mrw@winstanleyarchitects.com
Leejung Hong
Principal
ljh@winstanleyarchitects.com
Mike Balaban
Managing Director
msb@winstanleyarchitects.com
George Eisenberger
Principal
gre@winstanleyarchitects.com
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Progress pictures from Henle Village at @georgetownuniversity! We are so excited for the students of Georgetown to be able to enjoy this amazing project soon.
Apr 1
Progress pictures from Henle Village at @georgetownuniversity! We are so excited for the students of Georgetown to be able to enjoy this amazing project soon.
1616 King Street – Tracery as Elegance & Utility.
At 1616 King Street, tracery is reimagined as a defining architectural feature that crowns the building with both elegance and utility. Inspired by the intricate wrought ironwork found throughout Old Town Alexandria—a National Historic Landmark District—the metal mesh forms a modern cornice that provides privacy and solar shading for the penthouse level. This reinterpretation of traditional detailing transforms the top of the building into a light, transparent screen that softens its profile while adding rhythm and texture. Functioning as both ornament and performance, the tracery bridges the historical character of the neighborhood with a refined contemporary expression.
The 52-unit condominium project includes the renovation of five historic townhouses along King Street, seamlessly integrating old and new. Set back from the street, the entrance to the new tower is accessed through a landscaped courtyard and framed in modern materials to convey a sense of contemporary living. Rising eight stories above a 56-space parking structure, the building was reviewed and approved by the City of Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review.
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #Architecture
Mar 28
1616 King Street – Tracery as Elegance & Utility.
At 1616 King Street, tracery is reimagined as a defining architectural feature that crowns the building with both elegance and utility. Inspired by the intricate wrought ironwork found throughout Old Town Alexandria—a National Historic Landmark District—the metal mesh forms a modern cornice that provides privacy and solar shading for the penthouse level. This reinterpretation of traditional detailing transforms the top of the building into a light, transparent screen that softens its profile while adding rhythm and texture. Functioning as both ornament and performance, the tracery bridges the historical character of the neighborhood with a refined contemporary expression.
The 52-unit condominium project includes the renovation of five historic townhouses along King Street, seamlessly integrating old and new. Set back from the street, the entrance to the new tower is accessed through a landscaped courtyard and framed in modern materials to convey a sense of contemporary living. Rising eight stories above a 56-space parking structure, the building was reviewed and approved by the City of Alexandria’s Board of Architectural Review.
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #Architecture
CubeSmart – Tracery as Rhythm & Proportion.
Another example of this approach is our CubeSmart project in Vienna, Virginia. Set within a historic context, the design reimagines tracery as a tool for rhythm and ornament. Historically, tracery was used to support stained glass in Gothic architecture, its intricate patterns marrying structural necessity with artistic expression. At CubeSmart, we reinterpret this tradition through contemporary materials and purposes. Delicate metal screens, positioned in front of solid walls, create the illusion of windows, softening the building’s scale and massing.
These modern tracery elements introduce visual interest and architectural depth while maintaining the building’s utilitarian function. Rather than serving a structural role, the tracery here becomes a visual gesture—evoking historic forms to craft a refined, context-sensitive façade. This thoughtful adaptation blends ornamental beauty with purposeful design, offering a contemporary expression that honors the rhythm and elegance of its architectural ancestry
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #DesignStrategy #ArchitecturalHeritage #StructuralDesign #ModernCraft #InnovativeSpaces #ArchitecturalDesign #Tracery #CubeSmart #ModernDesign #HistoricHarmony
Mar 18
CubeSmart – Tracery as Rhythm & Proportion.
Another example of this approach is our CubeSmart project in Vienna, Virginia. Set within a historic context, the design reimagines tracery as a tool for rhythm and ornament. Historically, tracery was used to support stained glass in Gothic architecture, its intricate patterns marrying structural necessity with artistic expression. At CubeSmart, we reinterpret this tradition through contemporary materials and purposes. Delicate metal screens, positioned in front of solid walls, create the illusion of windows, softening the building’s scale and massing.
These modern tracery elements introduce visual interest and architectural depth while maintaining the building’s utilitarian function. Rather than serving a structural role, the tracery here becomes a visual gesture—evoking historic forms to craft a refined, context-sensitive façade. This thoughtful adaptation blends ornamental beauty with purposeful design, offering a contemporary expression that honors the rhythm and elegance of its architectural ancestry
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #DesignStrategy #ArchitecturalHeritage #StructuralDesign #ModernCraft #InnovativeSpaces #ArchitecturalDesign #Tracery #CubeSmart #ModernDesign #HistoricHarmony
The Braystone – Tracery in Historic Context.
Tracery is a powerful architectural concept that blends form and function, creating both beauty and purpose. Historically, tracery referred to the intricate stonework in windows, offering structural support for glass. In contemporary design, we translate tracery into a lattice work that provides transparency, privacy and ornament.
One of our standout projects, The Braystone, exemplifies this. Located in Old Town Alexandria, a National Historic Landmark District, the King Street all glass retail façade is screened by a bespoke metal tracery inspired by historic wrought ironwork describing the historic events at the stie. This modern adaptation of tracery honors the past while introducing a fresh, visually intriguing design that fits seamlessly within the historic fabric.
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #Architecture #Tracery #DesignInnovation #HistoricPreservation #Braystone #UrbanDesign #ArchitecturalDetail #Metalwork #DesignExcellence #HistoricArchitecture
Mar 14
The Braystone – Tracery in Historic Context.
Tracery is a powerful architectural concept that blends form and function, creating both beauty and purpose. Historically, tracery referred to the intricate stonework in windows, offering structural support for glass. In contemporary design, we translate tracery into a lattice work that provides transparency, privacy and ornament.
One of our standout projects, The Braystone, exemplifies this. Located in Old Town Alexandria, a National Historic Landmark District, the King Street all glass retail façade is screened by a bespoke metal tracery inspired by historic wrought ironwork describing the historic events at the stie. This modern adaptation of tracery honors the past while introducing a fresh, visually intriguing design that fits seamlessly within the historic fabric.
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #Architecture #Tracery #DesignInnovation #HistoricPreservation #Braystone #UrbanDesign #ArchitecturalDetail #Metalwork #DesignExcellence #HistoricArchitecture
Winstanley Architects’ design for the pump buildings at Alexandria’s waterfront is more than just flood mitigation - it’s about creating meaningful spaces for the community. Situated within the city’s Waterfront Implementation Project, these flood-protection structures were crafted to blend history with functionality.
Typically utilitarian, the pump buildings were designed to be resilient while also offering civic amenities, such as concessions and public restrooms. Located within the new waterfront park, the structures adhere to FEMA regulations and blend with the surrounding environment. 🌊
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #PublicSpaces #DesignInnovation #FloodPrevention #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #UrbanWaterfront #ClimateChangeSolutions #ArchitecturalHeritage #CommunityDesign #SustainableLiving #FutureReady #WaterfrontArchitecture
Feb 14
Winstanley Architects’ design for the pump buildings at Alexandria’s waterfront is more than just flood mitigation - it’s about creating meaningful spaces for the community. Situated within the city’s Waterfront Implementation Project, these flood-protection structures were crafted to blend history with functionality.
Typically utilitarian, the pump buildings were designed to be resilient while also offering civic amenities, such as concessions and public restrooms. Located within the new waterfront park, the structures adhere to FEMA regulations and blend with the surrounding environment. 🌊
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #PublicSpaces #DesignInnovation #FloodPrevention #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #UrbanWaterfront #ClimateChangeSolutions #ArchitecturalHeritage #CommunityDesign #SustainableLiving #FutureReady #WaterfrontArchitecture
The Waterfront Pavilions in Old Town Alexandria, VA, is a prime example of architecture and urban planning working hand-in-hand to combat climate change. Our design integrates flood protection with civic amenities, ensuring that the waterfront remains a vibrant and accessible space for all.
The project addresses two major flooding concerns: rainfall runoff flooding, through stormwater management enhancements, and flooding caused by the Potomac River, by incorporating backflow prevention and overtopping protection. A key part of WAP`s work was to seamlessly integrate these critical infrastructure buildings with the approved Waterfront Master Plan, which aimed to restore and enhance pedestrian access, improve connectivity, and promote multi-modal transportation.
From historic stone to modern materials, each building reflects the area`s rich heritage while keeping the future of Alexandria safe. 🏛️
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #FloodMitigation #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #WaterfrontRevitalization #ClimateAction #ResilientDesign #FutureProof #CivicArchitecture #HistoricPreservation #FloodProtection #GreenInfrastructure
Feb 12
The Waterfront Pavilions in Old Town Alexandria, VA, is a prime example of architecture and urban planning working hand-in-hand to combat climate change. Our design integrates flood protection with civic amenities, ensuring that the waterfront remains a vibrant and accessible space for all.
The project addresses two major flooding concerns: rainfall runoff flooding, through stormwater management enhancements, and flooding caused by the Potomac River, by incorporating backflow prevention and overtopping protection. A key part of WAP`s work was to seamlessly integrate these critical infrastructure buildings with the approved Waterfront Master Plan, which aimed to restore and enhance pedestrian access, improve connectivity, and promote multi-modal transportation.
From historic stone to modern materials, each building reflects the area`s rich heritage while keeping the future of Alexandria safe. 🏛️
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #FloodMitigation #SustainableDesign #UrbanPlanning #WaterfrontRevitalization #ClimateAction #ResilientDesign #FutureProof #CivicArchitecture #HistoricPreservation #FloodProtection #GreenInfrastructure