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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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
📍Revitalizing Alexandria`s historic Old Town waterfront while safeguarding it against climate change. Our team at Winstanley Architects & Planners designed the flood mitigation pump buildings to blend seamlessly with the waterfront’s rich history. The pavilions were crafted to reflect the materials, details, and colors associated with the cultural and historical themes for different sections of the waterfront, using natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal. These materials pay homage to the history of Alexandria`s 275-year-old waterfront, ensuring that the new infrastructure is both functional and sensitive to its rich heritage. 🌿
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #ArchitecturalDesign #ClimateResilience #WaterfrontRevitalization #UrbanDesign #HistoricRevival #FloodPrevention #SustainableArchitecture #ResilienceInDesign #PublicSpaces #WaterfrontDevelopment
Feb 10

📍Revitalizing Alexandria`s historic Old Town waterfront while safeguarding it against climate change. Our team at Winstanley Architects & Planners designed the flood mitigation pump buildings to blend seamlessly with the waterfront’s rich history. The pavilions were crafted to reflect the materials, details, and colors associated with the cultural and historical themes for different sections of the waterfront, using natural materials such as stone, wood, and metal. These materials pay homage to the history of Alexandria`s 275-year-old waterfront, ensuring that the new infrastructure is both functional and sensitive to its rich heritage. 🌿
#WinstanleyArchitectsAndPlanners #WinstanleyArchitects #WinstanleyDesign #Winstanley #AlexandriaVA #OldTownAlexandria #ArchitecturalDesign #ClimateResilience #WaterfrontRevitalization #UrbanDesign #HistoricRevival #FloodPrevention #SustainableArchitecture #ResilienceInDesign #PublicSpaces #WaterfrontDevelopment
Henle Village at Georgetown University is designed with the future in mind. 🌿 This transformative project doubles the bed count for students while creating a beautiful and sustainable living environment. The design includes spaces for wellness, recreation, and community, all set within a vibrant `student life corridor.` 💡 With a focus on sustainability, Henle Village will not only serve as a new home for students but also enhance the north side of campus with its modern, LEED Platinum design. We can’t wait to see it completed in 2025!
#WinstanleyArchitects #HenleVillage #GeorgetownUniversity #Sustainability #LEEDPlatinum #InnovativeDesign #CampusLife #StudentHousing #ArchitectureForGood #FutureFocused #GreenBuilding
Jan 24

Henle Village at Georgetown University is designed with the future in mind. 🌿 This transformative project doubles the bed count for students while creating a beautiful and sustainable living environment. The design includes spaces for wellness, recreation, and community, all set within a vibrant `student life corridor.` 💡 With a focus on sustainability, Henle Village will not only serve as a new home for students but also enhance the north side of campus with its modern, LEED Platinum design. We can’t wait to see it completed in 2025!
#WinstanleyArchitects #HenleVillage #GeorgetownUniversity #Sustainability #LEEDPlatinum #InnovativeDesign #CampusLife #StudentHousing #ArchitectureForGood #FutureFocused #GreenBuilding
We’re excited to see Henle Village take shape at Georgetown University! 🚧 This innovative student housing project not only adds 780 apartment-style units but also creates expansive spaces for study, recreation, and wellness. 🌱 Designed with sustainability in mind, Henle Village is targeting LEED Platinum certification, showcasing the university’s commitment to energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. With input from students and campus stakeholders, this project is truly community-driven. 🌍 Excited to watch this vibrant space come to life!
#WinstanleyDesign #HenleVillage #StudentLife #CampusInnovation #SustainableDesign #LEEDPlatinum #ArchitecturalExcellence #FutureOfEducation #CommunityEngagement #CampusTransformation
Jan 22

We’re excited to see Henle Village take shape at Georgetown University! 🚧 This innovative student housing project not only adds 780 apartment-style units but also creates expansive spaces for study, recreation, and wellness. 🌱 Designed with sustainability in mind, Henle Village is targeting LEED Platinum certification, showcasing the university’s commitment to energy efficiency and reducing its carbon footprint. With input from students and campus stakeholders, this project is truly community-driven. 🌍 Excited to watch this vibrant space come to life!
#WinstanleyDesign #HenleVillage #StudentLife #CampusInnovation #SustainableDesign #LEEDPlatinum #ArchitecturalExcellence #FutureOfEducation #CommunityEngagement #CampusTransformation
Exciting things are underway at Georgetown University with the groundbreaking of Henle Village! 🎓 The interiors designed by Winstanley Architects and the exterior designed Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this new dormitory will double the bed count to 780 in modern, apartment-style units. 🌿 Part of the campus` "student life corridor", Henle Village will enhance student living while reducing the need for off-campus housing. Targeting LEED Platinum, the project emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. 🌍 We’re proud to be shaping the future of student life at Georgetown!
#WinstanleyDesign #HenleVillage #GeorgetownUniversity #SustainableDesign #LEEDPlatinum #FutureOfHousing #CampusLife #StudentLiving #ArchitecturalExcellence #CommunityDrivenDesign #SustainableArchitecture #GreenBuilding #UniversityProjects #InnovativeDesign
Jan 20

Exciting things are underway at Georgetown University with the groundbreaking of Henle Village! 🎓 The interiors designed by Winstanley Architects and the exterior designed Robert A.M. Stern Architects, this new dormitory will double the bed count to 780 in modern, apartment-style units. 🌿 Part of the campus` "student life corridor", Henle Village will enhance student living while reducing the need for off-campus housing. Targeting LEED Platinum, the project emphasizes sustainability, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. 🌍 We’re proud to be shaping the future of student life at Georgetown!
#WinstanleyDesign #HenleVillage #GeorgetownUniversity #SustainableDesign #LEEDPlatinum #FutureOfHousing #CampusLife #StudentLiving #ArchitecturalExcellence #CommunityDrivenDesign #SustainableArchitecture #GreenBuilding #UniversityProjects #InnovativeDesign