Baltimore, MD (November 1, 2018) – Donald Kann and the employees Kann Partners have joined Columbia-based Waldon Studio Architects (WSA), expanding the firm’s capabilities and increasing its size to just under 40 employees. This new talent brings to Waldon Studio Architects new expertise in historic preservation as well as deep experience in the senior living, hospitality, multi-family housing and mixed-use sectors. With WSA’s strong portfolio in worship, K12, healthcare, and community facilities, the combined talent broadens and diversifies the firm’s portfolio, providing expertise and experience across the full spectrum of community-based architecture.
Kann Partners has served the Baltimore region for more than four decades. In addition to its commercial and government work, the firm has made a name for itself through historic preservation of notable cultural landmarks, including Patterson Park’s Pagoda, the Thomas Point Lighthouse and historic buildings on the campus of Johns Hopkins University, to name a few. Recently, Kann Partners conducted the comprehensive study that served as the basis for a $17 million improvement plan for Baltimore City Hall. While the entity of Kann Partners will cease operations, its experienced staff will continue to serve clients with expanded capabilities as part of WSA.
Waldon Studio Architects is headquartered in Columbia, Md. with offices in Washington, D.C. and will now have more of a connection in Baltimore City. Adding a Baltimore-based team strengthens WSA’s local presence in the market and provides easier access for clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. WSA’s clients will benefit from access to expanded capacity, skill sets and services.  In addition to Donald Kann, Cass Gottlieb and Jon Fisher join as principals the WSA management team, which includes Ravi Waldon, Bob Lyon, Christa Kerrigan and Patrick Schultz. WSA will continue its status as a minority-owned firm.
“This is an exciting time of growth for us,” says Ravi Waldon, AIA, LEED, BD+C, NCARB, founder and principal at WSA. “The addition of these professionals and their talents not only broadens and diversifies our portfolio, but it is also a great cultural fit. We hire people who want to do something really great – not just in architecture, but in contributing to the world. Donald and the employees we’ve brought on from Kann Partners share that passion and sense of purpose.”
“WSA is a well-respected, growing firm with a great reputation,” notes architect Donald Kann, AIA, NCARB, WSA principal and former founder and principal of Kann Partners. “Joining WSA allows me to more fully focus my continuing work with clients on strategic project analysis and conceptual planning, while ensuring an expanded capacity to meet the needs of the clients and communities we serve.  I am excited about this new chapter.”
Release courtesy Waldon Studio Architects