Classical traditions of the past inspire our residential practice specializing in both new construction and remodeling. We believe what differentiates good design is an understanding of scale and proportion, attention to details and sensitivity to materials while integrating the project into its landscape. Our strength is our ability to guide your project through the entire process from the initial concept to the completed construction. Virginia spends a great deal of time out in the field on job sites working with the craftsman developing and refining details - this understanding of the possibilities of construction makes her practice unique.
Virginia W. Kelsey, AIA
“To be an effective architect, you must listen to your client, understand their needs, and most importantly care”
As a third generation native Houstonian whose grandfather was part of a family longleaf pine mill in East Texas, Virginia grew up with a deep sense of the past and love of woodworking. She had the unique opportunity to spend a portion of her senior year of high school in Europe where she discovered her passion for architecture. Pursing her dream, Virginia went on to graduate in 1983 from the University of Texas in Austin with a Bachelor of Architecture. As a part of her training, she studied abroad at Versailles and Oxford and had an internship working on historic restoration projects.
After graduation, she moved to New York City to work for I.M. Pei and Partners where she worked on a wide variety of projects from an Apple computer factory to the tallest building in Los Angeles. She later returned to Houston and in 1988, following her true passion of residential architecture, Virginia began her own practice. In the early years, in addition to her own work, she would freelance for many prominent residential architects such as Tom Wilson.
In addition to her practice, Virginia has served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Houston. She has lectured at the The Women’s Institute as well as to numerous other organizations. She participated in the original rewriting of the City of Houston’s Development Ordinance representing homeowner organizations. Virginia is also a licensed interior designer.
Through it all, Virginia’s love of traveling led her to join many tours with the Institute of Classical Architecture visiting finely crafted homes around the world. This valuable time working and traveling with other architects and designers is what distinguishes Virginia’s architecture.