Business Details
37 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Project Management in Charlotte
WHN Architects is a hands-on architectural firm with 30 years of experience dedicated to perfecting project details through continuous collaboration with clients. Our team of nine registered architects, BIM technicians, and designers prioritizes listening to client needs while embracing project limitations to create innovative solutions. We integrate functional, aesthetic, and human considerations into workable designs that align with practical requirements, site conditions, and economic constraints. Our services span architectural design, interior planning, engineering coordination, and full project management, supported by state-of-the-art BIM technology.We emphasize environmental responsibility, offering LEED certification services through our LEED-certified professionals. Our commitment to hands-on service extends to construction administration, where the design architect remains directly involved throughout the building process. With expertise in commercial, educational, industrial, and municipal projects, we deliver spaces that harmonize with occupants, systems, and surrounding communities while maintaining transparency and no hidden fees.
Services
Architectural Design
Project Management
LEED Certification
Interior Planning
Engineering Coordination
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30 years of architectural expertise with hands-on project management
- LEED-certified professionals for sustainable building solutions
- Integrated BIM technology for precise design coordination
- Full-service capabilities from concept to construction completion
- Proven track record in complex commercial and educational projects
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- NCARB
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services combine functional requirements with aesthetic considerations to create innovative spaces. We develop concepts through a methodical approach that considers site conditions, economic factors, and user needs. Our LEED-certified professionals integrate sustainable practices while maintaining strict compliance with building codes and regulations. The design process includes detailed programming, schematic development, and construction documentation.
Project Management
We provide comprehensive project management from initial concept through construction completion. Our BIM-based coordination ensures seamless integration of all building systems. We maintain continuous client communication while managing timelines, budgets, and quality control. Our team handles permitting, contractor coordination, and on-site construction administration to guarantee adherence to design specifications.
LEED Certification
Our LEED AP professionals guide clients through sustainable building certification processes. We coordinate energy-efficient systems integration, material selection for environmental compliance, and documentation for LEED submission. Our approach balances ecological responsibility with cost-effectiveness, ensuring buildings meet modern sustainability standards while maintaining functional excellence and occupant comfort.
Interior Planning
We create optimized interior environments through detailed space planning and material selection. Our services include furniture specification, lighting design, and finish coordination that align with both aesthetic goals and practical requirements. We analyze workflow patterns and spatial relationships to maximize functionality while maintaining compliance with accessibility standards and building codes.
Engineering Coordination
Our multidisciplinary approach coordinates structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering solutions. We collaborate with trusted consultants to ensure seamless integration of building systems. This includes site development engineering, structural analysis, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) system design that prioritizes energy efficiency and long-term maintainability while meeting all technical requirements.
People
James M. Hodges
President
With 29 years at WHN, Jim leads client relations and project management. He oversees the Carvana corporate account and has managed diverse projects from educational to commercial. A licensed architect and NCARB member, he speaks at industry conferences and specializes in innovative design solutions.
Paul R. Garafola
Vice President
Paul manages major projects and industrial client relations with 24 years at WHN. He specializes in code compliance and facility programming. As LEED AP and NCARB member, he coordinates sustainable design solutions for clients like Pregel America and Pepsi Bottling Ventures while mentoring junior staff.
Alan Hunter
Partner
Alan oversees architectural projects and design team coordination with 20 years of educational and civic project experience. He manages complex projects for UNC Wilmington and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools while maintaining active roles in AIA and USGBC committees focused on sustainable design practices.
Questions
What architectural services does WHN Architects offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, project management, interior planning, engineering coordination, and LEED certification services for commercial, educational, industrial, and municipal projects.
How experienced is WHN Architects with educational facilities?
We've designed over 20 educational facilities including elementary schools and university complexes, with specialized expertise in K-12 and higher education infrastructure.
Can WHN Architects handle large-scale industrial projects?
Yes, we've completed major industrial facilities exceeding 170,000 square feet, including manufacturing plants and distribution centers for national corporations.
Do you offer sustainable design solutions?
Our LEED-certified professionals integrate environmentally responsive designs and coordinate all LEED certification requirements through trusted consultants.
What project management approach does WHN use?
We employ a single-source project management model using BIM technology, providing continuous oversight from initial design through construction completion.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Charlotte, NC, we serve clients throughout North Carolina and the southeastern United States for major architectural projects.
