WHO WE ARE
Our firm’s history dates back to the founding of two separate well-respected Nevada architecture firms, nearly two decades ago. Richardson Wetzel Architects LLC was formed in 2014, the teaming of Mike’s firm (established 2005), and Steve’s firm (established 1997), along with their talented staff. Both principals’ primary experience focuses on commercial projects of all types and sizes, for both public and private clients.
Our firm’s project experience includes a range of scope and difficulty but no matter the size, we believe no challenge is too big and no project too small. We are serious about our goal of submitting documents for the shortest review times. We have fun working within limitations. Our long term relationships with contractors and consultants strengthens the trust and effectiveness of our team while we work to produce excellent design solutions and community value.
STEVEN A. RICHARDSON AIA, LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
Steve is a registered architect and Founding Principal of RWA. Since moving to Las Vegas in 1980, he has worked to expand his portfolio to include a diverse array of projects for recreational, institutional, educational, and hospitality clients. Committed to collaboration and the charrette process, Steve engages stakeholders to understand their unique needs and project priorities. He leverages his extensive knowledge of construction practices to create compelling detailing and maximize the design impact for projects with budgets ranging from a few hundred thousand dollars to hundreds of millions.
Steve is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, serving as Las Vegas Director in 1999. He was recognized with the AIA Nevada Young Architect Award in 1999. He is also a member of the US Green Building Council, and a Charter Member of the Las Vegas chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute. Steve’s second passion is restoring Volkswagen automobiles. Over the past 50 years he has rebuilt, restored, and owned over 15 VWs. His current collection consists of five classic Volkswagens, including three award-winning vehicles.
MICHAEL E. WETZEL AIA, NCARB
PRINCIPAL
Mike is a registered architect and Founding Principal of RWA. A proud veteran with over twenty years of professional experience, he is known for both high quality design and highly effective project management with a portfolio of award-winning projects. An advocate for continual process improvement, Mike actively incorporates lessons learned, new technology, and client feedback to enhance the efficiency and quality of services provided. His leadership and proven management approach contribute to the firm’s strong history of successfully delivered projects and the development of long-term relationships with repeat clients.
A University of Nevada, Las Vegas alum, Mike is committed to fostering the education and development of the next generation of design professionals. He has served as an Adjunct Professor for the UNLV School of Architecture and an Instructor at the College of Southern Nevada. Outside of the office, Mike can be found behind the lens of his Canon capturing people, landscapes, and the firm’s projects.
OUR
TEAM
The team at RWA prides itself on offering excellent client service backed by quality design and construction administration, turning client visions into reality. The RWA team is passionate about the work they do for clients offering budget conscious services throughout design and construction helping to shape communities into vibrant places to live, work, and play. The technical staff utilizes the latest in technology offering 3D models, renderings, and drawings incorporating all disciplines to ensure a complete and comprehensive set of drawings.
PHILOSOPHY +
SUSTAINABILITY
Each project, regardless of size or delivery method is given due consideration of creative, holistic design solutions that will encompass project priorities and values. Our design capabilities and technical expertise balance the characteristics of a well-designed space or building with goals that will make a special, important, and effective project.
Design should be sustainable and embrace inherent, natural capabilities of the environment and products that are available at a reasonable cost. To further substantiate our belief in sustainable design, two team members are accredited professionals (LEED® AP) by the USGBC. Our scope of services enables the design team to explore this project through various factors and scales. While we understand the macro scale of this project, it is the micro-scale that will set your project apart from others and create a place for your customers.
TESTIMONIALS
CHRIS DEANGELIS
SR. PROJECT EXECUTIVE
MARTIN-HARRIS
CONSTRUCTION
Martin-Harris Construction has worked with RWA many times over the last several years to deliver quality projects for a variety of customers. Both of our companies serve a diverse range of market sectors, and we have collaborated on all types of delivery methods ranging from design-build and design-assist to design bid build. We find that RWA is very open to feedback relative to constructability and budget and works hard to meet the clients goals. I have also run into few Architects that can generate the type of imaginative napkin sketch on the spot as quickly as Steven Richardson can! I appreciate our partnership and look forward to collaborating for many years to come.
BOB LASZCIK
DIR. OF CONSTRUCTION
TERRIBLE'S
RWA Architects has provided expert planning and design services for Terrible's for nearly 15 years. RWA fully understands Terrible's business and provides creative and thoughtful solutions in order to address our unique needs and goals for each of our locations. RWA’s approach to our architectural design successfully balances costs with an enhanced level of aesthetics, helping us to stand out in the convenience retail marketplace.
SHAWN DANOSKI
FOUNDER & CEO
DC BUILDING GROUP
My relationship with RWA goes back 20 years covering industrial, religious, public, and complex tenant improvement project types. Our work together comprises design-build and bid delivery methods. The RWA team upholds the highest standards in project delivery, building true partnerships with clients, tenants, building departments, and contractors. They are dedicated to preparing a thorough set of construction documents and possess a solid rapport with the team to be effective in project schedules, costs, and resolving difficult issues.