Platt Whitelaw Architects

04/23/2026

Pop quiz: Which of our firm’s principals is carrying on a family legacy of sacred space design? Designing sacred spaces goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that support spiritual connection, community and everyday life. Read on to find out the answer to our quiz and to explore how thoughtful architecture balances tradition, functionality and emotion to bring meaningful places of worship to life. Read more:

Explore how sacred space architecture blends functionality, tradition and emotional design to create meaningful, community-centered places of worship tailored to each congregation.

03/26/2026

Happy 10-year work anniversary to Associate Yolanda Velazco! She is a dynamic designer, an inspiring mentor, and an incredibly talented individual. Thank you for your hard work and for helping make PWA such a great place to work. Your creativity and encouragement make our team better every day. Congratulations, Yoli!

03/16/2026

Robert Platt designed the original Silver Gate Yacht building located at 2091 Shelter Island Drive. The original building is not still there, but the design may still be recognizable to long-time resident San Diegans!

03/11/2026

Happy Work Anniversary, Peter! He’s been with PWA for an incredible nine years. As a Principal, his strategic thinking, architectural talent, and daily mentorship are tremendous assets to our team. We’re so grateful to work alongside him. His energy and commitment are an inspiration to everyone. Congratulations, Peter!

03/03/2026

1919 Cable Street in Ocean Beach. Designed by Robert Platt, this mid-century modern building is still standing – with residential over retail space. Current retail tenants include the OB Barber Shop and TD Himalaya.

02/24/2026

Thank you BNBuilders for taking such great care with this historic project!

02/24/2026

Associate and registered architect Dave Madigan shares his 14-year journey with Platt/Whitelaw Architects — from leaving the firm and returning, to embracing sustainable design, municipal projects and architecture that truly serves the community. Read how his early interest in aerospace engineering shifted to a passion for public-focused design, historic restoration and creating spaces that stand the test of time. https://plattwhitelaw.com/associate-architect-dave-madigan-on-community-projects-sustainable-design-and-his-14-year-journey-at-platt-whitelaw-architects/

Associate architect Dave Madigan reflects on his 14-year career at Platt/Whitelaw Architects, sharing insights on sustainable design, municipal and water projects, historic renovation and architecture that serves the community.

02/17/2026

What an honor it was to see the Botanical Building win first place in Retrofit Magazine’s Metamorphosis Awards program.

Click through below to read Nate Gillette’s Retrofit magazine article, “San Diego’s Botanical Building Recaptures Its 1915 Grandeur while Incorporating Cutting-edge Updates.”

We worked closely with EC Constructors and many other talented professionals who are listed in the article, but as our former Principal Sandy Gramley pointed out, we were all grateful to have a fantastic client for this historic restoration project, the City of San Diego. “I give the City a lot of credit,” Gramley says in the article. “They were very proactive in getting issues resolved.”

Big props to the Botanical Building RFP team for all their hard work, too: RNT Architects, Spurlock Landscape Architects and Forever Balboa Park

A local non-profit, Forever Balboa Park, secured an $8 million grant to commission initial bridging and program documents to define a vision for the Botanical Building’s future. The project was moving forward but was later turned over to the City of San Diego for the next phase and ex*****on.

02/10/2026

Empowering vulnerable populations through compassionate design is at the heart of what we do. Proud to be part of the effort with County of San Diego - Government as we expand our portfolio of behavioral health architecture. From substance use residential treatment services to crisis stabilization units, our projects aim to provide spaces that foster healing and support. Read more about our latest endeavors in this insightful article.

Explore Platt/Whitelaw Architects' innovative designs for behavioral health facilities in San Diego County. From compassionate spaces for vulnerable populations to sustainable solutions, discover how we're empowering communities through transformative design.

02/05/2026

We’re excited to invite you to the Design & Construction Showcase on February 18, from 9:30 AM–1:30 PM, at the Balboa Park Club.

Join San Diego Unified School District (and Platt Whitelaw Architects!) at this free event for design consultants, product representatives, and construction services providers. Come meet our team, the District Architect, district staff, prime contractors, and others—while learning what it takes to participate in San Diego Unified design and construction projects.

🎟 Free to attend
🤝 Open networking
📘 Insightful conversations

Register today. We hope you’ll join us!

02/03/2026

From intern to owner—and still building what matters.

In our latest Principal Profile, Senior Principal Naveen Waney reflects on 40 years at Platt/Whitelaw Architects and the journey that shaped our firm. From mentoring the next generation to designing projects that quietly serve entire communities, Naveen shares lessons, favorite projects, and what he’s most excited about for the future.

As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, this story is a powerful reminder of how leadership, curiosity, and community-focused design can leave a lasting impact.

Read the full profile: From Intern to Senior Principal: Naveen Waney Reflects on 40 Years at Platt/Whitelaw Architects https://plattwhitelaw.com/from-intern-to-senior-principal-naveen/

Celebrate Platt/Whitelaw Architects’ 70th anniversary with Senior Principal Naveen Waney as he reflects on 40 years of leadership, mentorship, and community-focused water and wastewater design.

01/27/2026

🎉 Platt/Whitelaw Architects is celebrating 70 years! 🎉

From designing schools, community centers and places of worship to creating innovative infrastructure that strengthens cities, our seven-decade legacy is built on listening, learning and collaborating with incredible clients and partners.

We’re especially proud of the talented, diverse team that has carried our firm forward — from founder Bob Platt to today’s dedicated designers and professionals who continue to shape meaningful spaces for the communities we serve.

Here’s to 70 years of impact…and many more to come!