VMDO
200 E. Market St.
296-5684
vmdo.com
Runner-up:
Wolf Ackerman
110B Second St. NE #201
296-4848
wolfackerman.com
There are 403 steps from the foundation to the top floor of the torch in the Statue of Liberty. That’s the kind of information that’s pertinent to someone interested in architecture. For the average person, what’s more important is simply how something looks. And readers know, for looks, there’s no better firm than VMDO, which specializes in design for educational institutions. Among its projects: John Paul Jones Arena, Buckingham County Primary and Elementary schools, and UVA’s College at Wise Henson Residence Hall. With Wolf Ackerman, expect quality work in residential, commercial, and institutional realms.