The Visionary Work of VMA: Breathing New Life into History
May 20
3 min read
Great architecture does more than provide shelter—it tells a story. For VMA, a dynamic architecture firm headquartered in Philadelphia with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., that story is all about connecting the past with the future.
Guided by enduring principles of tradition, beauty, craft, and sustainability, VMA creates spaces that thoughtfully respond to the people who use them. Their exceptional commitment to the craft was recently celebrated at the 45th Annual Arthur Ross Awards, held on May 11, 2026, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Designing for the Future While Honouring the Past
VMA specializes in cultural, academic, and civic spaces. They are experts at a very delicate balancing act: renewing historic buildings and designing new architecture that fits seamlessly into their historic surroundings.
Their recent academic projects showcase this talent beautifully:
Lincoln University: The firm breathed new life into Vail Hall and successfully transformed Cresson Hall into a vibrant living-learning community for students.
Millbrook School: VMA designed the new Anthony House, creating a welcoming, purpose-built center dedicated to alumni relations and school development.
The Visionary Work of VMA: Breathing New Life into History. Image courtesy of: Jeffrey Totaro The Visionary Work of VMA: Breathing New Life into History. Image courtesy of: Jeffrey Totaro
Setting the Stage: Reviving Art Deco Masterpieces
Some of VMA’s most exciting current work involves rescuing historic entertainment venues. The firm was selected to lead the transformation of two stunning Art Deco theatres, upgrading them into modern cultural hubs while preserving their classic charm.
The Metro Theatre (New York City): Located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this historic gem is being converted into a five-screen cinema. It will serve as a lively community gathering space for art-house films and classic movie screenings.
The Sedgwick Theatre (Philadelphia): Built in 1928 in the Mt. Airy neighbourhood, the theatre is being carefully renovated and expanded. It will soon boast a 250-seat capacity, serving as the permanent home for the Quintessence Theatre Group.
The Perfect Balance
What makes VMA’s approach so special is their deep respect for a building's original character. When they tackle a restoration project, they don't erase the past to make way for the future. Instead, they find creative solutions that solve modern operational challenges while keeping the unique architectural identity of the building intact.
Whether they are upgrading a historic college hall or rescuing a 1920s cinema, VMA proves that with the right care, our historic architecture can continue to serve and inspire our communities for generations to come.
