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.
Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP (VMA) is an architecture, preservation, planning, and interior design firm based in Philadelphia, with expanded presence in New York City and Washington, D.C. The firm was founded in 1988 with a commitment to the highest quality design and service.
VMA believes that great architecture stems from innovation within the context of tradition. The global practice draws inspiration from traditional building principles to create architecture that responds to place and people. They strive for a depth of understanding of socio-cultural and physical contexts to reflect the client’s aspirations in a wide range of realms, including art, academics, athletics, community, living, and wellness.
Guided by their core principles of tradition, context, innovation, beauty, craft, and sustainability, VMA buildings consider the long-term impact on the environment and future generations.
The firm's integrated services are managed by five partners who direct a talented team of forty. Each project is partner-led and adheres to the collaborative nature of VMA's practice, rooted in the exchange of ideas and longstanding client relationships. Voith & Mactavish Architects LLP is certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.
Great design bridges past and future, creating spaces that evolve with us.
Our built environment is in a constant state of beautiful evolution. At Forma, we believe that architecture and design are deeply personal—they dictate how we live, grow, and connect across every stage of life. As a community of designers, architects, engineers, trades, builders, suppliers, students and creators, we are constantly tasked with bridging what was with what will be. Whether we are exploring innovative new builds, thoughtful restorations, or the visionary people shaping our industry, our mission remains the same: to look beyond the aesthetics. We invite you to explore the human stories woven into the brick, light, and landscapes of the spaces we inhabit. Thank you to everyone who reads, contributes, and shares in this vision.
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