Jim Kovach

Principal @Vmdo Architects

Charlottesville, VA, US

We are architects with an unwavering commitment to designing environments that shape the way people live, work, and play, and at their best, uplift the human spirit. Our firm is dedicated to helping institutions and communities envision engaging, pivotal projects that translate into meaningful buildings of lasting value. In particular, we recognize the impact that thoughtful and imaginative design can have on education.We believe the most effective and elegant architectural solutions come through a vital sense of insight, creativity and invention, pursued with patience, and grounded in research and expertise. We continually seek new paths and directions in the work we do and the tools we use as we search for these solutions. We recognize each place is unique and form responsive approaches that are distinctly suited to each community. We promote a strong ethic of sustainability and stewardship, advocating innovative environmental strategies throughout the practice.We are inspired by conversations with people. We gain momentum in our work through a depth of understanding and we draw strength from the connections and commitments with talented people formed through genuine collaboration. We enjoy the work we do every day and are committed to a collective atmosphere of openess, trust and respect throughout our office and our process. We are dedicated to an enriching, healthy, and fulfilling work environment that, in many ways, is an emblematic model of our best thinking about learning and how education works.We strive for timeless design of sites and buildings that have a self-evident fit with their surroundings, that are carefully attuned to their use, and that contribute to making a lasting, supportive and memorable place. We are moved by the idea that our efforts have significance, value, and meaning in the communities where we work.

University of Virginia

Master of Architecture (MArch), Architecture

Arkitektskolen Aarhus

Furniture Design, Furniture Design

University at Buffalo

Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), Architecture