Portfolio

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

R&D

Big ideas for the real world.

Our designers think without constraints. This page is dedicated to the latest and greatest developments in architecture and design. In our efforts to explore “WHAt’s next”, collaborative research from our thought-leaders sparks creativity and innovation for tomorrow.

PROTOTYPES

WHA ideas begin on paper and transform into real-world design solutions. Our ground-breaking prototypes are based on relevant market analysis to implement new technologies and building methods. The projects below offer solutions to design constraints found in daily life.

DESIGN TRENDS

Trends direct design. These are the new design trends we are seeing in residential and commercial buildings around the world.

Outdoor

ROOMS

BLOGS

Industry knowledge and research from WHA design veterans contribute to the future of architecture and design. Several of the following articles have been featured in established publications to contribute to thoughts and innovations within the industry.

Room Psychology: Make Your Home Your Favorite Place to Be

How is your environment affecting you? Home is one of the most impactful environments on our mental and physical wellbeing. Each room influences how we think, feel, and behave.

REACHing California’s Ambitious Energy Goals

It’s here. The most far-reaching change in residential construction goes into effect January 1, 2020 with the implementation of the new 2019 California Building Code and the toughest energy standards in the country.

Design Trends We See

Nature is at the core of trends we see for the new decade. An environmental focus, including sustainability and biophilia, weaves its importance into our design concepts, through products and colors we specify. The search for revitalization, wellness, tranquility and balance in our lives is another dominant theme.

Crisis Intervention!

California has identified it as a Crisis — the state’s housing shortage has been the focus of several recent industry events and symposia. Housing is just the tip of the spear when it comes to effects on California’s economy. Transportation policy, jobs /employment trends, environmental concerns, and the out-migration of residents, especially our well-educated youth that can’t afford to stay here, are aligned topics.

Coming Soon! California’s First BLOKABLE Project

On December 17, 2019, the Napa City Council unanimously and very enthusiastically approved the 20-unit Caritas Village on a 0.75 acre site on Old Sonoma Road, near downtown Napa.

4, 3, 2, 1 Ground Control to Major Code Updates

As we ring in the new year, on January 1, 2020, the 2019 California Energy Code (CEnC) goes into effect. Yes, you read that correctly, meaning T-minus six months until the CEnC and other code updates launch.