Talk about an extreme makeover. A year after many Virginia architecture firms were worrying about a war for talent, some practices have laid off staff because of a lack of work. As they try to survive the recession, architects are competing fiercely for scarce construction and renovation projects. And they don’t expect a quick rescue from the federal stimulus program, which will give priority to infrastructure projects that are well beyond the design stage.

The grandeur of Richmond wouldn’t be as grand without William Lawrence Bottomley. The New York architect left an indelible legacy in the city’s affluent neighborhoods, leaving many to recognize his multi-million-dollar homes simply by saying “that’s a Bottomley.“

BCWH Architects has claimed the Virginia Society of The American Institute of Architects’ highest award given to an architectural firm.