Ann M. Walters, AIA
Walters Design Studio | Architecture
102 Robbins Road
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 923-4836
info@waltersdesignstudio.com
About WDS|A
WDS|A specializes in residential design – new construction, additions, remodeling, and design consultations – lead by Ann Walters, a licensed architect with over 20 years’ experience in residential projects in the Metro-Boston area.
Helping you clarify and prioritize what is personally important for you in your living spaces is at the heart of the WDS|A design process – the dream, the possible, and the practical. Through the collaborative process of translating your ideas into physical form, we’ll be working to design places that provide support for a wide range of human activities, from group social interactions to personal solitude. And in every project, large or small, our goal is always to create graceful, well-made objects and spaces of utility and beauty that speak to the human soul.
Our work is informed by our interest in ‘Not So Big House’ principles, Building Science, Universal Design principles, and Aging-in-Place strategies. Additional information on these topics can be found on our Resources page.
WDS|A also has broad experience in technical aspects of residential architecture including zoning research, site planning, space planning and initial schematic design, structural issues, product specification, detailed building shell and interior design, contractor selection assistance, and construction administration.
About You
Our clients engage honestly with the design process, whether it is a for small essential intervention to fit a half bath on the first floor, an addition for enough extra space to keep a growing family in their beloved neighborhood, or for the renovation of a whole building that is ready to embrace the future.
A note from Ann
I have been privileged to work with many wonderful clients over the years. Their special interests and talents have enriched my life, as I hope our projects have enriched theirs.
My professional experience prior to establishing Walters Design Studio in 2009 included many years as a Senior Associate with Dewing & Schmid Architects (recently DSK|Dewing Schmid Kearns, and now Studio DSK) where I had the opportunity to work on all aspects of residential design projects, and hone the art and craft of creating gracious, contextual new homes, additions and renovations.
I received both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and studied at the Architectural Association in London in between.
Although I initially intended to study computer science at MIT, I found my calling in the Department of Architecture. I began to see my interest in the stories of the bungalows built in Seattle by my contractor grandfather, the many childhood weekends following my parents to “Open Houses” in the growing suburbs, and fun of learning basic carpentry building playhouses with my brothers as part of a bigger picture.
Getting to know to Cambridge, Massachusetts, ignited my enthusiasm for the historic structures and environments of New England, and my time in London allowed further exploration of historic architecture as well as cutting edge modern ideas. I am still captivated by the beauty of the Arts & Crafts movement, and the influence of Japanese art and architecture in the late 19 th century. I can see the essence of this beauty in places like the Issac Bell House in Newport, the Shaker Villages, or the traditional New England saltbox and cape style homes.
Designing additions and renovations that recognize and amplify the best features of the existing, blending that with the new and the needed, and working with clients to bring out the qualities they like best in their environments, we sometimes create a project that “looks like it’s always been there.” And that to me, is a special kind of success.