VMDO’s story began in Charlottesville in 1976 with Robert Vickery, Lawson Drinkard, Bob Moje, and David Oakland. Each brought different strengths to the young practice. Together, they helped establish a firm rooted in learning, lasting relationships, and the belief that architecture can improve people’s lives.

As the firm grew, so did its understanding of how to serve schools, campuses, and communities. The early leaders invested in colleagues, built trust with clients, and made choices that would allow the practice to endure beyond their own careers. Later leaders, including Todd Bullard and Joe Celentano, carried the work forward and mentored the generations that followed.

In our five DECADES conversations, colleagues reflected on the achievements and difficult decisions that shaped VMDO. Their stories return to a few enduring lessons: teach what you know, listen closely to the people you serve, care for the practice as well as its projects, and make room for new voices.

Robert Vickery once asked his students, “What does it mean to make a mark upon the land?” Fifty years later, VMDO continues to explore that question through its buildings, its relationships, and the people who will carry the practice forward.

The People Who Shaped the Practice

Robert Vickery asked his UVA students what it meant to make a mark upon the land. His belief that architects should think deeply about the effect of their work gave VMDO a question that still guides the practice.

Lawson Drinkard helped the young firm find its footing. Colleagues recall his role in establishing its early office, addressing practical challenges, and introducing new technology – essential work in building a lasting practice.

David Oakland developed a practice centered on relationships – with clients, colleagues, and the communities VMDO served.

Bob Moje helped establish its focus on education and invested in people who would carry the firm beyond their own tenure.

We stand on their shoulders with deep gratitude.

The Next Generation

As the practice grew, leaders including Todd Bullard and Joe Celentano guided its work and mentored younger colleagues. Responsibility passed between generations through daily collaboration, trust, and the opportunity to lead.

What We Carry Forward

Teach what you know. Open studios, design discourse, and direct mentorship allow knowledge to move between generations.

Know the people behind the project. Lasting relationships begin with listening to clients and communities, understanding their aspirations, and staying engaged.

Care for the practice as carefully as the work. The firm’s history includes recession, difficult decisions, and new ways of working. Sustaining its people and resources makes the work possible.

Make room for new voices. Each leadership transition brings fresh perspectives and new opportunities to shape the firm.

Explore the Decades

For our fiftieth anniversary, we brought colleagues across generations together for DECADES, a series of conversations about the decisions, relationships, challenges, and generosity that shaped VMDO. Their stories remind us that a legacy is something each generation receives, tests, and passes forward.

• Decades Series 1976–1985: Founding a Teaching Practice with David Oakland, FAIA and Bob Moje, FAIA
• Decades Series 1986–1995: Growth, Recession, and the Architecture of Trust with Joe Celentano, Tricia Schroeder, and Joe Atkins
• Decades Series 1996–2005: The People Behind the Work with Ken Thacker, Kim Smith, and Randy Livermon
• Decades Series 2006–2015: Becoming a Household Name with Michele Westrick, Wyck Knox, and Joe Atkins
• Decades Series 2016–2025: Impact at Scale with Robert Winstead, Joe Celentano, and Dade Van Der Werf