Building a Legacy: GuernseyTingle Celebrates 40th Anniversary
GuernseyTingle proudly announced the celebration of its 40th anniversary with “GuernseyTingle Day” on November 22, 2023.
GuernseyTingle has grown to become one of the largest architectural firms on the Virginia Peninsula over the course of its 40-year history. The firm takes a highly cooperative approach to relationship building and creative visioning for clients across the U.S., providing full design services including architecture, interiors and planning.
The firm was founded by Roger Guernsey and Robert Magoon on November 22, 1983 as Magoon/Guernsey Architects, initially focused on honoring classic architecture styles and custom residential designs to create a functional and unique sense of place. Thomas G. Tingle, AIA, joined the firm just 4 months after it was formed and became principal in 1986, bringing significant mid-Atlantic commercial, governmental, and multi-family residential project expertise to the firm.
“GuernseyTingle Day symbolizes not just a milestone in time but a celebration of our enduring dedication to architectural excellence and community enrichment,” said Tingle. “For 40 years, the team has strived to transcend boundaries, craft timeless designs, and contribute meaningfully to the tapestry of Eastern Virginia and beyond. This day is a tribute to the passion, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define GuernseyTingle.”
GuernseyTingle has earned more than 50 design awards since its inception.
Early notable projects included the 1985 construction of Chesapeake Bank’s headquarters in Kilmarnock, Virginia and the Atrium Building in 1986, a luxury office space first for Williamsburg which received an Excellence in Design award from the Hampton Roads AIA chapter for its sophisticated geometric order and memorable exterior.
Later, the firm’s growing relationships with clients and contractors allowed them to take on the challenge of renovating the historic Williamsburg train station in 1993, originally built in 1935. The facility was transformed into a welcoming gateway for travelers while preserving its history. GuernseyTingle has completed multiple renovation projects in Williamsburg and other areas since then, including the Henrico Theatre, which won an AIA award for Design Excellence in Historic Preservation in 2009.
GuernseyTingle has also become known for its designing and theming capabilities in the U.S. and abroad over the years, having worked with SeaWorld Entertainment on more than 50 projects in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Florida and Texas, including InvadR, DarKoaster, Marco Polo restaurant, Bergermeister’s Hideaway, Texas Stingray and others. The firm has also partnered with CHUKKA Caribbean Adventures on over 20 attractions and adventure parks that preserve the rich culture of the area through unique theming.
More recently, GuernseyTingle served on the design-build team for the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex, the largest facility of its kind in Virginia and a national DBIA award winner. Demonstrating a wealth of experience in public safety projects, the firm also designed the Williamsburg Fire Station, a 31,000 SF state-of-the-art facility that combines the functions of the fire station, fire administration, and the emergency operations center for the City of Williamsburg.
In 2021, GuernseyTingle earned the coveted Juror’s Choice Award Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate (HRACRE) for its role leading the design of The Estate at Kingsmill’s $3 million top-to-bottom renovation.
Looking ahead, the firm is increasingly using leading-edge technology to enhance designs, such as REVIT, Lumion, and other 3-D Building Innovation Modeling programs. Sustainability is also a focus, and the firm has designed dozens of buildings that have become LEED-certified including the first LEED®-certified project in the Greater Williamsburg area, the first LEED® Gold project at Fort Lee, the first LEED® Gold project by a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business in the U.S., and numerous projects that required LEED® Silver Certification but achieved LEED® Gold at no additional cost.
In addition to its significant architectural experience, GuernseyTingle is also known for its organic culture that has carefully evolved and promotes a collaborative, hardworking, and family-oriented atmosphere.
On GuernseyTingle Day, the firm celebrates the five pillars of its success – the colleagues, clients, contractors, consultants, and community who have been such an integral part of the firm’s values, vision, and growth. By focusing on these core stakeholders – the 5 C’s – GuernseyTingle has grown to become leader in a team-build design philosophy emphasizing collaboration.
“GuernseyTingle has always been more than a firm – it’s an inclusive family of talented creatives, collaborators, and visionaries dedicated to shaping environments that inspire and endure,” said GuernseyTingle Vice President Kristin Baum, AIA, LEED AP. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re even more excited to look forward to continued innovation across our diverse team, forging new partnerships, and leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
GuernseyTingle currently employs 30 people across the region and expects to grow further over the coming years. It is currently hiring for several architect and architectural designer positions.
For an interactive look at the GuernseyTingle’s 40-year history, visit guernseytingle.com/40th-timeline.