Rudy Polwin Architects

Rudy Polwin, AIA

Rudy’s work is shaped by the relationship between design, construction, materiality, and place. His background brings together architectural practice, design-build education, and hands-on making, with formative influences that span conceptual design and construction-centered architecture.

At Pennsylvania State University, Rudy studied with renowned architect James Wines of SITE, whose mentorship was an important influence throughout his education. In Vermont, Rudy later worked alongside architect David Sellers, a central figure in the state’s design-build movement.

Those experiences shaped a lasting interest in the connection between concept, craft, and construction. His work brings together architecture, interiors, materials, and carefully considered details with a focus on clarity, restraint, and continuity from concept through construction.

In Vermont, Rudy has helped carry forward the Mad River Valley’s design-build culture through practice, teaching, and collaboration. He teaches and serves as a recurring juror at Yestermorrow Design/Build School and serves on the Development Review Board for the Town of Waitsfield.

Zachary Stepp, Assoc. AIA

Zack comes to architecture via the medical profession, where his degree in neurosciences provides him a unique insight into understanding a person’s neurological and physiological response to the built environment.

As a Junior Designer at RPA his principal roll is assisting in site documentation and the production of design and construction drawings.  

As an extension to his interests in sustainable building practices, he is particularly intrigued in how healthy living principles influence space, and conversely, how space can influence healthy living principals.

Andy White, M.Arch

Andy has always felt that the design of an object and its physical making are integrally connected and of equal value.  This notion has led him to obtain a formalized architectural education, and pursue experiences in both architecture offices and on construction sites across in Northern California, Oregon, and here in Vermont.

The result is a skill set that bridges the gap between each respective discipline and provides a synthesized approach to problem solving.

As an Architectural Designer and Working Foreman at RPA, Andy utilizes this unique skill set to aid in the design and development of architectural works on paper, to then develop and execute efficient strategies to ensure they’re realized to their full potential in physical form.