Little Diversified Architectural Consulting

In the post-pandemic era, cities worldwide are undergoing a wellness revolution, reimagining urban spaces to foster healthier, more connected communities. At Little, we’re championing regenerative urban design—a transformative approach that goes beyond sustainability to actively enhance the well-being of people and the planet. ? On our blog, Senior Designer Ashley Disher Spinks, AIA, LEED AP, Design Partner Tomás Jiménez-Eli?son, and Designer Pedro Pinera Rodriguez share insights from their participation in the International Design Competition for the Changdong Station Transit Complex Center. Discover how their visionary approach integrates equity, environment, and community into urban design. Explore the full story here: https://lnkd.in/e-UKZJUn

Little’s Community Practice has been designing spaces that empower, connect, and inspire for decades. From educational and cultural facilities to spiritual and wellness spaces, our projects go beyond meeting functional needs—they create a sense of belonging and purpose that enables our clients to make a lasting impact. ? Over the past 13 years, Thomas Carlson-Reddig (TCR) has guided this vision, expanding the Community Practice to every office and setting a high standard for what these spaces can achieve. As TCR approaches retirement, he will transition to a part-time role, continuing to contribute his expertise on select projects. ? We are thrilled to announce J. Lynn Reda as Community Practice Leader, effective January 1, 2025. Currently serving as Community Studio Principal in Little’s DC office, Lynn’s dedication and fresh perspective will build upon TCR’s legacy, infusing our work with renewed energy. She is passionate about creating community spaces that unite people, foster shared experiences, and inspire growth and connection. Together, TCR and Lynn will ensure a seamless transition and continue to advance our commitment to vibrant communities. ? “As I step into a new role, I couldn’t be more confident in Lynn’s ability to lead our talented Community Practice team forward,” shares Thomas Carlson-Reddig. “She brings a forward-thinking approach and a genuine passion for guiding our team to deliver impactful, client-centered results.” Chief Executive Officer at Little Carolyn Rickard-Brideau AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD-C, NCARB adds, “Lynn’s exceptional track record includes a range of successful projects that are core to our Community practice, and her remarkable expertise in public safety projects adds depth to our offerings. By bringing her inspiring energy and enthusiasm to this role, Lynn will build on our strong foundation and broaden our impact on a national scale.” ? “I’m excited to take on this role within Little,” exclaims Lynn. “My career has been driven by a passion for architecture that strengthens communities—transforming education, enriching culture, and enhancing well-being. Little’s Community Practice team is deeply committed to designing environments prioritizing health, wellness, and regenerative impact. I look forward to collaborating with clients to create spaces that foster belonging and connection while reflecting the unique culture and values of the communities they serve.” Please join us in congratulating Lynn on this well-deserved achievement.

When you think of a brand, most often it’s the logo or color palette that comes to mind. While these are key visual elements, typography plays a pivotal, often underestimated, role in shaping the overall perception of a brand. Fonts aren’t just functional tools for presenting text—they embody the brand’s voice, tone, and personality, influencing how audiences feel and respond to the brand. ? On the blog today, art director Emma W. explores the role of typography in branding. From wordmarks to secondary typefaces, learn how this critical element helps shape the entire brand experience.?Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dMUb2DBn

The Veterans Affairs Fredericksburg Health Care Center, set to open in March 2025, will be one of the largest privately-owned VA medical centers in the U.S., bringing comprehensive, high-quality outpatient care to veterans across northern Virginia. This 430,000+ square-foot facility will replace three smaller clinics, expanding services for over 29,000 veterans annually with primary, specialty, and mental health care, plus a range of diagnostic capabilities. Inspired by Fredericksburg’s historic charm, the center’s design fosters a welcoming, village-like environment that combines modern medical capabilities with a community-centered atmosphere. By incorporating smaller building components, the facility creates a more approachable, less intimidating scale, with diverse indoor and outdoor spaces tailored to meet the unique needs of patients, staff, and visitors. This thoughtful approach reduces stress and enhances the experience for all who visit. The campus features over 2.5 acres of healing gardens designed to engage the senses, support mental health, and offer spaces for reflection and restoration. These gardens demonstrate a commitment to social equity, providing mental health support for all occupants. The Veterans Affairs Fredericksburg Health Care Center recently earned a Two Green Globes certification, underscoring its dedication to resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved occupant wellness. Notable achievements include energy performance 26% above baseline standards, achieved through an advanced building envelope, efficient HVAC systems, and reduced lighting power. More than 50% of the exterior landscaping comprises native, drought-tolerant plants that require no irrigation, enhancing sustainability and resilience. The facility also prioritizes air quality and comfort through high-performance ventilation, VOC-compliant materials, and rigorous radon controls. This Veterans Day and beyond, we’re honored to design a space that supports veterans’ health and well-being through innovative, sustainable design. ??: Keith Isaacs

The Thread has brought home "Top Mixed-Use Development” in the Charlotte Business Journal’s 2024 Heavy Hitters Commercial Real Estate Awards. We’re honored to be recognized alongside for this historic redevelopment our project partners The Keith Corporation and Choate Construction Company. The Thread is a pioneering adaptive reuse development that revitalizes the historic Baxter Mill building in Rock Hill, SC. As the largest available adaptive reuse project in the Carolinas, this mixed-use project integrates residential, retail, office, and entertainment spaces across 400,000 square feet, creating a vibrant community hub that honors the past while embracing the future. “We are pleased to see that the commitment to a large-scale adaptive reuse has been recognized by our peers,” says Robert E. Oppenheimer, AIA, NCARB, Senior Project Architect at Little. “The impact on carbon reduction is exemplary, and we see more opportunities in the market. This project showcases not only the site’s history while giving people a place to live, work and play, but is a shining example of what we see as a successful mixed-use project. We hope The Thread elevates the quality of life for the residents and visitors to the City of Rock Hill for many years to come.” “The Thread project stands as a remarkable testament to transformation and innovation led by the design,” says Johnny Archer, Project Manager with Choate Construction. “We took a historic 65-year-old textile mill and reimagined it into a vibrant hub for local businesses, blending rich history with modern functionality. The revitalization opened up the space, flooding it with natural light and incorporating stunning features like the monumental stair—a vision brought to life through creativity and collaboration.” By blending historic preservation with innovative design and community-focused development, The Thread exemplifies how adaptive reuse can drive economic growth, foster community engagement, and honor a region's heritage. Learn more about this project: https://lnkd.in/gMCe235F

More than simply easing pain, hospice care fosters an environment where terminal patients—and their families—feel comforted and respected. This approach combines medical care with emotional support, all aimed at reducing suffering and providing peace for those in the end-of-life stage. Designers have the unique task of making these spaces practical and deeply comforting, honoring each person’s dignity in every detail. ? Elements like privacy, open spaces, natural light, and outdoor areas are crucial to enhancing comfort for hospice patients. Architectural designer Susmita Patil, NOMA, Assoc. AIA explores how these design choices foster a peaceful, comforting environment for those in their final stages of life. Learn how: https://lnkd.in/dsimYu7U

We're thrilled to announce that Pete Hall has been promoted to Studio Principal in our Workplace | Mixed-Use practice in the Orlando office! An innovative, client-centered designer, Pete has shaped a variety of award-winning projects and inspires those around him with his passion for impactful, regenerative design. ? ”I truly love interacting with Pete. His exuberant attitude is contagious,” says Workplace Practice Leader Eddie Portis. “Pete’s rare talent for balancing design excellence with project execution is a tremendous asset, one that will undoubtedly help propel the Mixed-Use studio forward. I look forward to learning even more from Pete and seeing his growth in this new leadership role.”? ? Reflecting on his career, Pete shares, “I’m incredibly proud to have grown with Little, from intern to principal, through projects that deeply impact our community and firm. I'm excited about our future as we drive regenerative outcomes for clients. With such a great team beside me, there’s no limit to what we can achieve."

Earlier this week, we had the incredible honor of celebrating Carolyn Rickard-Brideau AIA, WELL AP, LEED AP BD-C, NCARB as she accepted her Washington Business Journal Women Who Mean Business award. This prestigious recognition celebrates the region’s most impactful women of 2024—leaders who are transforming industries and making a lasting difference in their communities. Don’t miss the WBJ's exclusive interview with Carol to hear her inspiring story and insights firsthand: https://lnkd.in/eAfnYvhT

Interiors teams from across the firm have conjured up hauntingly sophisticated design palettes just in time for Halloween. ?? ?? These moody mood boards are full of depth and drama, featuring rich colors, textures, and even some spooky twists. ?? ?? ??? ? Which mood board gives you chills: 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5?

As business and consumer needs evolve, adaptive reuse—the repurposing of existing buildings for new uses—has become a leading architectural solution for flexible, sustainable design, offering many benefits to our communities, including cultural preservation, waste reduction, urban revitalization, economic stimulation, and innovative design. Jr. Architect Sheinya Joseph unpacks these benefits as she explores the adaptive reuse approach. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/db4nQC7g