February 12th, 2018
Woo Kim and Richard King Promoted to Principal

We are thrilled to announce that Woo Kim, AICP, PP, LEED AP, and Richard King, AIA, LEED AP, have become Principals of WRT.

Woo and Richard are impacting communities, institutions and individuals through their thoughtful and inspired leadership and are an essential part of WRT’s core practices in the Housing and Education markets. Their knowledge, expertise, and unique leadership skills are sought by clients and motivate their teams to innovate, excel and advance the practice.

“Woo and Richard fully embrace the Principals’ renewed commitment to WRT’s unique integrated practice and drive for planning and design excellence,” said Managing Principal, Joe Healy, AIA, LEED AP. “We welcome their individual perspectives to our diverse leadership team to shape and move the firm forward.”

Woo Kim, AICP, PP, LEED AP
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Woo Kim has 17 years of diverse experience ranging from housing and mixed-use development to large scale city planning.

Since joining WRT in 2004, Woo has taken on increasing responsibility within the firm and has demonstrated strong project management and leadership for the Housing and Community Design practice. 

Woo brings an interdisciplinary perspective to all of his work, with an emphasis on understanding the economic, environmental and social issues of placemaking in the plans he creates. His collaborative spirit and commitment to urbanism has garnered the respect of his public and private clients and the admiration of the teams he leads. Additionally, his deep understanding of the housing industry, including policy, financing, management, partnerships and implementation aspects, has helped position WRT as a go-to resource for clients. 

“Woo possesses a natural courage and drive to be direct with his client,” said Joe Healy. “This, along with his genuine passion for the work, conveys a deep level of integrity and enthusiasm. He truly cares about the communities we serve and the mission of the work.”

“I’m excited for the work ahead,” Woo said. “Leading a legacy firm in a digital era, strengthening the bridge between planning and implementation, and responsibly addressing issues of social equity and environmental resilience is a lot of work, but we’re up to the challenge.” 

Recent projects include neighborhood plans in North Philadelphia, Camden and Paterson, NJ; mixed-income housing master plans in Jersey City and Trenton, NJ, as well as Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plans in Downtown Meriden, CT, Asbury Park, NJ, and Newport News, VA.

Richard King, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
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Richard King brings more than 20 years of leadership experience as an architect and urban designer to this role.

Since joining WRT, his work has focused on educational campus planning, urban design, and building projects throughout the United States. His strong relationships with clients has resulted in many repeat assignments, as well as new opportunities that are helping expand WRT’s education practice.

Richard brings a unique approach to design thinking that focuses on the creation of projects with dynamic social environments, utilizing simple yet rich materials that engage the human spirit and celebrate the culture of place. His recent efforts have led to successful projects including the Master Plan for University of Pennsylvania’s Pennovation campus, an athletic pavilion and new student housing at Cabrini University, and a new university center and academic research complex at Stevens Institute.

“Richard’s unique skill set and experience in campus and urban design settings has brought a dynamic component to WRT’s architectural practice,” said Maarten Pesch, AIA, LEED AP. “As Principal, we look forward to his continued leadership in growing our portfolio of education projects.”

“I am thrilled to be able to help build WRT’s thriving practice, one which continues to challenge us to see design as an inclusive and holistic process,” said Richard. “With our clients and colleagues, we strive to improve the physical and social world around us through our work.”