Alumni Career Chats with Will Townes '96

Curious about architecture and want to learn more? Upload your resume and select a time slot to speak with Will Townes '96 who returned to Lexington and started his own firm. 

Will Townes ’96 has an interesting 30-year history in design and construction. Through a variety of positions, Will has broadened his skill set and deepened his practical knowledge of the field. His background and bottom-up approach have helped shape him as an architect. Will grew up in Louisville, Kentucky where he began his career as a laborer on construction sites. After W&L Will moved to Atlanta where he worked as a superintendent for a residential developer. Interested in gaining more hands-on experience, Will moved out west and built custom homes in southwest Montana. During his 6 years in Montana, Will transitioned from carpenter to estimator to project manager.

 After years learning the technical and business side of construction, Will returned to Virginia and earned a Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech. Since then, he has worked for successful architecture firms throughout the south. Will opened his own firm, Rockbridge Architecture, in 2024. Rockbridge Architecture is a full-service architecture firm serving both residential and commercial clients with renovation and new construction projects. 

Will is a licensed architect, AIA member, and LEED Accredited Professional. He is proficient in 3D building information modelling and he has a deep interest in thermal envelope design, as well as passive solar and daylighting strategies. Will has been successful in design competitions and his work has been published & recognized. Outside of work, Will enjoys his own design and construction projects, music, and outdoor activities. Will is married to Catarina Passidomo Townes '04, who is now an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies. They have two children and are thrilled to be back in Lexington.