Baskervill is excited to welcome Anca Lipan, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, back to the firm as Principal to lead the civic team as an independent studio, marking a significant expansion for the firm’s civic and cultural work. As a seasoned leader with nearly 30 years of expertise and the Vice Chair of the Virginia Art and Architecture Review Board, Lipan brings a forward-thinking vision to drive projects that contribute to the fabric of civic and public spaces.
Local residents providing feedback on TB Smith Community Center
“While my career has taken me to different places and offered a variety of experiences, my time at Baskervill left a lasting impression,” says Lipan. “It was the meaningful work, the collaborative team dynamic, and the firm’s unwavering commitment to design excellence and exceptional client service that brought me back. These values align with my own aspirations and pursuit of continuous growth.”
The formalization of a dedicated Civic Studio reflects Baskervill’s commitment to investing in areas that build connections and create meaningful impact in public settings.
“Civic spaces have a unique ability to bring people together, and my ambition is to help craft places that foster this connection while thoughtfully addressing the evolving needs of the community,” continues Lipan. “I’m excited to re-engage with impactful projects such as Commonwealth Courts and the City of Richmond’s Community Centers, as well as pursue new public sector opportunities alongside such a talented team.”
Taking Center Stage: Creating Distinctive Community Spaces
The Cultural Studio will continue to operate as its own division under the leadership of Principal and Board Chair, Burt Pinnock, FAIA, NOMA, known for his award-winning approach to translating cultural narratives into the built environment. With Pinnock’s guidance, the cultural studio will narrow its focus to projects that spotlight heritage and storytelling.
“This shift marks an exciting new chapter for the cultural studio, giving us the opportunity to focus on designing spaces that celebrate history and identity,” comments Pinnock. “I’m excited to build on the promise and progress of projects like The Shockoe Project, where we’re bringing important cultural stories to life, and open ourselves up to further work on similar endeavors. Together with Anca, we’re creating a foundation to explore even more opportunities for community impact at Baskervill.”
The Remembrance, Reverence, and Reconciliation of the Shockoe Project
The strategic separation of this long-standing team into two dedicated studios empowers each to grow their portfolios, foster specialized expertise, mentor future leadership, and strengthen client relationships.
“A major pillar of our work here at Baskervill is continuous evolution in response to the needs of the communities we serve, and our ability to do that well relies on strong leadership,” says Bob Clark, CEO. “Welcoming back Anca and empowering her and Burt to each lead two fast growing segments of our design business underscores our commitment to strengthening our leadership and relationships both inside and outside the firm. This strategic shift allows us to dive deeper into the unique challenges and opportunities civic and cultural spaces present—driving impactful, innovative growth while staying true to the core values that guide us.”
