Williams Partnership: Architecture, Inc. was founded in 2004 by the husband-wife team of Melissa & Joel Williams.  The firm was founded on the principle that every endeavor, whether a commission, a relationship, or daily living, depends on partnerships that we must nurture and promote for the good of all involved.  In our practice, this principle is reflected in our approach to our clients, contractors, consultants, & employees as well as the management of our commissions.

 

Joel was raised in Anniston, Alabama, where he graduated from The Donoho School and devoted summers and holidays to learning the home building business with his father, a third generation home builder.  Melissa was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and subsequently Huntsville, Alabama, where she graduated from Grissom High School and concentrated on Art, Gymnastics, & Ballet.  While Melissa brings to the partnership a talent for interiors and the shaping and flow of spaces, honed through her study of the fine arts, Joel brings to the partnership a practical, technical knowledge of construction and a love for craft and details, developed while working with his father.  These talents are brought to bear on every project through the direct involvement of both Joel & Melissa.  

 

Both Melissa & Joel hold Bachelors of Architecture degrees from Auburn University's College of Architecture, Design, & Construction, graduating in 1996.  Between graduation and the founding of Williams Partnership, Joel practiced Architecture with Krumdieck A+I Design while Melissa practiced with CMH Architects, Israel & Associates, & Krumdieck A+I Design.  In these positions, both were responsible for design and management of various custom residential, commercial, retail, & religious projects. Both are members of the American Institute of Architects and both are licensed to practice Architecture in Alabama.  Additionally, both hold NCARB certificates for reciprocal licensure in other states as needed & Joel is licensed to practice in Mississippi. 

 

Both Melissa & Joel believe that giving back of our "first fruits" to the community is a must.  Individually and as a company, we are committed to supporting Restoration Academy (www.restorationacademy.org), a faith based, private school serving under privileged, at-risk, urban students in the Fairfield area of Birmingham, where Joel serves on the Board of Directors.  Additionally, we support Highlands UMC Child Development Center, where Melissa serves on the Board of Directors, and Melissa has served multiple terms on the Facilities Committee at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church.  Finally, Williams Partnership is a participating firm in The 1% Solution (www.theonepercent.org), a non-profit organization working to increase the quality and quantity of pro bono architectural work in the public interest.

 

In addition to our business partnership, Joel & Melissa enjoy spending time with their two preschool age daughters, traveling, reading, & outdoor sports such as hiking, cycling & snowboarding.