Trade Architects is an architecture and interiors firm established in 2021 by Katherine Treppendahl and Alex Davis. We are based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Richmond, Virginia.
We seek to find clear yet nuanced solutions to complex design problems. Drawing inspiration from the vernacular as well as the monumental and the sublime, we aim to design buildings that are novel, responsible and beautiful.
We work closely with our clients to synthesize their interests and goals into cohesive three dimensional visions. Through research into a project’s specific geographical, cultural and historical context, we seek to create buildings and spaces that are in conversation with their environment and their community.
We are dedicated to using materials that are natural, tactile and carefully considered. We are also highly collaborative and always draw upon the knowledge and expertise of the talented builders, consultants, and tradespeople with whom we are fortunate to work.
Katherine Treppendahl is a licensed architect and founding partner of Trade Architects. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from University of Georgia (2007) and an M.Arch from University of Virginia (2012). Originally from South Louisiana, she has been living and working along the East Coast for the past decade. Prior to co-founding Trade Architects, she held positions at Leroy Street Studio, Safdie Architects, ARCHITECTUREFIRM and Digsau Architects. Katherine’s predominant interests lie in finding ways to use light, natural materials and spatial composition to inspire joy and wonder. Katherine lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Alex Davis is a licensed architect and founding partner of Trade Architects. He received a B.A. in Architecture from University of Florida (2009) and an M.Arch from Pratt Institute (2013). He was raised in Saint Augustine, Florida, and later moved to Brooklyn, New York and now lives in Richmond, Virginia. His professional interests lie in the combination of modern design sensibilities within historic urban contexts through adaptive reuse and renovation. Prior to co-founding Trade Architects, Alex held positions at Harrison Atelier, aa64 and ARCHITECTUREFIRM.