Firm History & Profile
Works-in-Progress Associates (WPA) was founded in 1994 by Debra Inwald, AIA, principal. During her 20 years of architectural and project management experience in the private and public sectors, Ms. Inwald saw a need to provide comprehensive Owner’s Representative/ Construction Management Services for both private and nonprofit entities. WPA works closely with clients in a comprehensive team and strives to build consensus among all stakeholders to create a solid structure for effective decision making and project execution. Our services include strategic planning, community outreach, agency liaison, project team assembly, contract negotiation and administration, procurement, design evaluation, design and technical review, construction supervision, project phasing, inspections, project close-out and quality assurance/quality control. Our experience covers a wide range of assignments including interiors, facilities systems upgrades, multiple locations and multiple building phased programs, historic landmark restorations, parks, streetscapes, and new technology projects. WPA has been instrumental in bringing over 160 educational, arts, social service, healthcare, community development, and cultural projects to completion in the last 15 years. WPA is a certified Woman Owned Business with New York State Department of Economic Development, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Dormitory Authority State of New York, New York City School Construction Authority, and NYC Department of Small Business Services with approval pending from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. WPA’s Staff is comprised of dedicated and uniquely qualified project managers including registered architects, experienced project and construction managers, assistant project managers, office engineers, LEED accredited professionals, and sustainable design experts. Many of our employees have over 30 years experience and come from or worked closely with New York City Agencies including, Division of Design and Construction, Dormitory Authority for the State of New York, as well as prominent architectural firms and construction companies. WPA’s comprehensive experience makes us adept at working with all municipal agencies such as, New York City Department of Housing, Preservation & Development, NYC Economic Development Corporation, Dormitory Authority for the State of New York, and New York City School Construction Authority.
- Debra Inwald, AIA, LEED AP, Principal - Debbie Addison, Senior Project Manager - Peter Avallone, Senior Project Manager - Sung Hun Cho, Field Inspector - Gerald Cohen, Senior Project Manager - Sandy DeMarco, Nonprofit Accounting - Liezl Diaz, Project Manager - Kris Frederick, LEED AP, Marketing Director - David Hill, Senior Project Manager, Boston - Angela Howard, Senior Project Manager - Biren Jethwa, Contract Control Specialist - William Knight, Senior Project Manager - Stephanie Koscielski, LEED AP, Business Development - Robert Mitchell, Senior Project Manager - Waikiki Paulino, Project Superintendent - David Rose, Senior Project Manager - Amanda Koenig Stone, LEED AP, Senior Project Manager - Mekhala Wadikar, Assistant Project Manager - Garrick Young, Office Engineer
WPA is a Women's Business Enterprise, certified with:
- City of New York Department of Business Services   - New York State Department of Economic Development   - Empire State Development Corporation   - The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY)   - Better Business Bureau   - NYC School Construction Authority   - MTA
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