"A higher calling"

The following are excerpts from a newspaper article on our firm that ran in the Bucks County Courier Times on January 16, 2005

"A local architectural firm views its religion-related buildings as more a ministry than a job."

"For architectural inspiration, these architects look to Starbucks and Barnes and Noble. In their designs, they hope to advance the 'growing kingdom of God here on earth.'

"Phillippi and his fellow architects said they design churches with popular coffee shops and bookstores in mind because they want people to feel comfortable. Its no accident that many of their design are reminiscent of malls and theaters."

"Our culture is changing and the church has to change as well," said Jeff Harris, vice president of the firm, "We don't want to design churches that are irrelevant."

"Religion plays an important part of the architects' work. The firm's employees hold (optional) prayer meetings every Tuesday. Though being religious isn't essential when it comes to designing churches, it helps the architects said.

'If it is a shared value, its easier to design from the heart. It's not just a job for commission.' said architect Colleen Ziegler. She has been with the firm for more than a decade and recently won an award for a church she designed in Staten Island, NY.

Added Harris, 'We all attend church. We know how they work."

Christianity Today

We were ranked by Christianity Today as one of the best Christian companies in the nation to work.

About Us

Since our beginning in 1985 as John Whitehead and Associates our firm has been devoted exclusively to serving Christian churches and ministries through master planning and architecture. Continued growth led to the formation of Whitehead, Phillippi and Harris, Inc. in 1998. Throughout our twenty-year history we have continued to expand both geographically and in scope of services offered. Presently, we have projects from New Hampshire to Texas and Puerto Rico, as well as mission projects in other countries.

Leadership Profiles

All of our services are performed under the direct supervision of a firm Principal. Normally, a Principal will begin the services, providing counsel, conducting the Master Plan process, and developing the design. Thereafter, the work is assigned to a Project Architect to lead the ministry through the balance of services. The Project Architect remains accountable to the Principal-in-charge, who personally remains available to the ministry should any needs arise.

Todd R Phillippi - President

Todd is a licensed architect and professional planner with over 25 years of experience in building design and master planning. He has personally worked on over 150 church projects. He regularly writes and lectures for church leaders on the subject of contemporary church design and planning. Todd has been a featured speaker for Worship Facilities, NACBA and the Southern Baptist Convention. His NCARB registration allows him to be licensed in any state in the United States.

View articles by Todd at TheMinistryCafe.com

Jeffrey A Harris - Vice president

Jeff is a licensed architect with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry both as an architect, and as a general contractor. He is an expert in the areas of planning, project management, construction documentation, cost analysis, and computer aided graphic representation (Modeling, rendering, and drafting). He has worked closely with churches for many years. His NCARB registration allows him to be licensed in any state in the United States. Jeff is an elder in his church, leading Purpose Driven small groups and teaching adult Bible study.

View articles by Jeff at TheMinistryCafe.com

Colleen Ziegler - Senior Project Manager

Colleen is a licensed architect with 18 years of experience in church design and project planning.  She is a hands-on individual who is detail oriented and committed to the oversight of every aspect of designing and building a church from the beginning to the end.  Colleen has a heart for youth and children’s ministries.  She passionately protects the interests of the ministries she works with.  Once a church has worked with Colleen, they often request her continued guidance and direction for any new phases of growth.

View articles by Colleen at TheMinistryCafe.com

Sary Em - Director of Interior Design

Sary is a graduate of Drexel University's interior design program and has been working at WPH - Architects for Ministry since 2002.  Sary uses her passion for design and eye for detail to bring creativity and interest to each project she works on.  She also has a passion for community involvement and service, having volunteered with the YMCA of Philadelphia, Community Design Collaborative, and other various organizations in the Philadelphia area.

View articles by Sary at TheMinistryCafe.com

Joan Mathias - Director of Development

Joan brings to WPH Architects many years of experience in office management with construction firms. She also has a degree in landscape designing and loves to spend her free time in God's creation. It is her belief that God brought her to WPH so that she can encourage her fellow employees and help church leaders plan for their futures. When Joan is not outside looking at the trees and flowers, she is searching for the treasures in God's Word.

View articles by Joan at TheMinistryCafe.com

Kelly Ritter - Office Manager

Kelly is a graduate of Grace College with a degree in elementary education.  She brings her experience in classroom organization and management into the realm of the office at WPH to help keep everything, and everyone, running smoothly and efficiently.  Kelly enjoys spending her free time working with a children's ministry associated with her church in North Philadelphia.

Thom Britschge - Project Coordinator/
        Building Specialist

Thom's architecture career began in 1984 at The Hillier Group of Princeton, NJ.  Working for nine years at one of the largest architectural firms in the U.S. provided him a great education on how to build buildings.  He left to spread his "creative wings" by starting his own company, The Idea Factory, where for four years he created graphic presentations and cartoons for the corporate world.  In 1998 he joined WPH-Architects for Ministry.  He has spent the past 24 years developing an expertise in organizing, developing and detailing construction documents.  He brings that experience to each church as the project coordinator.  His life verse is Romans 8:28.

View articles by Thom at TheMinistryCafe.com

Peter Norton - Project Coordinator/
        Technology Specialist

Peter is a graduate of Temple University, with several years of experience in Architecture. Peter has a proclivity for technology, and enjoys helping our employees use it to its fullest potential. Peter grew up as a Missionary Kid in the Philippines and appreciates the belief that the Church is the members and not the building.

View articles by Peter at TheMinistryCafe.com

Jonathan Lindstrom - Project Coordinator/
        Sustainability Specialist

Jon is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and has been working in the field of architecture since 2001. As a former instructor of a sustainable design course, Environment & Energy, Jon has a passion for green architecture and is currently studying to become a LEED-Accredited Professional. Jon also plays guitar on the worship team at his local church, and enjoys reading books that help him understand and challenge Christian culture.

View articles by Jon at TheMinistryCafe.com

Marina Pasquella - 3d Modeling/Rendering

Marina has been with WPH-Architects for Ministry since 2001. She is a talented digital artist and enjoys using various 3D modeling and rendering tools to help clients visualize the design before it is realized.

View articles by Marina at TheMinistryCafe.com

Rachel Young - Interior Designer

Rachel is a graduate of Arcadia University's Interior Design Program and is currently working towards her Masters in Sustainable Design from Philadelphia University's Engineering and Design Institute.  She has been working at WPH - Architects for Ministry since 2006.  She has a passion for nature and the environment which has encouraged her to pursue a path of green design.  In addition to her passion for design and nature, Rachel also enjoys all types of art and singing on her church's worship team.

Justin Tweed - Production

Justin has an extensive background in mechanical engineering / design.  He has 12+ years of CAD and 3D modeling experience in multiple software systems.  Justin is a deacon and an active member of Grace Community Church in Chalfont, where he is looking forward to another exciting season of Church softball.  Some of Justin's hobbies are reading, writing, and wine making.  He has a loving wife (Rebecca) and two beautiful, young children (Morgan and Jeremiah).