the studio
We believe that our designs should respect the past while exploring new directions in materials, architectural language, and technology. Continuity between the two is achieved by capturing the essence of the idea and letting it inform design. Many of our projects are set within an existing context, and we try to elevate the positive qualities already present in each project and integrate them with new ideas. Often borne from client collaboration, these strategies come together to create well organized, thoughtful interventions that reflect the personalities and aspirations of our clients.
Belinda Watt, Principal
Born to a civil engineer and a fine art photographer, Belinda attributes her love of building to early exposure to her father’s bridge designs and the rotation of art posters her mother hung in their laundry room.
She grew up in Boston, Johannesburg, Paris, London, and Houston, then studied architecture in the Arizona high desert and urban Italy, subsequently spending three years in the Pisa architecture studio of Massimo & Gabriella Ioli Carmassi. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Architecture II degree from Syracuse University Florence, and likes to think she speaks Italian.
Before founding Studio Watt O’Keefe, Belinda collaborated on Foster & Partners’ Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expansion, Fumihiko Maki’s MIT Media lab, and meticulously detailed houses with Peter Forbes & Associates. She prides herself on a keen eye for detail, love of drawing, and willingness to get her hands dirty.
Belinda is a licensed architect in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, holds NCARB certification, is a LEED Accredited Professional and most recently became a Certified Passive House Consultant. Professional affiliations include the Boston Society of Architects and American Institute of Architects.
In her free time she enjoys watercolor painting, sailing, open water swimming, and being a hockey mom.
Michael O’Keefe, Principal
Raised in coastal New Hampshire, Michael has a deep understanding of the region’s people, places, and diverse natural environment. His designs seek to blend modern aesthetic sensibilities and methodologies with the craft and materials found in the coastal villages, farms, and industrial buildings of New England.
Michael studied studio art at the University of New Hampshire and holds Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Syracuse University. He studied architecture and urbanism in Florence, Italy as the master’s program Graduate School Scholar. He has taught design theory at the University of Tennessee and at the Boston Architectural College and lectured or been a guest critic at a dozen other institutions.
Prior to joining SWO, Michael worked for several prestigious Boston firms where he specialized in urban and campus design. Notably, he has been project architect for campus buildings at the University of Miami, the New England Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and the University of Chicago.
He is a licensed architect in Massachusetts and a LEED Accredited Professional. Affiliations include the Boston Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects.
Services
Architecture
Interiors
Furniture Design
Urban Design
References upon request
the studio
We believe that our designs should respect the past while exploring new directions in materials, architectural language, and technology. Continuity between the two is achieved by capturing the essence of the idea and letting it inform design. Many of our projects are set within an existing context, and we try to elevate the positive qualities already present in each project and integrate them with new ideas. Often borne from client collaboration, these strategies come together to create well organized, thoughtful interventions that reflect the personalities and aspirations of our clients.
Belinda Watt, Principal
Born to a civil engineer and a fine art photographer, Belinda attributes her love of building to early exposure to her father’s bridge designs and the rotation of art posters her mother hung in their laundry room.
She grew up in Boston, Johannesburg, Paris, London, and Houston, then studied architecture in the Arizona high desert and urban Italy, subsequently spending three years in the Pisa architecture studio of Massimo & Gabriella Ioli Carmassi. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Architecture II degree from Syracuse University Florence, and likes to think she speaks Italian.
Before founding Studio Watt O’Keefe, Belinda collaborated on Foster & Partners’ Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expansion, Fumihiko Maki’s MIT Media lab, and meticulously detailed houses with Peter Forbes & Associates. She prides herself on a keen eye for detail, love of drawing, and willingness to get her hands dirty.
Belinda is a licensed architect in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, holds NCARB certification, is a LEED Accredited Professional and most recently became a Certified Passive House Consultant. Professional affiliations include the Boston Society of Architects and American Institute of Architects.
In her free time she enjoys watercolor painting, sailing, open water swimming, and being a hockey mom.
Michael O’Keefe, Principal
Raised in coastal New Hampshire, Michael has a deep understanding of the region’s people, places, and diverse natural environment. His designs seek to blend modern aesthetic sensibilities and methodologies with the craft and materials found in the coastal villages, farms, and industrial buildings of New England.
Michael studied studio art at the University of New Hampshire and holds Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from Syracuse University. He studied architecture and urbanism in Florence, Italy as the master’s program Graduate School Scholar. He has taught design theory at the University of Tennessee and at the Boston Architectural College and lectured or been a guest critic at a dozen other institutions.
Prior to joining SWO, Michael worked for several prestigious Boston firms where he specialized in urban and campus design. Notably, he has been project architect for campus buildings at the University of Miami, the New England Institute of Technology, Rutgers University, and the University of Chicago.
He is a licensed architect in Massachusetts and a LEED Accredited Professional. Affiliations include the Boston Society of Architects and the American Institute of Architects.
Services
Architecture
Interiors
Furniture Design
Urban Design
References upon request
