The story behind our story.
WTA ARCHITECTS has grown continuously over more than 75 years, evolving from its 1947 beginnings under Frederick Wigen into one of Michigan’s leading architectural firms. Guided by visionary partners and a legacy of innovation—from early residential work to award‑winning historic preservation—the firm has expanded its impact across communities throughout the state. Today, WTA’s leadership carries that legacy forward with a commitment to exceptional design and service for generations to come.
1940s
The journey began in 1947 when Frederick Wigen, AIA, returned to his hometown and formed Merrill & Wigen with Clarence Merrill. However, after Merrill’s untimely passing, the firm became Frederick E. Wigen Architect & Associates. Initially, the firm focused on single-family residential homes, small commercial projects, and religious works, gradually expanding its scope to include public and parochial school projects.
1950s
In 1958, Leslie D. Tincknell, FAIA, joined the firm as a senior designer after graduating from the University of Michigan. With Tincknell’s arrival, the firm’s name changed to Wigen, Tincknell & Associates, Inc., signifying his role as a partner
1960s
During the 1960s, the firm develops its K-12 school designs, leading to achievements for K-12 projects such as Bridgeport Schools, Kempton Elementary, and St. Lorenz.
1970s
In 1970, the firm embarked on its historic preservation efforts under the guidance of John T. Meyer, FAIA. This departure from the prevailing practice of demolishing outdated buildings set Wigen, Tincknell & Associates apart. Our dedication to saving historic structures continues to this day, with the firm’s preservation team undertaking various projects across the state.
1980s
During the 1980s, the firm becomes Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer & Associates and establishes itself as a general services architecture firm. The firm's project portfolio further diversifies and includes sectors such as:
Civic (Government and Public Work)
Commercial
Education (K-12 and Higher Ed)
Heathcare
Preservation
Religious
1990s
Wigen, Tincknell, Meyer & Associates starts an award-winning decade. One of our achievements was the restoration of the Michigan State Capitol House Chambers, Rotunda, and Upper Corridors, which received an AIA National Design Award in 1999.
2000s
The firm continues to win awards for its work.
2010s
In 2014, the firm adopted a new name, WTA ARCHITECTS. The name honors the firm’s founding partners, Fred Wigen and Les Tincknell, while recognizing the talented group of associates that has contributed to the success of WTA ARCHITECTS throughout history. In 2016, WTA ARCHITECTS was named AIA Michigan's Architectural Firm of the Year.
2020s
In 2022, WTA ARCHITECTS celebrated its 75th Anniversary.
TODAY
WTA ARCHITECTS is led by dedicated partners who bring their expertise and passion to every project. Paul A. Haselhuhn, AIA, serves as the current president, alongside partners Kenneth C. Lemiesz, AIA, and Jason R. Goff, AIA. They continue the legacy of WTA delivering exceptional architectural services throughout Michigan. With a commitment to serving the local communities for generations to come, WTA ARCHITECTS is poised to carry the firm forward into the future.
Honor the Past, Design the Future
Influenced by those who came before us
Fred Wigen opened his firm, Frederick E. Wigen, Architect, located in a small office on South Jefferson Avenue. This humble beginning was the origin for what is today WTA Architects. During his career, Fred was prominent in civic affairs. He was a legacy of keeping communities united from within. Such was the case when the tri-county communities embarked on creating a community college. Fred approached firms from Bay City and Midland to join together. The combined effort was successful, and the firms were awarded the contract to design the original Delta College. This was emblematic of Fred’s passion for both developing relationships and promoting this firm. After 29 years of leadership, Fred retired in 1976. Fred Wigen passed away on March 3, 2003.
Fred Wigen
Founder
Les Tincknell
Partner
On January 17th, WTA lost our irreplaceable Les Tincknell. His passing was deeply felt by those of us he mentored. Les was a man who led with integrity and kindness always. He accepted a job offer from Fred Wigen, our founder, in 1958 and brought with him his deep-rooted values of family, profession, and community. Working with Fred, Les was named Director of Design in 1959 and became a partner at the newly-formed Wigen Tincknell & Associates in 1963. Les served as president of WTA from 1976 until his “retirement” in 1993. For the remainder of his life, Les continued using his time and talent to assist the firm with various projects and was always happy to help however he could. WTA will honor Fred and Les’ legacy by continuing to do work they dedicated their lives to, creating spaces of beauty and enjoyment to benefit others.