Planning



Residential neighborhoods
Commercial Projects
Mixed Use

MWA Inc, brings creativity, experience and expertise to help navigate the often complicated and expensive planning & entitlement process unique to the Truckee and Tahoe areas. Understanding the small town politics and history of complex governing documents has proven valuable to many of our clients. We assemble teams of experienced and respected consultants as appropriate to garner success and value.

It is common to find land planners within civil engineering and landscape architecture firms with whom we often collaborate. Having the creative minds of the architects on the project early can offer an extra layer of perspective. Kurt Reinkens having been active in Truckee planning since 1987 and having served on the Town of Truckee Planning Commission, has gained valuable knowledge of the workings within Town Hall. The 30+ years of working within the Tahoe Basin on TRPA governed projects also has proven value. The experiences and insight have resulted in success with what were deemed controversial or complex projects.

The Sierra Business Council published “A Commercial and Mixed-Use Handbook” which includes the MWA project of (The Rock link) as a case study exemplifying a mixed-use neighborhood commercial project as a superior solution in the Sierra as compared to the traditional strip mall. A digital copy of the handbook can be requested online at: https://www.sierrabusiness.org/archives/a-commercial-and-mixed-use-handbook/

Grocery Outlet
Grocery Store and Workforce Housing
Truckee-The Rock
Award winning commercial mixed-use project






At Spirit Interior Design, we have had the pleasure on numerous occasions to work with Kurt Reinkens and the team at MWA, Inc. Each time the collaboration has culminated in dynamic, successful projects that not only relay the creative talents of the architects, but are sensitive to the needs our clients. We have been thoroughly impressed in MWA’s ability to provide architectural services in a professional, timely fashion while always being mindful of the project budget. They possess the unique ability to skillfully facilitate and coordinate work between design team members, contractors, the building trades, consultants, and the end users.

MWA’s clear and concise communication skills and solid project administration have made our collaborations with their office smooth and efficient. Familiar with the politics and issues local to the Tahoe region, Kurt and his team have a proven track record in representing their clients’ interests in a variety of settings. Their team is motivated, well-organized, and possess the ability to move though issues as they arise, and simply “make things happen.” They appear at ease in a leadership role, frequently attaining the best work from their consultants, and understand that great design doesn’t happen in a vacuum. While one senses a certain amount of pride in their design skills, we have seen first-hand their ability to set aside personal ego, and work toward enhancing the team. I count this among their greatest assets.

Of course, a primary reason one hires an architect is to help make a building project a reality in the most creative, aesthetically appealing way possible. At this, MWA truly shines. Their experienced design staff is “top notch,” and is especially adept at creating spaces that are both energetic and harmonious while relating design elements and concepts to the existing environment and site conditions.

It is my opinion that if you choose to work with MWA, Inc., you will be virtually assured a successful project and, by way of getting there, a professional, quality service from one of the best design firms in the region.


-- Spirit Interior Design
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