For Harford County local Paul Thompson, architecture has always been rooted in curiosity, problem-solving, and people, long before it became a profession. His earliest passion was automobile design, but he learned quickly that only a small number of designers wind up shaping cars for a living. Everything shifted when, as a teenager, he discovered the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. That spark eventually led him in 1982 to knock on the door of a small architectural firm in Perry Hall after spotting a sign along Route 1.
He secured an internship and returned whenever school breaks allowed, becoming immersed in the day-to-day realities of architecture. The architect who mentored him played a pivotal role, offering guidance that extended beyond design and into the responsibilities of the profession itself. Just a year and a half into that experience, the mentor passed away.
Despite his father urging caution amid a recession, Thompson took a significant pay cut to join a mom-and-pop firm in Kingsville rather than pursue a position at a large firm. He recognized the opportunity as rare and committed fully, working long hours and navigating economic uncertainty with determination. Much of his early work was residential, and earning the trust of clients hesitant to place large, complex projects in the hands of a young architect required patience and persistence.
That foundation led to the founding of the now award-winning firm, ADW: Architectural Design Works. Over the decades since its inception, the firm has grown into a diverse, boutique architectural practice known for thoughtful solutions and long-term relationships. ADW’s portfolio spans estate homes, institutional buildings, and community-focused developments, including the county’s first mosque and a seven-story state office building completed during the Great Recession along with other projects in the country well-known by locals.
Among the most meaningful projects was the Bob Hooper Hospice House, Harford County’s first. ADW donated more than $150,000 worth of time to support the project. Thompson describes the experience as deeply rewarding, both for the relationships formed and for the role the facility continues to play in the community. Since opening, it has remained fully occupied.
Over time, Thompson’s definition of good design has evolved, but its core remains the same: spaces should resonate emotionally before they are analyzed technically. He believes great design creates a strong first impression, unfolds thoughtfully as people move through it, and leaves a lasting sense of connection.
Designing in Harford County requires a careful balance of creativity and compatibility. As a thoughtful and measured region, community context matters. His approach is layered and collaborative, beginning with essential needs and evolving through wants, budgets, and long-term functionality.
Now, after well over three decades, ADW remains intentionally structured. Thompson has kept staff employed through economic downturns by combining in-house talent with measured strategies and has focused on retention. “What’s particularly satisfying is that over [this time], I have three senior staff members who have been with me for 25 years or more.”
Thompson has no plans to step away. His passion for architecture and commitment to community continue to drive the firm forward, ensuring that every project is approached with care, intention, and respect for the people it serves. “I don’t ever want to retire,” he said. “I see myself staying in this for 20 years or so.”