News

Interview with Tom Liebel

Vice President, Multifamily Housing Sector, Moseley Architects

November 2024

We are excited to feature Moseley Architects in our Partner Spotlight Series. Moseley and Southway have collaborated on over 20 multifamily and commercial projects together, including new construction, adaptive reuse, historic preservation, and occupied renovations. Some notable projects include: J. Van Story Branch, Canton Overlook, Rosemont Townhomes, and our current projects, Trinity Court in Chapel Hill, NC, Foxwell Apartments in Baltimore, MD, and Henrico Police South Station in Virginia. Below are highlights from our interview with Tom Liebel, Vice President at Moseley Architects. Tom leads the firm’s multifamily housing studio and shares his perspective on the company’s culture, their long-standing partnership with Southway Builders, and the exciting projects they’re currently working on.

About Moseley

Moseley Architects has been at the forefront of designing impactful, community-focused spaces since their founding in 1969. They have grown from one office to 12 locations reaching across the East Coast, from Baltimore, MD to Charleston, SC. Moseley is unique in their approach to collaboration, with architects, engineers, interior designers, and other professionals collaborating within a unified, multi-disciplinary studio setting. This results in integrated designs tailored to their clients’ needs and priorities.

Moseley and Southway Partnership Beginnings

Tom has been with Moseley Architects for 18 years, and his partnership with Southway Builders dates back more than two decades. His first connection with Southway was through John Diehl, whom he met long before Southway and Moseley began working together. Over the years, their collaboration has grown into a successful and seamless partnership, particularly on affordable housing and mixed-use projects.

According to Tom, working with Southway has been a rewarding experience for several key reasons. “They are honest, ethical, and highly collaborative,” he says. “Both of our teams work together exceptionally well, and we share a commitment to workforce development. Southway’s efforts to introduce people to the construction industry and provide access to quality jobs is something we greatly admire.”

Trinity Court Model

Trinity Court – Chapel Hill, NC

One standout example of their successful collaboration is the Trinity Court project in Chapel Hill, NC. Moseley and Southway are currently working together on this challenging yet rewarding project, which involves the redevelopment of a 1970s-era multifamily housing complex. The original buildings had significant structural issues, and the site posed unique challenges due to its location on a steep hill next to a creek. Despite these obstacles, the re-envisioned Trinity Court increases the density of the project from 40 to 54 environmentally-friendly units by removing the former structures and constructing two new buildings that add valuable living space while preserving the area’s natural beauty.

Future Growth at Moseley Architects

Moseley Architects Multifamily Housing Studio is experiencing significant growth, especially in the Carolinas, where they have multiple offices supporting the work of six distinct sectors, including K-12 and higher education, civic, justice, senior living, multifamily housing, and mixed-use projects. While their work spans a wide variety of project types, affordable housing remains a core focus for the firm, accounting for roughly 75% of their multifamily portfolio. “It is our responsibility to create spaces that inspire hope and dignity for residents,” says Tom, “helping to improve their quality of life.”

Tom notes that many people may recognize Moseley for their work in other sectors, but the firm’s expertise in multifamily housing has become increasingly important as they address the growing need for affordable and workforce housing. The firm’s commitment to affordable housing is seen not only in the design of the spaces, but in their dedication to improving the communities they serve.

What makes Moseley different?

According to Tom, “what sets us apart is our ability to blend deep local knowledge with a collaborative approach that extends across multiple studios.” Whether designing affordable housing or community-focused spaces, Moseley Architects has the know-how and the relationships to deliver high-quality, impactful designs.

Canton Overlook

What would you tell someone considering working with Southway Builders?

“If you’re thinking about working with Southway, meet with their leadership,” he advises. “You’ll be convinced. Everyone at Southway is not only competent, but genuinely decent people. They are a pleasure to work with and I can’t think of a better builder to team up with.”

We’re grateful to Moseley Architects and Tom Liebel for their continued partnership and the positive impact they’re making in the communities they serve. With a shared vision and commitment to excellence, Moseley and Southway continue to set the standard for quality, affordable housing, and community-driven projects.