Robert Mills

Biography: Robert Mills, AIA, CID Principal Commonwealth Architects Richmond, VA Robert Mills is one of the founding principals of Commonwealth Architects. With more than 30 years of experience, Mills is involved in all aspects of the firm’s practice in architecture, historic architecture, interior architecture, planning and management. Throughout his career, Mills has provided a full range of design services for a wide variety of corporate, government and commercial clients. His vision for the revitalization and repopulation of urban centers led to the creation of Commonwealth Architects over a decade ago. Since that time, Mills has led the firm in its focus on rehabilitating existing buildings that serve as catalysts for community rebirth and weaving in contextual infill designs that respect a sense of place. He engages community input in a collaborative process to design new buildings that appropriately fill in the gaps of the urban fabric. His well-recognized commitment to the rehabilitation of existing structures across the region is a hallmark of Commonwealth Architects’ comprehensive services. Mills’ experience in securing Historic Investment Tax Credit incentives for clients and his ability to successfully coordinate the goals of both the building owner and the appropriate state/federal review agencies has resulted in a level of service that often proves critical to a project’s feasibility and economic viability. Commonwealth Architects’ projects have received more than 40 national, regional and local awards. As the firm’s principal in charge, Mills has overseen the design and execution of corporate headquarters, university and government facilities and the transformation of existing structures into vibrant mixed-use developments that contribute to the revitalization of communities. Mills earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture/Landscape Design and his Master of Architecture degree from Virginia Tech. A sought after resource on rehabilitation practices, he is a widely quoted expert in the local and regional media and has lectured extensively on architectural and urban planning issues, including historic investment tax credit utilization and urban revitalization. His contributions to excellence in the built environment extend beyond his leadership in the architectural profession. Mills has helped to shape urban renewal and has made a positive impact on the planning and development of the City of Richmond by volunteering his time to several review boards. He served on the City of Richmond’s Planning Commission for six years, three as its chairman, and spent ten years on the City of Richmond’s Commission of Architectural Review, which he chaired for three years He currently participates in Virginia Commonwealth University’s Architectural Review Committee and Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business Real Estate Circle of Excellence, key positions at VCU that address the architectural and development issues of the rapidly growing urban university located in downtown Richmond. Mills has contributed to The American Institute of Architects as Vice President of the Virginia Society and a member of the Board of Directors of the James River Chapter. In 2008, Mills was honored with the Virginia Society AIA’s Award for Distinguished Service. Feb. 2011