Silling
Architects
BY MAGGIE MATSKO. Established
in 1902, Silling Architects, a full archi-
tectural design services firm headquartered in
Charleston, WV, is the longest-running continuous
architecture practice in the state and one of the oldest
in the country. The firm, which performs feasibility stud-
ies, master planning, programming, design and documen-
tation and construction administration services, has expanded
its geographic reach beyond West Virginia into Ohio, Kentucky,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland and New York.
Over the last century, Silling has developed an expertise in
building typologies centered on worship, education, workplace,
health care and custom residential markets. Its reputation as a
leading designer of courthouses and judicial facilities through-
out Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia took root in
the late 1990s with the completion of the Putnam County Ju-
dicial Building in Winfield, WV. In total, Silling has managed
the design of more than $150 million in out-of-state court con-
struction projects since 2007 in addition to its continued proj-
ects in West Virginia.
“Over the next several years, we believe Silling Architects will
be recognized as a regional design expert with the ability to part-
ner with local architects of record to accomplish an even greater
volume of work,” says Jody Driggs, Silling principal.
Walhonde Tools, Inc.
BY ALICIA ELKIN . Gary McClure invented a tool that revolution-
ized how tubes fit boilers, and his wife, Joyce, found a way to
turn it into a business.
The McClures founded Walhonde Tools, Inc. in 1986 in South
Charleston, WV, where they manufacture unique, patented tube and
pipe alignment tools for the heavy-industrial construction industry.
While working in the industry, Gary developed the original
Wallbanger, which cut fitting times up to 300 percent. Joyce
turned their garage-based idea into one of country’s industry-
leading pipe and alignment companies.
Since its inception, Walhonde Tools, Inc. has evolved from
handmade tools to state-of-the-art manufacturing and offers 10
specialized tools in various sizes. The company now employs
11 West Virginians and ships its products all over
the U.S. to clients like the U.S. Navy and
NASA, as well as internationally to
Iceland, Canada, Cumbria, U.K.,
Guam, South Africa, France,
Japan and Italy.
“Every tool that is sold or
rented is processed through
our facility in South Charles-
ton,” says Joyce. “We are
proud to be a made-in-the-
USA company.”
West Virginia Executive Magazine, Class of 2017 ~ Sharp Shooter
C
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