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The Project Files series, 1949-2008, (12.5 linear feet, 6,879 drawings, and presentation boards) comprises the core of the collection and consists of textual and visual materials related to Metcalf's architectural projects, including new buildings, renovations, and additions. The series is divided into four subseries: Projects by Job Number; Projects without Job Numbers; Projects with George Brigham; and Presentation Books. Not all projects have drawings or presentation boards. Please note physical folders in this series still labeled "graphics file" are now counted in the extent of the client file, making most client files two or more folders.

The Projects by Job Number subseries is organized chronologically by project number and year, and includes the client name and address of the building project. The material within this subseries typically includes architectural drawings, original pencil on vellum and blueline prints with annotations; a client file containing client correspondence, design development materials, client specifications, and billing information; and graphic materials, including photographs, slides, and presentation boards. Metcalf's careful attention to detail is reflected superbly in the drawings in this collection. The description of the architectural drawings includes measurements for the individual drawings, medium (such as pencil on vellum, blueprint, or blueline print) and type of drawing (elevation, section, detail, etc.). Many of the client files also include real estate listings for the house that give a sense of its market valuation over time, as well as information on original and subsequent owners.

Among the project files in this series are the architectural drawings and documentation relating to the building, construction, and renovation of Robert and Bettie Metcalf's home in Ann Arbor. Of special note are two personal journals of "work done" that record the daily activities necessary to build the Metcalf house ca. 1952-1953. Hours were tallied for both Robert and Bettie and show the determination that they both had in building their own house. The journals reflect Robert's construction learning experience and are in his hand.

The majority of Metcalf's project files consist of those with job numbers assigned by the architect. Metcalf labeled the client files, architectural drawings, presentation boards, and other materials with the job number. The job number reflects the project's sequence in the work done by Metcalf and his firm, combined with the year in which the project was contracted. For instance, job 2-54 is the second job of Metcalf's professional practice and was commissioned in 1954. In addition to job numbers, Metcalf also referred to projects by the client's surname. Although the majority of Metcalf's projects are organized by job number, there is also an index of jobs by surname following the Processing Note in this finding aid.

The Projects without Job Numbers subseries is organized alphabetically by client last name. The files within this series consist of information on clients, but do not include architectural drawings or other project-related materials.

The Projects with George Brigham subseries is organized chronologically and is comprised of blueprint or blueline print construction drawings where George Brigham was the primary architect. Metcalf was Brigham's chief draftsman for a time, and Metcalf may have contributed to these projects, or used the plans when making later renovations to Brigham houses.

The Presentation Books subseries (2 linear feet) contain 18 presentation binders of select projects. Each book is organized chronologically by job number and includes photographs, sketches, and presentation plans.

Items in the Research and Writing series (1983-2011; 10 linear feet and 1.15 MB) concern Walton's work as a scholar. The majority of the materials are drawn from his research after joining the University of Michigan in 1992. The series is arranged into four subseries: Correspondence, Academic and Professinal Writing, Research, and Reviews.