Who are we?
Shelden Architecture exists because buildings matter.
We shape our buildings, and thereafter our buildings shape us.
– Winston Churchill.
Our team of skilled artisans exists to give these buildings and all their related spaces well thought out function, beauty and meaningful form. We cannot imagine doing anything else.
We believe ours is a service-driven profession in which we play an interpretive role, listening to our client’s needs, hopes, and dreams, being inspired by them. Along with a selected builder (General Contractor) we translate, as design partners, our clients’ words to meet their architectural objectives.
Because of this, we commit ourselves to a set of values that benefit our clients and remind each of us to pursue excellence:
- Make the Client’s project our project.
- Understand the Client’s intent.
- Respect the Client’s budget.
- Honor the Client’s trust.
- Dream the Client’s dream.
- Do work we all can be proud of.
- Accept our responsibility to the Client, the Company, and the Community.
You’ll find the people at Shelden Architecture very empathetic. We have a practiced ability to put ourselves in the shoes of those we design for as well as those who construct our designs. This also makes us uniquely effective advocates for our clients’ objectives. After all it’s their building, not ours.
This quality, along with a demonstrated passion for what we do, enables Shelden Architecture to consistently design buildings we’re proud of. But more importantly, so are our clients.
Here’s what they’re saying….
“Shelden Architecture took the time and cared enough to understand our ideas, needs and dreams and brought them to fruition.”
“Shelden Architecture was fantastic to work with, they really listened to what I wanted and needed, and then took care of everything so that I could focus on my business.”
“We had been through the building process before, on a much smaller scale and knew it would be a challenging process. From day one, we had a clear idea of what we wanted, a building/dental offices unique to Wichita. Shelden Architecture not only designed a building unique to Wichita but helped us truly solidify and create a vision of not just somewhere to work but an environment that we enjoy coming each day and an environment our patients can feel at ease. They helped us in the decision making process when we were uncertain what we really wanted and presented options that maybe we hadn’t thought of.”
Our skills
Working With SHELDEN ARCHITECTURE
As you begin working with Shelden Architecture, it’s helpful to know where you are in the process and where it will take you. We will orient you during each phase, and work with you to get the most value from each stage of the process. It’s a time-tested method for establishing a close working relationship and producing the very best buildings.
This first phase includes all of the discussions, thought, and exploration that lead to the moment when you realize you need to build something new. We call this a “Needs and Options Review.” The phase ends with your decision to move forward with a project.
Here we define the project – its scope, features, purpose, and functionality. This is the time to establish an owner-architect agreement. Together we will develop and refine a vision for the project. We will lead you through a programming exercise to help you explore the needs of those who will live, work, or play in the space you create. You will identify the services you need, and our team will begin to form a cohesive relationship and a shared concept for the final building.
Once the requirements of the project are determined, the design phase begins. We will give shape to your vision through drawings and written specifications. Your input into this phase is vital, as you get the first glimpses, and then a more defined look at how your building will take shape. It is important to establish a clear decision-making process with us during this phase. The design phase ends when you agree to the plans that will guide construction.
Investments are made in materials, and timetables are extremely important. Good communication within the project team is critical, as the need for changes often arises. This is typically the time of highest stress for the project owner. We will discuss changes and options with you, and ensure that alterations are compatible with your vision for the project.
This phase begins the day the project is up and running and never really ends. It’s where your satisfaction with the project is determined. If you are turning over the project to others who will ultimately use it, good communication during that process is important. We can help ensure that the terms of your building contract were met, and can use the experience of this project to inform future work should we team together again.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR DESIGN PROJECT
Thinking about a building or renovation project but don’t know where to start?
We’ve found that many project owners hesitate to get started because they feel overwhelmed by the number of considerations and risks, or because they don’t know how to even begin. We’ve also learned that clients can avoid making costly decisions late in the process by effective planning in the early stages of the project. This approach helps you avoid problems like being over budget or over time, and ultimately leads to a project you can be proud of.
You need a way to help you figure out the considerations and make the whole process easier, less risky, and more fun. In this FREE, downloadable PDF preparation guide, you’ll find:
If you’d like to know more about how to best prepare for your design project, please click the button below to download our free guide.