From Legacy to Vision: How Imagination, Collaboration, Stewardship, and Joy Drive Schaefer Architecture

At Schaefer Architecture, our core values—imagination, collaboration, stewardship, and joy—serve as the foundation for everything we do, from our design projects to our community outreach initiatives and more. For over six decades, Schaefer and its predecessors have had a profound impact on the built environment of Wichita, surrounding cities, and rural communities across the state of Kansas and beyond. Over the years, we have remained committed to maintaining high design standards and exceptional client service, which have been integral to our growth as a design firm. We are incredibly proud of the legacy we have built, grounded in the principles of innovation, excellence, and a dedication to improving the communities we serve.

IMAGINATION

Imagination has always been at the heart of Schaefer’s design philosophy. Our ability to think beyond the conventional allows us to approach each project with fresh perspectives, ensuring that every design is not only functional but also visionary. We believe that architecture has the power to shape the world in meaningful ways, and it’s this imaginative spirit that drives us to challenge norms and push boundaries. Whether designing a new public space that invites connection or repurposing an existing building to serve a new purpose, our imaginative approach allows us to design spaces that are both forward-thinking and timeless. This dedication to creative problem-solving is reflected in the accolades we have received over the years, which acknowledge not just the aesthetic appeal of our work but its thoughtful innovation and community impact.

Below is a cumulative list of the project awards Schaefer has received over the years.

COLLABORATION

At Schaefer, we are proud of our talented team, which includes support staff, an interior design department, architectural and design staff, and our partners of the firm, all of whom work in harmony to ensure we meet project deadlines, maintain consistent communication with design teams, and produce work that consistently exceeds expectations. Jacob Karst, our in-house BIM Manager and head of production technology, said, “There’s a wealth of knowledge in this office held by patient, generous people. When faced with a challenge, I know I’m surrounded by a team who has the solution or can help work to find it.” It is through our team’s expertise and dedication that we have earned the trust and reliance of our clients and communities. The collaborative spirit that permeates our office extends beyond to our relationship with building owners, contractors, and consultants, and drives us to surpass expectations by delivering high-quality designs that make a lasting impact.

STEWARDSHIP

Our commitment to stewardship is demonstrated in many ways. It is reflected in the active involvement of our team members, who serve on various community boards, volunteer their time, and engage in outreach events. It also extends to the thoughtful and careful planning of our client’s resources in the execution of their projects, as well as the impact our buildings have on the built environment. Additionally, our firm dedicates time and resources to providing supporting design work for non-profit organizations, helping to uplift and strengthen our communities. This dedication to giving back reflects our belief that architecture is not just about buildings, but about creating spaces that foster prosperity, growth, connection, and positive change in the places we serve.

JOY

Joy may be the most important of Schaefer’s core values, as it drives our innovation and creativity. It strengthens the bonds within our team and fosters both personal and professional growth among our staff. Our Wellness Committee is dedicated to ensuring that joy is an integral part of our office culture, organizing activities and initiatives that bring positivity, energy, and connection to our workplace. Jared Dukes, an architectural designer and member of our Wellness Committee, said, “Work-life balance is very important in keeping positive and healthy interaction between personal and professional life. Our wellness program allows for opportunities to facilitate information on healthy habits as well as organize regular events to build team comradery and provide respite from the demands of our work.” This commitment to creating a joyful atmosphere not only enhances our work environment but also helps us deliver the best outcomes for our clients and communities. Schaefer strives to do everything that it can to ensure its staff are well considered and provided the space to grow in the directions that spark joy in their work, which is reflected by the Wichita Business Journal’s Best Places to Work nomination and award to our firm.

At Schaefer Architecture, we are deeply committed to the work we do and the communities we serve. Our core values of imagination, collaboration, stewardship, and joy are not merely guiding principles but are actively embedded in every project, every relationship, and every decision we make. We believe that architecture has the power to transcend the physical space it occupies; it can bring people together, inspire change, and elevate the communities in which we live and work. Looking forward, we remain steadfast in our dedication to innovation, client satisfaction, and community enrichment. As we continue to build upon the legacy we’ve created, we are excited for the future and the possibilities that imagination, collaboration, stewardship, and joy will help us explore together.