The firm is organized around project type studios that are directed by each partner, and relate specifically to their individual interests. Val directs the Religious, Civic, Campus, and Historic Preservation studios, and Mike directs the Commercial and Residential studios. Each partner is responsible for their respective studio's advancement and creative nurturing. There is spirited and engaging cross-over and exchanges that constantly benefit all the projects in the office.
Here's a glimpse of each partner.
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Launching an architectural firm at age 29 in a recession year with 21% interest rates tells you a lot about Val Schute. Intensity and determination are traits that mark all his endeavors. Whether it is a challenging architectural project, his community youth and arts involvement, or competing in triathalons for relaxation. He leads by example, and encourages staff involvement. You don't work for Val, you work with him. He is passionate about his work, and his creativity and resourcefulness emerges in everything he does. Val relishes working with boards and committees to design their projects. He firmly believes that the finished project is much better with the total involvement of everyone concerned, and works diligently to encourage this participation. |
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VITAE |
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| Registration/Education: |
Registered Architect: Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin Bachelor of Architecture, Cum Laude, University of Notre Dame, 1975 |
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| Professional Affiliations: |
American Institute of Architects Religious Architecture Committee of the American Institute of Architects National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certified National Trust for Historic Preservation American Library Association |
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| Community Involvement: |
Boy Scouts of America, Gateway Council - Executive Board of Directors Historic Preservation Review Board, State of Wisconsin La Crosse Area Family YMCA - Board of Directors Rotary Club, Downtown La Crosse UCC Architects Fellowship Steering Committee - Secretary United Fund for the Arts and Humanities - Past President UW-La Crosse Foundation - Board of Directors |
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Mike has the ability to animate a design. He breathes life into a project by the skillful juxtaposition of proportion, complete comprehension of scale, and thoughtful use of materials. His renderings talk to you. His designs distinguish themselves by effectively responding to their context, and exceeding expectations. He has the innate ability to interpret a client's wishes, to visualize an idea in his mind's eye, and then deliver it graphically for evaluation. Someone once said "a picture is worth a thousand words", well, Mike's renderings do the talking. Mike deftly handles personal client contact and works in partnership with owners to get all that is possible out of a project. |
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VITAE |
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| Registration/Education: |
Registered Architect: Wisconsin Bachelor of Architecture, University of Minnesota, 1982 Bachelor of Environmental Design, University of Minnesota, 1982 Associates Degree, Architectural Design, Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, 1975 |
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| Professional Affiliations: |
American Institute of Architects Wisconsin Society of Architects Residential Committee of the American Institute of Architects |
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| Community Involvement: | Kids Coulee Playground, Physical Challenges Sub-committee | |
