Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural & Planning Partner Since 1985
Merrick Lentz Architect is a full-service architectural and planning firm that has served clients since 1985. Our team approaches every project with a commitment to service, integrity, and excellence, delivering designs that balance functionality with aesthetic value. With decades of collective experience, we specialize in creating tailored solutions for restaurants, retail spaces, religious institutions, non-profits, and commercial developments. Licensed in 12 states, our practice spans the western United States, Florida, and Texas, reflecting our adaptability to diverse regional needs. We prioritize understanding client objectives to ensure projects meet both programmatic and budgetary requirements.Our expertise extends across multiple sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, residential, and tenant improvements. By maintaining rigorous professional standards, we consistently produce award-winning work that addresses the unique challenges of each project. Our long-standing relationships with clients underscore our dedication to collaborative, client-focused service. As a firm, we remain committed to advancing architectural innovation while upholding the highest ethical and technical standards.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Restaurant Architecture
Religious Buildings
Retail Spaces
Medical Facilities
Hospitality Projects
Commercial Development
Residential Design
Tenant Improvements
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in architectural design
- Licensed in 12 states across the U.S.
- Expertise in restaurants, retail, religious, and non-profit projects
- Client-focused approach ensuring design and budget compliance
- Comprehensive understanding of diverse building types
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces tailored to client needs. We specialize in commercial, residential, and institutional projects across multiple sectors. Our process emphasizes collaboration, technical precision, and innovative solutions that meet both programmatic and budgetary requirements.
Urban Planning
We develop comprehensive urban planning strategies that balance community needs with sustainable development. Our expertise includes mixed-use developments, zoning compliance, and infrastructure integration. Projects emphasize walkability, environmental responsibility, and long-term urban viability.
Restaurant Architecture
Specialized architectural solutions for dining establishments optimize functionality and customer experience. We design layouts that streamline kitchen operations while creating inviting dining environments. Our portfolio includes national chains and independent restaurants across multiple states.
Religious Buildings
We create sacred spaces that reflect spiritual values while meeting practical requirements. Our designs accommodate diverse denominations and incorporate accessibility, community spaces, and modern amenities. Projects range from new construction to adaptive reuse of historic structures.
Commercial Development
Our commercial development services cover retail centers, office buildings, and mixed-use complexes. We focus on maximizing property value through efficient layouts, code compliance, and market-responsive design. Recent projects include urban infill developments and suburban commercial hubs.
People
Craig Chaney
Principal
Licensed architect with 30+ years of experience, specializing in diverse building types. Graduated from University of Washington with Master of Architecture in 1988. Focuses on client collaboration and technical excellence across all project phases.
Jason Beagle
Principal
20+ years of architectural experience managing complex commercial and residential projects. Licensed since 2001 with expertise in structural systems and construction documentation. Specializes in restaurant, hospitality, and retail design solutions.
Rick Lentz
Owner Emeritus
Founder of Merrick Lentz Architect with 40+ years in architectural practice. Established firm in 1985 after early career in urban planning. Developed extensive portfolio across multiple sectors before transitioning to emeritus role.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial, residential, religious, and non-profit projects including restaurants, retail spaces, medical facilities, and mixed-use developments across the United States.
How long has your firm been in business?
Merrick Lentz Architecture has provided architectural services since 1985, with our founding principal establishing the firm after extensive planning experience.
Which geographic areas do you serve?
While concentrating in western states, we operate nationwide with current projects in Florida, Texas, and Alaska. Our architects are licensed in 12 states.
What project types do you handle?
Our portfolio includes restaurants, retail centers, religious institutions, medical offices, hospitality venues, commercial buildings, and residential developments of various scales.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We prioritize understanding client objectives through detailed consultations, ensuring designs meet functional requirements while maintaining budget and schedule parameters.