Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Minneapolis
Established in 1994, Foundation Architects has dedicated over three decades to crafting functional, client-centric spaces that reflect both personal vision and practical needs. Based in Minneapolis' North Loop, our team collaborates closely with clients to design dental clinics, health and wellness offices, commercial spaces, and residential environments. Led by AIA architect Bob Shaffer, our practice combines technical expertise with a commitment to sustainability, ensuring every project balances aesthetic appeal with long-term value. Our staff's specialized knowledge in healthcare architecture has transformed numerous clinics across the Midwest, while our residential work prioritizes personalized solutions that evolve with homeowners' changing needs.With LEED-accredited professionals and decades of combined experience, we maintain a pragmatic approach that keeps projects within budget without compromising quality. Our portfolio demonstrates a proven ability to integrate complex mechanical systems into seamless designs while maintaining harmony with clients' brand identities. Through direct client engagement and partnerships with experienced contractors, we guide projects from concept to completion, ensuring spaces deliver measurable benefits long after construction concludes.
Services
Dental Clinic Design
Healthcare Architecture
Commercial Spaces
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in architectural design since 1994
- Specialized expertise in dental and healthcare facility design
- LEED-accredited professionals on staff for sustainable solutions
- Direct client collaboration throughout the design process
- Proven track record with Midwest regional projects
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
- LEED Accredited Professional
Services
Dental Clinic Design
Creating functional dental environments that reflect practice identity while optimizing workflow efficiency. Our designs integrate specialized equipment requirements with patient comfort considerations. We collaborate directly with dental professionals to ensure spaces support both clinical needs and brand expression.
Healthcare Architecture
Designing healthcare environments that balance regulatory compliance with healing aesthetics. Our team specializes in vision centers, optical clinics, and wellness facilities. We incorporate evidence-based design principles to create spaces that enhance patient experience while supporting medical staff efficiency.
Commercial Spaces
Developing tailored commercial environments for diverse industries including breweries, financial offices, and creative spaces. Our approach combines brand representation with practical functionality. We focus on maximizing space utilization while maintaining budget constraints through pragmatic design solutions.
Residential Architecture
Crafting personalized residential spaces that evolve with homeowners' needs. From modern renovations to new constructions, we prioritize livability and long-term value. Our process emphasizes understanding clients' lifestyles to create homes that feel both unique and practical.
Sustainable Design
Integrating environmentally responsible solutions into all project types. Our LEED-accredited professionals implement energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials without compromising design integrity. We focus on creating buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing long-term operational efficiency.
People
Robert A. Shaffer
President, AIA, CID, LEED AP
Licensed architect with 30+ years of experience, specializing in dental clinics and sustainable design. Holds degrees from University of Illinois and leads projects with a pragmatic, client-focused approach.
Tonya Nicholie
Architect
25+ years of experience in healthcare and institutional architecture. Combines artistic vision with technical expertise, focusing on smaller-scale projects that balance creativity with practicality.
Abbey Dombeck
Architectural Technologist
Recent graduate with emerging talent in design visualization. Specializes in creating concept images that help clients envision final spaces, bringing fresh perspective to the team.
Kelly Hanson
Architect
Licensed professional with 5 years of experience in innovative architectural solutions. Focuses on creating functional spaces that combine aesthetic appeal with practical usability for future adaptability.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in dental clinics, healthcare facilities, commercial spaces, and residential architecture with a focus on sustainable design solutions.
How long have you been designing dental clinics?
Our team has over 30 years of experience creating dental clinic environments, with numerous completed projects across the Midwest region.
Do you handle both design and construction oversight?
Yes, we provide full-service architecture including design development and construction administration, working with experienced contractors to ensure project success.
What makes your approach different from other firms?
We combine LEED-certified expertise with direct client collaboration, focusing on pragmatic solutions that balance budget constraints with long-term value.
Can you work on residential remodeling projects?
Yes, we handle residential projects from kitchen renovations to full home transformations, prioritizing personalized solutions that meet evolving needs.
