Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Sacramento, CA
K12 Architects was founded on the principle that professionalism, knowledge, and communication produce results that exceed customer expectations. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team delivers high-quality architectural services tailored to client needs, specializing in roadside retail, fuel systems, and commercial projects. We prioritize continuous client communication, setting and meeting project milestones through regular meetings and board updates.Our expertise spans diverse building types, including car washes, travel plazas, churches, schools, and housing developments. We maintain licenses in California, Nevada, and Oregon, ensuring compliance with local regulations and fostering partnerships with planning agencies and health departments. Our project management process includes site evaluation, design, construction documentation, and on-site observation to guarantee successful project completion.
Services
Car Wash Design
Fuel System Planning
Travel Plaza Architecture
Gas Station Development
Convenience Store Layouts
Aboveground Fuel Systems
Underground Fuel Systems
Retail Space Design
Church Architecture
School Facility Planning
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of specialized expertise in fuel systems and roadside retail architecture.
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects with experience in sustainable design.
- We specialize in complex projects like underground fueling systems and dual-brand service stations.
- Our transparent communication ensures clients are informed at every project milestone.
- We maintain strong relationships with local agencies to streamline regulatory approvals.
Associations and certifications
- LEED Green Associate
- LEED AP
Services
Car Wash Design
We specialize in designing efficient, code-compliant car wash facilities that optimize workflow and customer experience. Our expertise includes vehicle path planning, MEP integration, and compliance with environmental regulations. Clients benefit from our 20+ years of experience in creating durable, high-traffic wash stations tailored to local zoning requirements.
Fuel System Planning
Our fuel system planning covers aboveground and underground storage, dispensing systems, and tank-line configurations. We ensure compliance with fire codes, environmental standards, and safety protocols. Clients receive customized solutions for gas stations, travel plazas, and industrial fueling operations, backed by our technical expertise in complex regulatory environments.
Travel Plaza Architecture
We design travel plazas integrating fueling systems, convenience stores, and food services while meeting DOT regulations. Our approach balances functionality with aesthetic appeal, ensuring seamless traffic flow and compliance with ADA and environmental standards for high-traffic roadside hubs.
Church Architecture
Our church design services focus on creating sacred spaces that align with congregational needs and historical context. We handle zoning approvals, accessibility requirements, and MEP systems tailored to worship spaces, community rooms, and administrative areas, ensuring both spiritual and functional outcomes.
School Facility Planning
We provide architectural solutions for K-12 schools and educational facilities, including modernization projects and new construction. Our work addresses safety standards, ADA compliance, and flexible learning environments, supported by our experience in deferred maintenance and district-wide planning initiatives.
People
Kurt P. Wagenknecht
Principal Architect
Licensed since 1977, Kurt brings expertise in school projects, historic restoration, and fuel systems. He founded K12 Architects in 1998 after working at major firms like DMJM and Forrar Williams Architects.
Steven C. Elser
Principal Architect
A LEED Green Associate since 1989, Steve specializes in fuel systems and dual-brand service stations for Chevron, Shell, and Valero. He co-founded K12 Architects and leads complex retail and industrial projects.
Brian Cournoyer
Project Architect
Licensed for 28+ years, Brian focuses on technical specifications and LEED-certified projects. He manages construction documentation and has expertise in forensic architecture and municipal facilities.
Questions
What types of projects does K12 Architects specialize in?
We specialize in car washes, fuel systems, travel plazas, churches, schools, and commercial buildings, with expertise in both aboveground and underground fueling infrastructure.
Are your architects licensed in multiple states?
Our architects hold licenses in California, Nevada, and Oregon, allowing us to serve projects across Western U.S. regions while adhering to local regulations.
How do you handle complex regulatory approvals?
We collaborate with local agencies, health departments, and planning boards to ensure compliance with zoning, environmental, and safety codes for all project types.
Can you design LEED-certified buildings?
Yes, our team includes LEED-certified architects who integrate sustainable practices into fuel systems, schools, and commercial projects while maintaining functional requirements.
What is your project management process?
We follow a structured approach: site evaluation, program analysis, cost estimation, design, construction documents, and on-site observation to ensure quality and compliance.
Do you work on historic building restoration?
Yes, we have experience restoring historic structures like Sacramento's 1896-era 900 J Street building while meeting modern code requirements.
