WHAT WE DO

The simple answer is this: we do Architecture and Interior Design.  That’s what we do.  But honestly, “what” we do is kind of the least important part of working with Sequel Architecture + Interiors. 

WHY we do what we do and HOW we do it are much more important to your experience as a client.

 

WHY we do what we DO

Take a second to picture in your mind a place that you love. This place is probably one where something meaningful in your life happened (or still happens).  Maybe it’s a space that that evokes a feeling of togetherness, fun, comfort… or awe . Maybe it’s a place that reminds you of a certain person who is meaningful to you. Many people think of places where they connect with friends and family.

People love buildings that tell stories.

At Sequel Architecture + Interiors, we are authors (this is the origin of our name, “Sequel”!)… but our medium is architecture instead of the written word.  Our work is to help our clients figure out what they need from a space or building, what they value, and then we turn it into a meaningful design.

Don’t invest your time, money, and effort into a project that doesn’t have both value and meaningWhatever your project, we can help you navigate that journey!

The HOW is more important than the WHAT

When asked about their process, most architects use words like schematic design, design development, and construction documents.  Well sure, Sequel generally follows that process too.

At Sequel, those so-called “traditional” architecture phases are what we do but not how we work

The important thing to a great design process is the HOW. 

    • How do we make sure we are giving you the best advice
    • How can you be confident that you are making a good investment in the project? 
    • How do we achieve an efficient and effective process?
    • How do we know if a design solution is “right” for you?

“How” we work is to prioritize three things: Meaningful Places, Distinctive Design, and Conscious details.  More about that below, but the awesome thing is that this approach applies exactly the same to a kitchen makeover as it does to a historic rehabilitation, an addition, an office remodel, a religious space, a custom home, or a restaurant design.

Masonic Temple Lofts (completed while employed at Slingshot Architecture)

1. MEANINGFUL PLACES

First, we work to understand each project’s unique context and each client’s individual story.  We call this the “project narrative,” a few sentences and images that capture your motivations.  Before we can make good design decisions, we need to define what we are trying to achieve (and why).

When we get the narrative right, we know that undertaking this project will be worth it to you. We understand what you value. This narrative becomes the framework for making all of the thousands of decisions we will come across as the project develops.

2. DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

“Design” is both a verb and a noun!  Think about that for a second… in our most successful projects, the clients care about both the process and the product.

We can’t create meaningful places without a meaningful process. When we have both, we know everyone can be confident in our decisions and take pride in the solutions.

And that’s the key to great design.  There may be 10,000 possible solutions. We narrow that huge universe down to the solution that works best for you.

 

3. CONSCIOUS DETAILS

We actively search out opportunities to enhance value through thoughtful implementation. We illustrate the project narrative through the architecture.

When we are confident that we are getting the big decisions right, the small decisions tend to fall right into place.  Complete  and thorough documentation helps ensure that the team “nails” the small things.

This is Sequel’s “architecture + interiors” difference.  You don’t have to manage the details separately.  We are with you through the whole process!   

 

 

Sequel Architecture + Interiors
2513 Woodland Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312

(515) 207-9526

info@sequelarchitecture.com

Sequel Architecture + Interiors is a full-service architecture and interior design firm with expertise in homes, commercial, hospitality, historic, adaptive reuse, and creative new construction.


Licensed in Iowa and Minnesota