Sequel Architecture is small enough that the principal architect is involved with every project from start to finish… and smart enough that everyone on the team makes a meaningful contribution to each project’s success.
We leverage the same technology as a bigger firm (Revit 3d BIM modeling and real-time rendering) but without all the overhead.
Steve Wilke-Shapiro
Owner // Architect
Direct: (515) 207-9650
Email: steve@sequelarchitecture.com
Steve’s Story: Complementary Master’s degrees in architecture and social work with a focus on community and economic development have helped Steve gain a fundamental understanding of how to use design as a tool for positive engagement with both individual clients and wider communities.
Early in his career, he worked on major rehabilitation projects in the emerging downtown St. Louis loft district. More recent projects include a broad range of practice ranging from kitchens and custom homes through large mixed-use developments, multi-family housing, and historic rehabilitation. On every project for more than 25 years, Steve leverages experience in design, approvals processes, construction, and development.
His community orientation drives Steve to volunteer on several non-profit boards and city commissions. In addition, he regularly engages with communities on issues relating to historic preservation, revitalization, architectural design, and development.
Steve is a Licensed Architect in Iowa and Minnesota.
Gabbi Wieneke, NCIDQ
Director of Interior Design
Direct: (515) 207-5089
Email: gabbi@sequelarchitecture.com
Gabbi’s Story: Gabbi is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa where she received a BFA degree in interior design and a minor in business communication. Prior to joining Sequel Architecture + Interiors, Gabbi gained experience designing a wide range of project types including in multi-family residential projects, hospitality including boutique hotels and restaurants, mixed-used, corporate interiors, historic preservation, single family residential, and furniture sourcing. Gabbi has held strong ties to her alma mater and was an adjunct lecturer for a senior level Commercial Design course in 2023.
She values engagement and takes the time to understand the functional needs and aesthetic goals of a project, creating alignment between the interior environment, architecture, and our clients’ vision. Gabbi is process driven and is passionate about guiding clients through the design process and finding the “why” behind the decision making process, interior space planning, through material selections. Gabbi believes that designers are problem solvers and innovators with the ability to see beauty in the world that surrounds them.
Outside of the office you can find Gabbi spending time with her husband Mark, at a dog park or patio with their pup Cleo, traveling, trying a new recipe or restaurant, and volunteering within the community.
Gabbi is a licensed interior designer.
Michelle Cordova
Design Associate
Direct: (515) 207-0135
Email: michelle@sequelarchitecture.com
Michelle’s Story: Michelle has an interest in older buildings and a family connection to the building trades. She spent time working on plaster restoration at the historic Maytag hotel in Newton, IA, before pursuing a degree in Architectural Technology at Des Moines Area Community College.
She enjoys figuring out how to translate real-world buildings into 3d computer models, architectural detailing, and design. She is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Michelle is Sequel Architecture + Interiors resident “Revit wizard”. Revit is the computer program we use to design and document projects – to create the drawings that communicate the design intent for permitting and construction.
Emma De Jong
Designer
Email: emma@sequelarchitecture.com
Emma’s Story: Emma started with Sequel as an intern and quickly grew into an integral team member! She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with dual degrees in Business Management and Interior Design. Emma has extensive experience with residential renovations, and ran her own house painting business throughout her college career.
She has a soft spot for old buildings with a rich history. A sustainability ethos encompasses her life and work.
Emma is currently in the process of earning her Master of Architecture degree at Iowa State University where she is gaining the tools and experience to become a Licensed Architect.