This September marks the 25th anniversary of Siebenlist Architects, Inc.'s professional practice. It certainly doesn't feel like we've been in business for 25 years. I've discovered that time flies by when you love what you do and are inspired by every project you undertake. Helping congregations build the churches of their dreams is incredibly satisfying and motivating work. At this point, I can't imagine another career choice that would have given me a greater sense of accomplishment.
From humble beginnings in Texas, we've been able to expand our practice across the southern half of the United States (we're certified nationally and currently licensed in 17 states). Siebenlist Architects has completed more than 100 church construction, renovation, and remodeling projects over these past 25 years. Each of those finished projects remains a source of pride for every member of the Siebenlist team.
Learning the Secrets of Building Great Churches
Church architecture is a specialized field that offers unique challenges. For me, that is what makes it so rewarding. Each renovation, remodeling, expansion, or new construction project brings new excitement, and as long as that sense of excitement remains, Siebenlist Architects will keep going strong.
For 25 years and working on dozens of projects of all sizes, I've learned a lot about the creative process and how it should proceed within a spiritual context. In line with that experience and the knowledge we've acquired, at Siebenlist Architects, we put the most significant emphasis on:
+ Collaboration… From conception through completion, church leaders, administrators, and worshippers should be involved in planning, offering advice and input at each stage. The architect's job is to implement their vision in the most comprehensive way possible, and that is only possible if their guidance is sought out, understood, and respected and followed.
+ Problem-solving… Many real-world considerations can impact a church building program. Complications can arise at any point during the planning and construction stages, from the time the architect begins working on the master plan until the time when the construction is ready for launching, and of course, at any time after that. In this business, you have to enjoy solving problems and have confidence in your ability to do so.
+ Budgeting… The construction of a new church should be one of the most exciting times in a church community's life. Nothing would ruin the experience faster than having a project come in over budget, and that's a contingency we always avoid at Siebenlist. A new church should be a delight, not a burden, and our respect for each community's budgetary requirements guarantees that it will be.
+ Learning… You're never so wise and experienced that you stop learning no matter how long you're in this business. The architect must be ready to put ego and preconceived notions aside, to maintain a creative edge, and to be prepared to absorb new knowledge as the business evolves. Each new project has the potential to teach you something, as long as you're humble and paying attention.
+ Originality… We operate on the premise that no two churches should be built precisely alike. If they're to serve the entire needs of their congregations properly, they literally can't be exactly alike because each church body has its unique personality and requirements. Church architects must constantly flex their creative muscles as they move from project to project while maintaining allegiance to the best elements of tradition.
+ Master planning… A thoroughly creative, flexible and well-thought-out master plan is essential in any church construction, remodeling, or expansion project. Every aspect of the project should be planned for and considered before work begins to make sure the project stays on target and fully meets every need of the church community occupying the new or renovated church campus.
We treat each project as if it is the most important one we've ever done. We do that because each project is the most important one we've ever done. We try to get each one exactly right, and our professionalism and perfectionism have helped us build a reputation for excellence in this industry.
The Next 25 Years
In the 2020s and beyond, new trends will undoubtedly guide church construction practices in new and fascinating directions.
In church architecture, multi-purpose is a very popular solution for initial or phase 1 type projects. In the future, architects will be working to devise creative and ingenious ways to build super-flexible structures yet still sturdily designed and aesthetically pleasing. With the arrival of online services to complement traditional in-person attendance, new and renovated churches will have to function as reasonable staging grounds for televised services while still offering an intimate in-person worshipping experience. More large and even mega-churches are likely to be commissioned and constructed in the coming years, for which church architects must design all the traditional components of church attendance in addition to the new dimensions and technology developed over the last few years. As always, these designs must be user-friendly and welcoming facilities rather than austere and uninspiring.
Other developments that spur evolution in church design and construction may become unexpectedly. But all outcomes, whether anticipated or not, should be an opportunity for creative and dedicated church architects to promote and enhance increasing attendance and popularity of today's church and worship experience.
In church architecture, the need to innovate is constant. Our continued success at Siebenlist Architects will entirely depend on our capacity to adapt our approach to the times (and, as always, to the needs of each client). That is what we've been doing for the past 25 years, and I see no reason to believe that will change in the years ahead.
