ESTERLY, SCHNEIDER & ASSOCIATES INC., AIA

How do you stay in business for over 72 years? The answer is quite simple for the partners at Esterly, Schneider & Associates, Inc., AIA, “You do exceptional architectural work and you take care of your clients.” Esterly, Schneider attributes this instilled value back to their founder, Albert “Deac” Esterly, who started the firm in 1947 after beginning his career in the late 1930’s. Mr. Esterly had the utmost respect for the profession and even served on the state’s licensing board for architects during his career. He was serving on the board during the inquiry of the Kansas City Hyatt Regency Walkway failure in 1981. His impact on architecture is still felt today in many of his designs. The firm continues to uphold high values in their practice and their profession. The firm is on its third generation of principals who continue to carry on the tradition of its founder.

Craig Schneider, President of the firm says, “The principals have always put into place a strategic plan for how we manage and grow the firm. We have remained diverse in the type of architecture we have done and we have grown steadily over the years with our biggest increase in projects and employees occurring during the last recession.” In 2008, when many firms were closing, going to short hours or only working part time, Esterly, Schneider doubled the amount of employees from 9 to 18, and grew their revenue at the same time. The firm currently employees 19 professionals and is looking to grow by adding two more due to their work load.

In addition to growing their business, the architects at Esterly, Schneider have remained up-to-date on the construction industry and its ever changing environment. They continually review the latest products and procedures for construction being introduced into the market and analyze how these are beneficial for their clients and their designs. Longevity and maintenance free products are high on the list of importance. Melissa Higbie, Principal of the firm says, “Buildings need to remain timeless and materials should be complementary to their design. Colors and materials we use should stay relevant for years to come.”

The firm believes that competence, commitment and attitude of the architectural consultant strongly influence the quality and cost of the built facilities that are designed. Thus, selecting the right design consultant is of utmost importance for any client. Clients traditionally rely on long term relationships or recommendations from colleagues or from the firm's other clients. Esterly, Schneider has a longstanding repeat clientele. The firm’s work can be seen all around the surrounding communities.

“Thank you to all our many repeat clients and all those new ones that are putting their trust into Esterly, Schneider & Associates!” Craig Schneider says. “We are just the current caretakers, this firm will be here for many more years to come.”