Latest News

The Foundation Architects Featured on WCCO
President of The Foundation discusses Homes by Architects tour
(September 19, 2008) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects was featured on WCCO in news featured titled Tour Showcases Home Renovations by Architects. Reporter Terri Gruca described the Homes by Architects tour by AIA, and the role architects play in home building. She talked with Bob Shaffer, president of The Foundation Architects, about how architects can provide creative solutions and often save homeowners money.

Shaffer said, “We try to get it to be the most efficient plan, the most efficient design. We also incorporate it; if we’re doing an addition, we try to make sure that the addition is part of the house, not just a box added on to the house.”

Watch the video.

The Foundation Architects Celebrates its 14th year
Great projects start with The Foundation
(September 16, 2008) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects celebrates fourteen years today. Just as at the start, the firm continues to produce work for both residential and commercial use. "Our diverse projects include: remodel, new construction, retail, medical, theatre, accessibility, office, home and even public park band shells. We believe that distinctive client needs inform all our projects to produce stronger work for each client," said Bob Shaffer, AIA, CID. "We continue to advance our craft through this approach and by being really good at listening to our clients."

Recent projects include WCCO radio's corporate offices, a DIY TV featured remodeling project and one of the selections in the AIA Homes by Architects tour.

The Foundation Architects Participates in Homes by Architects Tour
The AIA event features more than 25 homes
(September 3, 2008) Minneapolis—The Foundation Architects announced one of their homes will be in the Homes by Architects tour by the American Institute of Architects-Minnesota (AIA-MN) held September 20 and 21 throughout the Twin Cities region. The tour is open to the public and tickets are $20.

The Foundation Architects remodel of the interior and exterior makes the home inviting. The front porch addition gives the home a focal point and gives life to the façade of the 1950s-era rambler.

"The Homes by Architects tour gives the public access to homes they would not have been able to see before. This allows architects to give greater detail on the design process by showing a finished product," said Bob Shaffer, AIA, CID, who led this project. "This also gives homeowners a sense of what architects contribute to the process. The Foundation's strength is to listen carefully to the needs of our clients and to reflect that in the design."

The AIA put the home in the category of perfect for visitors interested in "Entertaining Spaces." As stated on the AIA Web site, "The art of entertaining often signals a need for open floor plans, yet distinctive spaces within the larger context. These homes may have kitchens as the center point that flow into conversation spaces, with views to outdoor spaces that make entertaining flexible and functional."

The AIA Homes by Architects tour runs from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. both days of the weekend. For tickets and information visit http://www.homesbyarchitects.org

Architecture MN Features Bob Shaffer as “Citizen Architect”
The March/April issue of Architecture MN features the president of The Foundation Architects, Bob Shaffer, as this month’s “Citizen Architect.” Read the full article here (2.1MB download).

Lavin Residence Featured in Twin Cities Spaces magazine
The Lavin Residence remodel in Edina, MN was the focus in a Twin Cities Spaces December article titled, “Classic Core; Refined Palette.” President of The Foundation Architects Bob Shaffer served as lead project architect and was quoted in the article.

Adsoka Office Set for National Television Commercial
In December of 2006, the Adsoka office turned into the set of a national television commercial for a major communications company. The office’s urban design was noted by the director as the perfect backdrop for the client’s vision when requesting use of the office.

Deephaven Residence Remodel Filmed for DIY Network
The Deephaven residence remodel designed by The Foundation Architects was filmed from start to finish by the DIY network for an upcoming four-part series titled, “Kitchen Renovations: Rustic Contemporary.” Read more or view a trailer