Culture Matters
We provide a friendly approach to client service that’s based on clear, honest communication and mutual trust. It’s a simple formula and one that has served us well for over 75 years.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create inspired buildings and environments that improve the lives of our clients, partners, and communities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be an integral part of our clients’ and community’s success.
Our Philosophy
Without question, a building has the power to draw the eye and stir the soul. But a truly well-designed building can do so much more. It can solve challenges. It can open possibilities. It can improve the lives of all who enter it. A well-designed building doesn’t merely allow those inside it to do what they do. It helps them do what they do better. More efficiently. More effectively. These are the types of buildings that Somerville creates. We do this by asking the right questions, paying careful attention to the answers, and responding with thoughtful solutions. We feel that buildings aren’t so much built with bricks, metal, and glass, but with listening, experience and imagination. We believe that a building’s true beauty lies in the thinking that goes into it. Every detail, every decision at every step along the way – it all counts in the final design. And if there’s one thing we know at Somerville, it’s that design matters.
Our Values
Genuineness
We are real people who value honesty and integrity.
Quality of Life
We whole-heartedly believe in creating work-life harmony, sharing a passion for our work, and a focus on building meaningful relationships for a rewarding and fulfilling life.
Client + Team Partnerships
We create lasting relationships with our clients, partners, communities, and each other which are built on care, compassion, and mutual respect.
Creativity + Experiences
Our creative spirit sets the stage for an amazing experience for both our team and our clients.
Ownership
We have an immense sense of pride in being 100% employee-owned – each team member takes ownership of each and every thing we do.
Expertise
We are experts in our field, striving for excellence in the quality of our work and continuous improvement.
history
1940s
The story of Somerville Architects and Engineers begins with a call to war, World War II, where John E. Somerville was put to task on war plant design and construction. His facility experience in both engineering and architectural disciplines spanned the United States. This and his pre-war experience with another local architectural firm led to the opening of his own practice at 230 E. Walnut St., Green Bay, Wisconsin in May of 1946. As Frankie Carle and his Orchestra played "Oh! What It Seemed to Be," the new focus seemed to be on industry. And with that, Somerville started its project log with the Great Lakes Shoe Company of Oconto, Wisconsin.
1950s
Through the 1950s Somerville gained a foothold in the industrial market and was commissioned to design the Green Bay Box Company's plant on Doblin St. and Paper Converting's initial office and plant on South Ashland St. In 1955, Somerville was retained by the City of Green Bay to design City Stadium, now Lambeau Field. And by 1959 the Veteran's Memorial Arena was added to their portfolio.
1960s
The '60s started off with Elvis Presley and "It's Now or Never" atop the billboard charts. Post World War II, the nation saw an increased need for domestic production capacity. This trend attributed to the firm's share of industrial projects, at nearly 75% of the total workload. Some notable clients of the time were UW Oshkosh, Green Bay Tissue Mills, Bellin Memorial Hospital, and Green Bay Schools. This decade also saw the addition of John Somerville's son, Jack, to the firm.
1970s
During the '70s the client base doubled with the addition of new clients and continued loyalty from existing clients. January 1, 1973, the firm moved into the 2020 Riverside Drive building, which was one of Somerville's own real estate developments. Twenty-two days later, US President Richard Nixon announced "peace with honour" in Vietnam. This decade also saw the introduction of a very noisy computer console in Somerville’s office which had a room of its own.
1980s
The early 1980s brought about a significant organizational change. Dick Griese became president and John E. Somerville became Chairman of the Board. The '80s also saw the formation of the Mill Division which was established to serve Somerville’s growing list of industrial clients. The number of commissions in this decade was over 1,200 – compared to that of 355 in the '60s and 725 in the '70s. Overall Somerville’s practice had now become very broad, having a diverse portfolio designing many kinds of buildings. It was also during this time that Somerville adapted CADD and virtually all working drawings were CADD printouts by the end of the '80s.
1990s
As Guns n’ “Roses Sweet Child O’ Mine” topped the charts entering the '90s, it was then that John E. Somerville entered into retirement and his son, John “Jack” Somerville became president of the firm. The 1990s brought the sharpest growth in both commissions and staff in the firm’s history. This growth compelled Somerville’s leadership to seek larger quarters, and so the firm moved just a few hundred feet south of the 2020 location to our current office at 2100 Riverside Drive. Work through the '90s remained strong in healthcare facilities and industrial design.
2000s
The events on September 11, 2001 shook our nation and the 2007/2008 recession brought difficult times for much of our industry. However, Somerville’s strong client relationships remained whole and the firm’s workload continued to grow. Our list of education clients and projects grew rapidly with a focus on public K-12 schools and technical college systems. Michael Kadow, an architect employed with the firm since 1985 became president of Somerville and Jack was appointed Chairman of the Board. In 2008, Somerville’s employees purchased the last remaining privately held shares of stock and became a 100% employee-owned firm.
2010s
In 2010, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) was gaining ground nationally and Somerville designed the Nation’s first primary school to achieve LEED Gold Certification. Somerville’s diverse portfolio of projects continued, designing a new private high school in Miami, Florida, a world-class Automobile Gallery in downtown Green Bay, as well as a full renovation of the stadium suites and pre-function spaces at Lambeau Field. Today, Somerville continues to work on many high-profile projects in our community. We pride ourselves on having a 94% repeat client rate and attribute that to our firm’s rich history and commitment to helping our clients achieve success in their business.
Meet Somerville Architects & Engineers
Get to know the people behind the projects, as well as the pride and purpose behind our firm. Find out what makes Somerville a special place to work. Learn why our average employee tenure is over 13 years. Understand why our associates love to work within our generalist firm with abundant opportunities. And hear why we love to call Northeast Wisconsin home. See for yourself the passion that drives us forward and keeps us smiling along the way.
Meet The Team
At Somerville, we believe that design matters, not only for building systems and structures, but also in the assembly of our team. Our innovative, engaging, and creative projects begin with our outstanding staff. The idea “design matters” starts with a strong employee foundation, and a belief that each employee you interact with matters to you and your project.
