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 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 VISION

to be regarded by our clients as an integral partner in achieving success.

OUR MISSION

to establish long-term relationships with:
our clients by setting the highest standards for the architecture and engineering professions.
our employees through progressive management and generous rewards for performance and loyalty.

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 type 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.SM

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.

It Takes a Ville.

Somerville has been community focused for over 75 years giving back through community service, financial support, and in-kind donations.

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.

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 Joh. 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 system.  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.

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<strong>Markie Bernardy</strong> <br/> Environmental Graphic Designer

Markie Bernardy
Environmental Graphic Designer

Name - Markie Bernardy

<strong>Johnathan Anderson</strong> <br/> Electrical Drafter

Johnathan Anderson
Electrical Drafter

Name - Johnathan Anderson

<strong>Ashton Markell</strong> <br/> Mechanical Drafter

Ashton Markell
Mechanical Drafter

Name - Ashton Markell

<strong>Dylan Ihler</strong> <br/>Architectural Drafter

Dylan Ihler
Architectural Drafter

Name - Dylan Ihler

<strong>Ryan Milkie</strong> <br/>Architectural Drafter

Ryan Milkie
Architectural Drafter

Name - Ryan Milkie

<strong>Jaclyn Spice</strong> <br/>Office Manager

Jaclyn Spice
Office Manager

Name - Jaclyn Spice

<strong>Halle Laverdure</strong> <br/>Interior Designer

Halle Laverdure
Interior Designer

Name - Halle Laverdure

<strong>Brett Schreiber</strong> <br/>Mechanical Drafter

Brett Schreiber
Mechanical Drafter

Name - Brett Schreiber

<strong>Joe Jerovetz</strong> <br/>Architectural Designer

Joe Jerovetz
Architectural Designer

Name - Joe Jerovetz

<strong>Josh Bernhardt</strong> <br/>Business Development

Josh Bernhardt
Business Development

Name - Josh Bernhardt

<strong>Jaden Doornink</strong> <br/> Mechanical Drafter

Jaden Doornink
Mechanical Drafter

Name - Jaden Doornink

<strong>Mark Robbins</strong> <br/> Senior Project Architect

Mark Robbins
Senior Project Architect

Name - Mark Robbins

<strong>Kurt Barnard</strong> <br/> Senior Electrical Project Engineer

Kurt Barnard
Senior Electrical Project Engineer

Name - Kurt Barnard

<strong>Nick LaFaive</strong> <br/> Electrical Designer

Nick LaFaive
Electrical Designer

Name - Nick LaFaive

<strong>Tammy Deterville</strong><br/>Senior Architectural Drafter

Tammy Deterville
Senior Architectural Drafter

Name - Tammy Deterville

<strong>Neil Yunk</strong> <br/>Project Architect

Neil Yunk
Project Architect

Name - Neil Yunk

<strong>Chuck Wischow</strong> </br> Associate / Project Manager

Chuck Wischow
Associate / Project Manager

Name - Chuck Wischow

<strong>Dan Wiitanen</strong> <br/> Associate / Senior Project Architect

Dan Wiitanen
Associate / Senior Project Architect

Name - Dan Wiitanen

<strong>Tamarine Wessing</strong> <br/>Senior Architectural Designer

Tamarine Wessing
Senior Architectural Designer

Name - Tamarine Wessing

<strong>Troy Theis</strong> <br/>Senior Designer of Electrical Engineering Systems

Troy Theis
Senior Designer of Electrical Engineering Systems

Name - Troy Theis

<strong>Tracy B. Strehlow</strong> <br/> Senior Project Coordinator

Tracy B. Strehlow
Senior Project Coordinator

Name - Tracy B. Strehlow

<strong>Rustin Schwandt</strong> <br/> Architect

Rustin Schwandt
Architect

Name - Rustin Schwandt

<strong>Robert M. Schunke</strong> <br/>Project Manager

Robert M. Schunke
Project Manager

Name - Robert M. Schunke

<strong>Matthew J. Schachtner</strong> <br/> President / Director of Design

Matthew J. Schachtner
President / Director of Design

Name - Matthew J. Schachtner

<strong>Anders Sandli</strong> <br/>Project Architect

Anders Sandli
Project Architect

Name - Anders Sandli

<strong>Kristy Pigeon</strong> <br/> Marketing Coordinator

Kristy Pigeon
Marketing Coordinator

Name - Kristy Pigeon

<strong>Kirsten Martin</strong><br/> Interior Designer

Kirsten Martin
Interior Designer

Name - Kirsten Martin

<strong>Melanie Parma</strong> <br/>Senior Vice President / Director of Client Relations & Education Studio Leader

Melanie Parma
Senior Vice President / Director of Client Relations & Education Studio Leader

Name - Melanie Parma

<strong>Heather Nohr-Valley
</strong><br/>Director of Marketing & Branding

Heather Nohr-Valley

Director of Marketing & Branding

Name - Heather Nohr-Valley

<strong>Stacy J. Mosher</strong> <br/> Senior Mechanical & Electrical Designer

Stacy J. Mosher
Senior Mechanical & Electrical Designer

Name - Stacy J. Mosher

<strong>Lori Lemmen</strong><br/>Project Coordinator

Lori Lemmen
Project Coordinator

Name - Lori Lemmen

<strong>Sara Kvitek</strong> <br/>Executive Vice President / Director of Finance

Sara Kvitek
Executive Vice President / Director of Finance

Name - Sara Kvitek

<strong>Todd Kane</strong> <br/>Project Manager

Todd Kane
Project Manager

Name - Todd Kane

<strong>Matt Honold</strong> <br/>Project Architect

Matt Honold
Project Architect

Name - Matt Honold

<strong>Lila Harkoff</strong> <br/>Corporate Administrative Assistant

Lila Harkoff
Corporate Administrative Assistant

Name - Lila Harkoff

<strong>Bob Hardy</strong> <br/> Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Bob Hardy
Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Name - Bob Hardy

<strong>Matt Hale</strong><br/>Senior Architectural Designer

Matt Hale
Senior Architectural Designer

Name - Matt Hale

<strong>Jason D. Hale</strong> <br/>Senior Project Architect

Jason D. Hale
Senior Project Architect

Name - Jason D. Hale

<strong>Duane Grove</strong> <br/>Project Architect

Duane Grove
Project Architect

Name - Duane Grove

<strong>Travis Grell</strong> <br/>Senior Designer of Mechanical Engineering Systems

Travis Grell
Senior Designer of Mechanical Engineering Systems

Name - Travis Grell

<strong>Sam Graner</strong><br/>Vice President of Engineering / Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Sam Graner
Vice President of Engineering / Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Name - Sam Graner

<strong>Adam Drefcinski</strong> <br/>Vice President of Operations

Adam Drefcinski
Vice President of Operations

Name - Adam Drefcinski

<strong>Sheila Downing</strong> <br/>Associate / Senior Designer of Plumbing Engineering Systems

Sheila Downing
Associate / Senior Designer of Plumbing Engineering Systems

Name - Sheila Downing

<strong>Andrew M. DeGrave</strong><br/>Senior Architectural Drafter

Andrew M. DeGrave
Senior Architectural Drafter

Name - Andrew M. DeGrave

<strong>Charlie Cope</strong> <br/>Mechanical Designer

Charlie Cope
Mechanical Designer

Name - Charlie Cope

<strong>Timothy Bostedt </strong><br/>Associate / Project Manager

Timothy Bostedt
Associate / Project Manager

Name - Timothy Bostedt

<strong>Aaron Baumgartner</strong><br/> Supervisor of MEP Drafting / Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Aaron Baumgartner
Supervisor of MEP Drafting / Senior Mechanical Project Engineer

Name - Aaron Baumgartner

<strong>Collin Arndt</strong><br/>Architect

Collin Arndt
Architect

Name - Collin Arndt