Firm Culture
SMALL
We’ve kept our office intentionally small, and we believe this benefits our design work and our client service, but
there’s more to it than just that. As a tightly-knit team, we’re all personally invested not just in the success of the
firm, but of each other. We dine together and celebrate birthdays as a firm; we know each other’s families and
enjoy holiday parties as a group; and we sponsor firm trips to broaden our horizons as architects and to work for
charitable causes as a team.
CREATIVE
We pride ourselves on our ability to communicate and work collaboratively, and this applies to all aspects of our
work. Our studio space is open, both literally and in spirit. In our process, each member is not just allowed but
expected to contribute creatively to the final design of a project. We share our expertise, and we make a point to
each stay apprised of all design projects in the office, so that each project may benefit from our collective
knowledge.
URBAN
Our office is located in Evanston’s Main Street Shopping District, just minutes away from two train stations
and several bus lines. Many of us live in Chicago, and we prize our connection to the city’s neighborhoods and
culture, as well as our ability to commute to work via public transportation. The city of Evanston itself is a vibrant
community, and our office is located within a short walk from the beach and a wealth of dining and entertaining
options.
PROFESSIONAL
As architects, we believe that we have a professional responsibility that extends beyond just coming to work and
designing buildings. It is also our job to contribute to the architectural profession at large. We do this by staying
active in professional and social organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the Arts Club of
Chicago, by mentoring young professionals, by continuing to stay active in the academic community, and by
speaking and presenting about what we do as architects.
CHARITABLE
Grunsfeld Shafer Architects, LLC places a priority on giving back each year through charitable service. We are
not content to rest on our successes, and consider it our responsibility to seek out new charitable opportunities.
From sponsoring a children’s shelter in Arizona to building houses in New Orleans, we have contributed to a
number of causes, and consider this one of the true pleasures of our professional endeavor. This is an ongoing
element of our firm, and we are always interested in new charitable projects.