About Chamberlin
We are an employee-owned firm with a focused, studio culture devoted to finding creative ways to achieve a project’s objectives. Chamberlin Architects delivers design excellence and professional service typically associated with firms in larger urban areas. Our principals remain fully involved with a project from concept through construction.
Ethos
In Harmony with Surroundings
In one word, harmony captures the ethos of our firm from personal interactions to our design philosophy.
At Chamberlin we value structures that are in harmony with their surroundings. A well-coordinated, beautiful, and appropriate addition to the built environment requires steadfast vision and perseverance. Our high expectations for thoughtful and resonant buildings combined with our specialized knowledge to address unique challenges helps us harmonize despite our diverse backgrounds. Our common goals:
Stay true to a Design Vision
Treat historic structures with care.
Encourage Critical Dialogue
Visionary and practical problem-solving process.
Clear and buildable documents.
Design for high performance using what nature provides.
Natural Resources
Not only are we passionate about harmony in the designs we create, but we are also Focused on efficient use of natural resources.
The successes we have had and the resulting often impressive structures that we are proud to include in our portfolio have never come at the expense of the humans that live in them. Our professional and personal relationships are what define the character of our firm and are the catalyst to the many repeat clients we boast. Over 70% of our clients have worked with us before.
Offices
Hubs of Creativity
For an architecture firm, office space is more than just a place to work, it broadcasts the ethos of the creators that design and use them.
Both of our branches preexisted as stately historic buildings in need of update and were intentionally transformed into thriving hubs of creativity and design.
Architectural Triage
The historic Grand Junction Colorado Main Street building in which our office is located had been condemned. Seeing the potential and the solution, Chamberlin Architects purchased the building. A group effort renovation was undertaken to add functionality while supporting the character and historical elements of the building.
The vision was a success. This characteristic building has become a seminal part of our firm and the work we do.
Visitors to our Grand Junction downtown open studio are immediately drawn to our rustic brick walls, artfully designed custom desk configurations, and refreshing open layout. An architype of future projects, skylights were uncovered, and walls removed bringing life and functionality. Later we added more office space, a back deck, and a rooftop photovoltaic array.
The efforts to rehabilitate the historic main street building was a labor of love that ensured not only an inspiring studio culture but also the longevity of the revitalizing area. Since that time, Main Street Grand Junction has become a thriving retail and entertainment district.
Modern Flare
Our Rapid City office shares in the charm of a historic 1918 building with a recently renovated office space that boasts a creative modern flare. Situated east of the Mount Rushmore Road and St. Joseph Street intersection, the Chamberlin Architect offices are part of the active and revitalized downtown business center.
The melding of historical and modern styles is an aesthetic treat. A welcoming set of hard wood stairs leads visitors to a second-floor office with honeycomb patterned flooring delightfully transitioning into original oak floors.
During the remodel in 2007, the addition of a multi-use conference room allows staff the flexibility of having a large work area that can support client meetings, houses a growing resource library and provides a collaborative area for designers to work together on various design concepts.
The space has the character of a historic building with deep trim, transom-capped doors and wood floors while supporting the modern amenities of a contemporary open plan office. Offices open to one another and the to the public corridor creating a collaborative atmosphere that supports staff interaction.
Community
Planting Roots in Our Communities.
With offices in Grand Junction Colorado and Rapid City South Dakota, we have found communities that allow us to live the active lifestyles we enjoy in locations offering versatile professional opportunities.
Both communities are highly sought-after outdoor recreation areas with convenient downtown locations close to numerous options for shopping, culture and food.
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Outdoor Adventure | Vibrant Downtown | Tourist Mecca
Spend just a day with us and you'll hear about our favorite nearby coffee shops, bistros and brewery's, all within close walking distance. Not surprisingly, the Feisty Pint, a block a half away, was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and you can find yourself in the Trail Life Brewery for a Patagonia sandwich, by simply stepping out the front door and crossing the street. A journey of less than 100 steps. This area is so well liked, an energetic Friday after work crowd comes in to enjoy the night life of this vibrant neighborhood.
A fitting bookend to the weekend, Monday mornings are often used to share details of the trail rides, ski runs, hikes, rock climbing, paddle boarding and other weekend adventures before jumping into the company wide team meeting to discuss current and future projects in a casual setting.
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The inspiring landscape and growing communities that make up the Black Hills are a fitting home for an architecture firm. A well-known destination means visitors and residents have a plethora of options for entertainment and culture all year round.
D: 4 In the last 20 years, Rapid City has grown into the Capstone of Western South Dakota. It's easy to spend the day on the mountain trails or discover the history of the Black Hills. An ever-growing list of performing arts, farmers markets, family events and extensive city parks make Rapid City a perfect place for families young and old.
Team
Sweet Spot
Chamberlin Architects has found the sweet spot for sharing information, fostering creativity, and generating collaborative interaction.
Our open casual atmosphere supports sharing of information and allows for individual growth. It is this collaboration that results in an even stronger team and more cohesive projects.
Weekly all-team meetings provide the opportunity to talk about current projects, progress, concerns, or questions. During meetings suggestions and comments from any team member is welcomed.
Conducive to Creativity
Our principles have a policy of approachability and camaraderie. Questions are welcome.
An environment conducive to creativity and the exploration of ideas as been intentionally fostered. Learning opportunities don't pass by without being shared with the team. We can draw upon the staff’s wide variety of experience and areas of expertise to cross-check concepts and test ideas.
Face to face project meetings take place spontaneously or are scheduled within our conference rooms. Each person has access to a companywide calendar. We use teams, zoom, and email to communicate and arrange virtual meetings when preferred. Easily accessible central locations allow for consultants, suppliers, extended team members, family and friends to drop in easily.