People

Our mission to “create places where people flourish” starts right here with this team of extraordinary professionals. We are an exceptionally talented and qualified team of professionals who are absolutely dedicated to our clients’ success. Most of us are fully licensed architects, making Vessel one of the most experienced and credentialed firms in the area.

Core Values

Our values guide the way we work and treat each other, our clients, and those with whom we are privileged to do business.

PROFESSIONALISM

  • We are dignified (having or showing a composed or serious manner that is worthy of respect).

  • We are steady (firmly fixed, supported, or balanced; not shaking or moving).

  • We do work (not drama, blame, or guilt).

  • We advocate tirelessly for our clients, especially through difficult situations.

CREATIVITY

  • Our creative process starts with listening to understand our client’s vision and needs.

  • We have unique creative strengths that help our clients succeed.

  • Our clients understand that they need creativity AND drawings – not just drawings. We provide them with both.

  • We are creative problem-solvers. We don’t get stuck.

OWNERSHIP

  • We get stuff done.

  • We don’t practice defensively, nor do we do “CYA”.

  • We solve problems without casting blame or hiding behind others.

  • We treat our clients’ money as if it were our own.

TRUST

  • We enjoy each other’s trust and work daily to earn it.

  • We deliver good news and bad news clearly to each other and our clients.

FRIENDSHIP

  • We are for people, not against them.

  • We are polite and considerate to everyone.

  • We are humble, putting others above ourselves.

  • We are quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

  • We collaborate (work jointly to accomplish our objectives).

Culture

We’re the kids who always knew what we wanted to be when we grew up. Everywhere we turn, we see undiscovered solutions, opportunities to overcome challenges, and wonderful buildings to be designed. Throughout all our work, we hope you will see the common thread that we call rigorous creativity. In even the most challenging project, we allow our imaginations to consider every possibility, with results that exceed our clients’ expectations in ways they had not imagined.

At Vessel, our clients are a vital part of our design team. We listen closely to your vision, and we create solutions that support your goals. When you work with Vessel, you’ll share our optimism and imagination for great architecture…and we hope you’ll find enjoyment – and fun – in the process!

Instagram Feed

Check out what Roger Manwaring’s been up to in and out of the office in our latest employee spotlight in the link in bio! #wecreateplaceswherepeopleflourish
As we head into Thanksgiving this week, we wanted to celebrate the places that bring families together. We’re passionate about designing spaces where families connect, meals are shared, and stories unfold. At Vessel, we’re honored to be able to design places that make these moments possible. We wish you a warm, joyful holiday surrounded by the ones you love. #wecreateplaceswherepeopleflourish
"The integration of AI in architectural rendering represents a significant leap forward for our industry. By harnessing tools like Midjourney, Diffusion, Veras, and Forma, we can push the boundaries of creative visualization, delivering compelling images that bring design to life. We’re determined to remain on the cutting edge of this fast-moving technology." Read more about how we use AI in our latest Research & Insight piece by Brian Van Winkle, Peter Schwartz, & Roger Manwaring in the link in bio! This article is the second in a series exploring the intersection of architecture and artificial intelligence, aiming to demystify the technology and inspire innovative applications within our industry.

Here’s a glimpse at what it means at Vessel to create places where people flourish. We engage with our clients in the creative process, sometime with cutting edge technology like Virtual Reality, and sometimes simply listening to our clients share their dreams.

What makes us architects? We draw.

Careers at Vessel

We’re Hiring!

We're looking for great people to join us on our mission to “Create Places Where People Flourish!”. That starts right here with our friendships and extends to the buildings we design and the teams we work with. At Vessel we value each other and our clients as professionals and friends. We take ownership of every problem that stands in the way of our clients’ success. And we foster a spirit of teamwork that crushes problems and sets our clients up for success. We eschew hierarchy, turf, and pride in favor of humbly serving each other and our clients.

Would you flourish here?

We select the best. Our culture of trust, work, and fun depends on it. We’re looking for people who are humble, hungry, and smart. People who are up for the challenge and excitement of improving everything they touch. How would you answer these questions…

  • Do you enjoy collaborating on exciting projects with friendly professionals who make work fun?

  • Are you looking for opportunities to take on greater responsibility and expand your skills?

  • Are you more talented than experienced or feel more experienced than appreciated?

  • Do you value talent over title?

If you answered "Yes!" to any of these, then for the love of coffee, contact us!

We have strong core values

Find out who we are and what we stand for by clicking here… Who We Are — Meet Our Team — Vessel (vesselarchitecture.com)

We offer the full package!

  • Top Level Compensation

  • Shared Success Bonus Program

  • 401k Plan with Employer Matching Incentive

  • 100% Health Insurance Premiums + HSA Matching

  • Available Vision & Dental

  • Long Term Disability

  • Flexible Paid Time Off

  • Mobile Phone Stipend of $50/month

  • Highly flexible hybrid office / work from home

  • Mentoring for AXP and licensure with Exam reimbursement

  • Smooth Onboarding Process

  • Great work environment

  • Fully equipped fitness center

  • Great work culture

  • Ergonomic workplace with sit/stand desks & Aeron chairs

  • Comfortable, modern, open office

Flourish with us!

Send your resume & portfolio/work examples by clicking on this email link.

We look forward to hearing from you!

 Technology

Build consensus among stakeholders!

Create excitement for investors!

VR helps our clients build consensus among their team, excitement for investors, and market the building to users and tenants.  And we’re not limited by location; VR technology lets us deliver 3D web experiences for your website; portable Google Cardboard experiences; and full-blown immersive VR systems that can be hosted on-site.

BASIC VR (INCLUDED!)
We insist on integrating Basic VR services for no additional fee. This gives you a “white box” VR experience of form, volume, and space, but does not require the resources to include materials, colors, finishes, fixtures, furniture, or site information. But so much more is possible!

ADVANCED VR
Vessel can provide advanced VR services that complete the process of bringing your building to life virtually.  Advanced VR services enhance the exterior of your project with accurate site contour modeling, site features, landscaping, and entourage.  Advanced interior VR adds photo-realistic and accurate materials, colors, trim, furniture, fixtures, and entourage. Deliverables can include a wide array of publishing formats from traditional print, to web-ready orbit views, VR stations, and even YouTube animations.

What People Say About Us…

Featured
Chris Baechle | CEO, Cardinal Ritter Senior Services

Our newest memory care communities, Michael and Gabriel, align with Cardinal Ritter Senior Services’ values of providing dignity, hospitality, service, excellence, compassion and joy. With beautiful and easily accessible common areas, exposure to natural lighting and carefully selected wayfinding architecture, our memory care residents live a full life with dignity and joy.

Scott Wilson | CEO, SM Wilson & Co.

“First of all your staff is so darn professional yet easy to work with. We seek out firms like yours once we know they exist because it makes our work easier and the outcome of a project more successful. Regarding  Clarendale of St. Peters, the completeness of Vessel’s documents have made all the difference. The subcontractors bidding this work knew exactly what to bid and RFIs we’re almost non-existent. Of more importance to the Owner was the savings which resulted from the subs knowing precisely what to bid. I have told numerous people in last last 6 months that the clarity of the drawings produced by Vessel Architects has made Clarendale  one of our most successful projects to date.”

Mike Marchal | President, Holland Construction Services, Inc.

“With confidence I can recommend Vessel to any developer.  When Vessel is on the team, you can expect a collaborative environment with a focus on the clients’ needs and overall project success.  Vessel’s experience, insightful questions, active listening, thoughtful leadership and decision making all lead to a positive experience for the stakeholders.  Brian and his team will not allow for anything less.  As a contractor, we appreciate Vessel’s attention to detail and that they design with the budget in mind.  They care about the smallest details recognizing that costs are best controlled by eliminating grey area and/or excess redundancy.  Vessel is a fantastic partner and we look forward to many more successful projects together.”

Richard C. Lawrence | Private Client

Your company has exemplified Christ's message, "Love your neighbor." We will keep you informed of the progress made during the next few months; your donation will allow us to get a great start! I was in deep despair after my property...

Dan & Tina | Private Clients

Vessel helped us throughout the process of our residential home design by thoughtfully and systematically walking with us as we described our dream. The team offered creative options that we had never considered and that stretched our thinking about...

Jan Wacker | Boys Hope Girls Hope, St. Louis

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for helping make our new Boys Hope Girls Hope St. Louis campus -- a “home”. When it comes to architectural firms and designers there are loads that talk a good game, but you helped us make it happen. Your guidance and expertise from the onset of our project helped capture our needs. Your Vessel staff were professional and enthusiastic from the start ( multiple starts!) helping to capture our needs using creative and innovative project planning. Thank you for all you did to make our project painless and successful!”

Dixie Shafer | Grace Community Chapel

Every Sunday when we arrive to church, I am so thankful for the beautiful facility we have. Whichever way you enter the church - it is a pleasant entry; the concourse is great! To sum it up, I just wanted to say "thank you" for such a good job. May God bless you and your family!

Keith Steiskal | Village of Lombard

"The Lombard Place Assisted Living and Memory Care project was a great example of how Architects and Code Officials can work together to create the safest, economically feasible, and most enjoyable building to live. This project, in particular, involved months of discussions with Brian about the complexities of building code and specifically the different use-groups. This type of discussion is crucial since the code, in many cases, has to catch up with trends in design..."

Ryan Booth | Weis Builders

"Brian and his team are full of great ideas - eager to collaborate, and they bring a culture of teamwork to their projects. Brian’s approach to coordination, problem solving, and taking advantage of opportunities is to roll up his sleeves, figure it out, and press on as a General Contractor, it's a breath of fresh air to have this type of support and direction from an Architect..."

 

Morgan Robinett on Interning at Vessel

"When I started at Vessel, I was expecting the typical internship experience that everyone jokes about--make the coffee, organize the material library, and meticulously detail layouts in AutoCAD. But it was clear from the beginning that Vessel offered so much more.  I was surrounded by a team of close knit, talented designers who became my mentors. They made sure that I was involved in multiple phases of the design process, and continuously challenged my ability to seek creative solutions.  At Vessel, I learned how to be a part of a team, and I had the opportunity to innovate and learn within an engaging, professional environment."

Dan Rubel | Weis Builders

"We are currently working on our 2nd project with Brian and his team. I have worked with few design firms, over the course of my career as a general contractor, that offer the level of expertise and attention to detail that Vessel Architecture has offered on both projects. In addition to the outstanding quality of their design, Vessel’s willingness to be a collaborative partner has benefitted the client, the contractors and the overall success of the projects."

Wendy Jacobs | Tobakko's

“Jenn, I am honored that Tobakko's is your first Building Permit!!! You're fabulous to work with and so talented! Love the picture! Thanks so much!”

Make-A-Wish Foundation Remodel

“I can personally attest Peter Schwartz, and the team at Vessel are not only experts in their field, but philanthropic-minded! Peter was the lead on a Make-A-Wish project for a little boy who wished to have a multi-sensory room. Peter was able to take a vision and make it reality ultimately providing a lasting impact on our wish family!”

Charles Hall | C Hall Construction

 "Having worked on several projects together, we have found that Brian brings thoughtful and considerate planing to the project team, always putting the client first. We look forward to participating in many more projects with Brian and Vessel Architecture."

 

 

Richard D. Prahl, P.E. | Director | St. Charles Assembly of God Building Committee

I found it a pleasure to work with Brian and Peter who were both very professional, easy to work with, and sensitive to the constraints of the church budget.

Michael Longfellow | Senior Vice President Construction & Development | Spectrum Retirement

"Vessel has consistently met, and exceeded, our expectations. Along with the many concrete qualities that Vessel’s principals and team members bring to the table – design talent and technical expertise – they also offer an important intangible: they are enjoyable to work with."

Alan Bugg | Executive Pastor | Morningstar Church

"Vessel went above and beyond to ensure our build was on time and on budget. They paid attention to the details and provided great communication between the Owner, Contractor and Architect. They understood our needs and desires and helped make this a painless experience. I would highly recommend them for any size job!"

Kurt H | Private Client | Make-A-Wish Room

"This morning while L was at school, I tacked some picture hangers up under the rocket and draped a string of holiday lights about 6 feet up inside. Early out today, so after his lunch I brought him in to the corner (bubble light off, wall panel off) and laid down on the floor next to him, clapping my hands and making noises. He took a few seconds to see the lights up inside, then his dimples showed, growing into one of his classic toothy grins of happiness. L put his stockinged feet up on the mirror and settled in for a noise fest. For awhile he did his tongue clicking routine, and here I am at the other end of the house and can hear him clapping as I type. If there is ever a time when you want to show a client what can be done for children, feel free to bring them to L's room. Words can't express my gratitude."

Dair Hileman | Senior Pastor | Grace Community Chapel

"Working with Vessel has been a wonderful experience for our church. Their ideas are fresh and creative but within the constraints of our budget. In fact, their solutions to our problems saved us a lot of money. They have met repeatedly with our committee and have been clear, organized, and patient. They have shown sensitivity to the culture of our church and the personalities of our people, and their diplomacy has avoided some potential problems on the committee. I highly recommend Vessel!

Mike Lawson | New Frontiers

“Based on my experience I would highly recommend Vessel. Their ability to work with us through a major remodel of an existing historic structure and produce a set of drawings that reflected our desires for using the space was second to none. Their input was helpful in every phase of the project - their knowledge and expertise extended beyond simply generating drawings. This was especially helpful in our case because the complexity of our project required 'build to suit' drawings. Vessel was regularly on site during the demolition and construction phases of our project and was instrumental in seeing the project through. For any future projects I would feel no need to look further than Vessel.

Wade Paschall | Private Client

"When my business partner and I talked with Brian and Vessel Architecture about our project, we had a couple of very different needs. First was to design wine storage pods that absolutely maximized every last inch of warehouse space in our building. The other was to make the remaining office/wine-tasting space feel is open, comfortable and 'non-warehouse like' as possible. The result was a newly renovated interior space that met both needs very well, while working very well together. Plus a great exterior renovation on a building that had been an eyesore on the block. I would not hesitate to call Brian again for our next location."

David Kodner | David Kodner Personal Jeweler

“I want you to know how happy I am with everything you have done and the work you put into this. I had my reservations, I will admit, about spending the kind of money I did for an architect when I did it myself last time; but you have far exceeded my expectations for both service and value for my money. Not that I thought you guys were asking too much, or were not worth it; it was just new to me (I imagine like a guy buying an engagement ring). I only hope I give my clients the service- and just as importantly, the talent- that you all gave to me."

Brett Krug | Solutions MEP Engineering

“Despite the fact that the founders of Vessel Architecture & Design attended the University of Kansas, they have overcome all odds and fared reasonably well. It could be the Wildcat power that they’ve injected into their organization. We manage to get along with them despite our differences, and have not had any fist fights as of yet, at the same time we have not been in the same room during a KSU KU game yet either.”

Tom Reichardt | ReiCon Constructors

“I worked with Brian when he was the architect for a client and my company was the general contractor. I was extremely impressed with his professionalism and his firm. The working relationship went very smoothly. The product that we were able build for the Owner could not have happened without the care and diligence that he put into his documents and the communication coordination between all parties involved. The Owner received the best product for the money spent due to his abilities.”

Bryan Mowrey | Senior Pastor | Jubilee Church

“Pete was great to work with. Our case wasn't cut and dry and he was very patient and accommodating. He gave us a lot of good options and remodeling strategies and was very helpful in not just getting the right initial plan, but in making sure the plan worked (codes, contractors, etc). He was very friendly and demonstrated a good balance of interpersonal skill and technical knowledge.”