Our Firm
American Design, Inc. (ADI) is a fourteen-year-old full service architectural firm located in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Our talented management team is dedicated to bringing a high level of architectural and management skills to each project. We do this by utilizing a team approach, which begins by listening to our clients.
Mission Statement
American Design’s mission is to provide our clients with quality architectural services in a professional manner, at a fair price, consistently.
Client Comments about Us
Eppstein Uhen Architects, John J. Miceli, AIA, Principal states:
“I have known John T. Williams (JT) and American Design, professionally for over 10 years. They served as a consultant for our firm for numerous Milwaukee Public School Projects. Initially, they helped us provide ADA Compliance for our MPS renovation projects. Subsequently, their work has grown to include full design, and complete production of construction documents. Their diligent follow-through has led to the successful completion of many projects. During this project work, I found JT and American Design to be pro-active team members and steadfast professionals. I feel they are knowledgeable and able to manage the entire construction process. I would highly recommend JT and American Design for other projects.”
HKS, Inc., Craig Stockwell, AIA, Vice President states:
“Beginning in 1994 American Design Inc. (ADI) joined with HKS, Inc. to participate in the Miller Park Baseball project. ADI has performed various design related services, which include the following;
Architectural Construction Documents
Construction Administration
On Site Representation
Minority Participation Coordination
ADI has continually provided personnel and services as needed to meet the requirements of the project. Their knowledge of local design and construction-related issues has been a valuable asset to the team. In the future, we look forward to a continued strong working relationship.”
CG Schmidt, Inc, Steven Chamberlin, President states:
“Dear JT,
On behalf of CG Schmidt, I want to express our appreciation for the exceptional service you and your associates have provided to us over the years. Your leadership, dedication and creativity with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and Mitchell Field projects has been so impressive, our managers have embraced your firm as a key partner with CG Schmidt.
JT, there is nothing more valuable to us in today’s construction industry than to work with the limited number of firms like yours who are known for total reliability.”
YWCA of Greater Milwaukee, Robert J. Kettenhoven, Facilities Mgr. states:
“On behalf of the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee, I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for American Design, Inc. Having collaborated with American Design on several occasions, it is my opinion that their work is among the highest quality in the business.
A number of years ago, the YWCA renovated its James Anderson Building, a mixed-use facility offering a senior living community, retail stores and office space. Prior to this project, I had no experience in working with any type of design firm. Not knowing what to expect, I was surprised at the ease of working with American Design. From the first phone call to the completed project, John Williams and his team were attentive to every detail.
It has been wonderful to work with such a professional, friendly staff. In fact, having been thoroughly impressed with the work on the James Anderson building, we have decided to use American Design on one of our upcoming projects.
Working with American Design has been a great experience. I recommend their services and plan to use them in the future. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 414.267.3163”
Homeowners Satisfaction with the HOPP Residential Sound Insulation Program at General Mitchell International Airport, under the Department of Parks and Public Infrastructure, conducted follow-up interviews to identify customer satisfaction:
“A remarkable 100% of the 110 homeowners with whom we spoke indicated their overall level of satisfaction with the SIP program was either excellent (79%) or good (21%).
Project Approach
Successful projects are the result of the Client/Architect relationship. Initially, American Design, Inc. seeks to establish clear client communications to understand the purpose of the project and the objectives to be obtained. Solutions can then be tailored to meet those specific needs efficiently. Regardless of the project’s scope, ADI’s methodology starts with a written program that defines the objectives following an initial client interview.
What we hear at the interview will direct our efforts in a feedback loop process. This approach matches the client’s program needs to budgets, code constraints, timelines and project procedures unique to each client.
Regular communications are scheduled in each phase, as design solutions, construction drawings and specifications are prepared. Quality Control measures are instituted to further ensure solutions are obtained that fit the objectives first expressed. The relationship built with the client broadens in the construction administration phase. In our experience, the rapport with our clients continues to grow as construction proceeds. We enjoy the satisfaction of a job done well and the relationships developed: a successful project.
Primary Markets Served
Educational institutions, housing developers, municipalities and larger architectural firms are the primary markets we serve. Our clients include Milwaukee Public School System, Schools participating in the Choice School program, Milwaukee County, the City of Milwaukee, Marquette University, General Mitchell International Airport, Inner City Redevelopment Corporation, Engberg Anderson Design Partnership to name a few. For these clients we provide the following types of architectural services:
Government and Commercial Offices
Retail
Schools K-12 and have the capacity for higher educational facilities
Restaurants
Remodeling
Housing
Health Care including hospitals and clinics
Specialty Markets Served
Elevators (with assistance from consultants)
American Disability Act Compliance Analysis
Planning
Window Replacement
Auditoriums-with assistance from consultants
Areas of Expertise
Complete Architectural Services (Programming, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, Specifications, Close Out)
Interior Design and Space Planning
Urban Design and Site Planning
Minority Participation Coordination Services
Owner’s Representative Services
Construction Management Services/Cost Estimating
Transportation Studies and related Design
Mechanical & Electrical Engineering (through consultants)
Specific Areas of Service to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation
American Design, Incorporated can service the needs of the State of Wisconsin in following areas:
1)Elevators
2)Lecture Halls
3)Kitchens
4)Housing-Dormitories
5)Educational Facilities
6)Office Renovations
7)Sports Facilities
8)Parking Structures
9)Site Planning
10)Facilities Planning
11)Remodeling
12)Health Care (clinics/hospitals)
13)ADA Compliance Analysis
14)Auditoriums
Market Area:
ADI will work on projects in the following counties:
Grant / Fond du Lac / Kenosha / Rock / WashingtonColumbia / Green / Manitowoc / Racine / Waukesha
Dane / Green Lake / Milwaukee / Sheboygan / Winnebago
Dodge / Jefferson / Ozaukee / Walworth / Taylor
Completed Projects with ADI as Project Architect:
Project Name / Location / Date Completed / Cost in MillionsMPS ML King, Jr. School / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 2.8
MPS Hi Mount School / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 4.1
MPS Kluge School / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 0.99
MPS Cyber school / Milwaukee, WI / 1998 / 7.5
L. S. Beauchamp Townhouses Phase I / Milwaukee, WI / 1996 / 2.5
L.S. Beauchamp Townhouses-Phase II / Milwaukee, WI / 1998 / 3
Reverend Sullivan Townhouses-Phase I / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 3.5
James Anderson Housing / Milwaukee, WI / 2003 / **
Kosciuszko Pool Bathhouse / Milwaukee, WI / 1997 / 2.5
Compuware Offices / Milwaukee, WI / 1998 / **
Downtown River Walk / Milwaukee, WI / 1994 / 14
GMIA Retail Renovation / Milwaukee, WI / 2004 / 6
** Cost withheld per client
Completed Projects with ADI as member of a larger team:
Project Name / Location / Date Completed / Cost in MillionsMiller Park / Milwaukee, WI / 2001 / 562
Midwest Airlines Center / Milwaukee, WI / 1998 / 170
Milwaukee Auditorium / Milwaukee, WI / 2003 / 3.2
GMIA Concourse Gate Renovation / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 20
Park lawn Housing Renovation / Milwaukee, WI / 2001 / **
Trostel Tannery Condominiums / Milwaukee, WI / 1994 / **
Housing Authority of Milwaukee (HACM)
Facilities Maintenance / Milwaukee, WI / 2001 / 30
Marquette University Dormitory / Milwaukee, WI / 2000 / 12
Milwaukee Connector Transit Studies / Milwaukee, WI / 2005 / 2
Baptist East Hospital / Kentucky / 2006 / 50
** Cost withheld per client
Projects completed by registered architects prior to employment at ADI:
James Piwoni, AIA
Project Name / Location / Date CompletedInternational Building / Milwaukee, WI / 1994
Design Guidelines for Historic 3rd Ward / Milwaukee, WI / 1994
Wehr Nature Center Expansion Project / Franklin, WI / 1994
South Shore Park Pavilion Restoration / Milwaukee, WI / 1994
Gregg Steevens, AIA
Project Name / Location / Date CompletedFalls Medical Group / Menomonee Falls, WI / 1993
Sullivan Corp. Offices & Manufacturing / Hartland, WI / 1992
Muskego High School / Muskego, WI / 1992
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center / New York, NY / 1991
Detroit Sinai Hospital / Detroit, MI / 1990
Technical Expertise:
John T. Williams, President, has been actively involved in the Milwaukee Area construction community. He has spent several years as the Vice President for a major General Contractor. Mr. Williams is responsible for sales, marketing and corporate management of the firm. Along with his marketing skills, he is knowledgeable in project budgeting, cost estimating, finance packaging, construction management and implementation and management of minority components.
James L. Piwoni, AIA, has extensive background in commercial, educational, and institutional building design, master planning, adaptive reuse, neighborhood revitalization for city districts and small towns. His skills and experience are comprehensive and include programming, concept and design development, and client relations. As the Managing Architect, he is experienced in all aspects of project management including; coordination of project consultants and schedules, management of budgets and change orders, and supervision of technical staff in preparation of construction documents.
Currently, American Design has six staff members. In addition, we possess the capability to increase our personnel to meet the demands of a specific project or increasing workloads.
As a firm, American Design, Inc. has established programs in designing, implementing and managing Minority Participation for various clients. Working with our clients to develop successful minority participation programs, our services include; establishing realistic participation levels, identification of qualified minority firms, acting as liaison between contractors and minority firms, report preparation, monitoring participation levels throughout the project phases and serving as liaison to public and government agencies.
An additional aspect of our business involves serving as Construction Managers/Owner's Representative for residential and commercial developments. We have the capability to assist the owner in a variety of aspects of the construction process. We have assisted owners in securing financing, successful grant writing, compiling construction costs, and selecting the architect, General Contractor, and other development team members. We represent the owner throughout the construction process focusing on a quality job, completed safely, on time, and within budget.
Summary
American Design's management team is dedicated to bringing a high level of architectural and management skills to each project. We are committed to work diligently for our client and to provide a positive project environment with emphasis on design quality, maintaining budgets and meeting deadlines. By using a team approach, we do what is necessary to provide our clients with the service they desire at a fair price, consistently.
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