Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Architectural Solutions
Founded in 1976, Schmidt Associates has grown from a one-person practice to a multidisciplinary firm with over 150 employees across offices in Indianapolis and Louisville. Guided by Servant Leadership principles, we prioritize client needs through collaborative design processes that integrate architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction administration. Our team brings decades of experience in community, healthcare, education, and workplace sectors, delivering innovative solutions that align with clients' missions. With a combined 130-year legacy through our merger with Arrasmith, we emphasize sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and technical excellence.Our approach combines Better Foresight to anticipate challenges, Better Insight to understand client aspirations, and Better On-Site execution to ensure projects meet budgets, timelines, and quality standards. Recognized for transformative projects across 28 states and seven countries, we maintain long-term partnerships with 80% of our business coming from repeat clients. Our commitment to community impact was acknowledged by the Indianapolis City-County Council in 2016, and we continue to shape environments that enhance lives through purpose-driven design.
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Energy Solutions
Interior Design
Site Design
Construction Administration
Master Planning
Facility Assessments
Owner Representation
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 49 years of Indiana architectural experience with 99-year legacy in Kentucky
- Servant Leadership approach prioritizes client needs throughout project lifecycle
- 80% of business comes from repeat clients across 28 states
- Integrated 'Better Foresight. Better Insight. Better On-Site.' methodology ensures project success
- LEED-certified sustainable design expertise from K-12 to healthcare facilities
Associations and certifications
- WBE Certified
What people say
Excellent stakeholder engagement
Innovative design solutions
Dedicated project teams
Transformative community impact
Long-term partnerships
Services
Architecture
Our architecture services focus on creating transformative spaces that align with client missions. We engage stakeholders early to understand organizational needs, then deliver innovative designs that enhance functionality and aesthetics. With expertise across community, healthcare, education, and workplace sectors, we transform concepts into award-winning buildings that serve clients' long-term goals.
Engineering
Our mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology (MEPT) engineering services prioritize energy efficiency and occupant comfort. We design systems that reduce operational costs while maintaining reliability, integrating sustainable solutions that meet LEED certification standards. From new construction to facility retrofits, our engineers ensure technical excellence that supports building performance throughout its lifecycle.
Interior Design
Guided by servant leadership principles, our interior designers create functional, inspiring environments that reflect organizational culture. We balance aesthetic vision with practical needs, developing spaces that enhance productivity and well-being. Our process ensures every design element aligns with client missions while maintaining budgetary constraints and operational requirements.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans that balance current needs with future growth potential. Our approach combines stakeholder engagement with technical analysis to create adaptable frameworks for campus evolution. By integrating sustainability principles and prioritizing flexibility, we help clients make informed decisions about facility investments that support long-term organizational objectives.
Facility Assessments
Our multidisciplinary assessments evaluate building systems and site conditions using weighted metrics for accurate prioritization. We deliver actionable reports with real-time updating visualizations to support capital planning decisions. This data-driven approach helps clients understand facility needs, plan maintenance schedules, and allocate resources effectively for long-term asset management.
People
Sarah Hempstead
Chief Executive Officer | Principal
Leading Schmidt Associates since 2020, Sarah Hempstead brings decades of architectural experience and strategic vision to our firm. Her leadership focuses on expanding our impact through innovative design solutions and sustainable practices while maintaining our servant leadership ethos.
Ben Simmons
Principal-in-Charge
With extensive expertise in architectural design and project management, Ben Simmons oversees key client relationships and studio operations. His leadership ensures our workplace studio delivers spaces that align with organizational missions and foster employee engagement.
John Robertson
Principal-in-Charge
Leading our healthcare studio, John Robertson combines clinical insights with architectural innovation to create healing environments. His 25+ years of experience in healthcare design focus on improving patient outcomes through evidence-based spatial solutions.
Anna Marie Burrell
Principal-in-Charge
As K-12 studio leader, Anna Marie Burrell specializes in creating educational spaces that enhance learning outcomes. Her designs prioritize flexibility and safety while reflecting each school district's unique identity and community values.
Joseph Jarzen
Client Liaison | Associate
Bringing technical expertise and client-focused approach, Joseph Jarzen serves as key contact for community projects. His work emphasizes stakeholder engagement and placemaking strategies that strengthen neighborhood identities through architectural solutions.
Questions
What architectural services does Schmidt Associates offer?
We provide full-service architecture, engineering, interior design, and construction administration across community, healthcare, education, and workplace sectors.
How does Schmidt Associates approach sustainable design?
Our sustainability focus includes LEED-certified designs, energy-efficient systems, and material selection that minimizes environmental impact while meeting client budget requirements.
What makes Schmidt Associates different from other firms?
Our Servant Leadership philosophy prioritizes client needs through collaborative processes that combine Better Foresight, Better Insight, and Better On-Site execution.
Do you work with clients outside Indiana and Kentucky?
Yes, we've completed projects across 28 states and seven countries while maintaining our Indianapolis and Louisville headquarters.
How do you handle complex renovation projects?
Our team specializes in adaptive reuse, balancing historical preservation with modern functionality through detailed condition assessments and phased implementation plans.
Can you assist with facility master planning?
We develop comprehensive master plans using stakeholder input and data analysis to create flexible frameworks supporting long-term organizational growth and development.
Videos
