Welcome

Our multi-year celebration honors five decades of impactful design, a shared legacy with Arrasmith, and a community of clients, partners, and people who made it all possible.

50 Years of Schmidt Associates

Founded in Indianapolis in 1976, shaping healthcare, education, and civic spaces across the Midwest and beyond.

100 Years of Design in Kentucky

Honoring the legacy of Arrasmith, whose Kentucky expertise and people have deepened our reach and strengthened our practice.

 

Design That Lasts

We’ve dug deep into our archives to build a visual timeline of the projects, milestones, and people that made us who we are today. From hand-drawn sketches in the 1970s to community-centered innovation today, we’re sharing the decades that defined us.

One decade at a time, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with the people who lived it, built it, and shaped it. From hand-drafted drawings on repurposed doors to transformative projects across the region, each episode uncovers the stories, decisions, and people that made Schmidt Associates what it is today.

The 1970s with dean illingworth

In this first chapter, we travel back to 1976 when Schmidt Associates was born from a bold idea, one chair, two employees, and a deep belief that architecture should serve people first.

The 1980s with wes harrison

In the second chapter, we step into the 1980s—cassette tapes, big hair, and a decade that wasn’t afraid to reinvent itself. For Schmidt Associates, it was the era of finding direction.

The 1990s with kevin shelley + steve schaecher

In this third chapter, we step into the 1990s, a decade of dial-up connections, AutoCAD debuts, and a firm that was growing up fast. For Schmidt Associates, it was the era of intention.

The 2000s with ANNA MARIE BURRELL

In the fourth chapter, we step into the 2000s, a decade reshaped by school security, sustainability and the growing belief that a building could be a tool for wellness, community and change. For Schmidt Associates, it was the era of deepening roots.

A series celebrating the people whose leadership, curiosity, and commitment have shaped Schmidt Associates, and the stories that continue to guide our future.

KEVIN SHELLEY, COO/PRINCIPAL

A legacy built on listening, coaching, and people-first design. Discover Kevin’s story.

STEVE SCHAECHER, DESIGN ARCHITECT/PRINCIPAL

A legacy of creativity, collaboration, and lasting impact. Explore Steve’s legacy.

LISA GOMPERTS, PROJECT MANAGER/PRINCIPAL

A legacy of excellence in project leadership and service to others. Read Lisa’s story.

ANNA MARIE BURRELL, K-12 STUDIO LEAD/PRINCIPAL

A legacy of curiosity, care, and community. Learn Anna Marie’s story.

BRETT QUANDT, CFO/PRINCIPAL

A legacy of steady leadership. Explore Brett’s legacy.

STEVE ALSPAUGH, DESIGN ARCHITECT/ASSOCIATE

A legacy of civic impact and servant leadership. Discover Steve’s story.

JOHN “JR” ROBERSON

A legacy of strategic leadership and people-first healthcare design. Read the story.

From iconic landmarks to enduring campus partnerships, this series celebrates the places, partnerships, and ideas that have helped define Schmidt Associates.

THE STREET WAYNE SCHMIDT BELIEVED IN

Before Massachusetts Avenue was a destination, it was a bet. When Wayne Schmidt purchased a fire-damaged building on a neglected stretch of Mass Ave in 1985, he set in motion a story that would define both a neighborhood and a firm. Explore the story.

WHEN BUS TRAVEL BECAME BEAUTIFUL

In 1937, a Louisville bus terminal designed by William S. Arrasmith changed what transportation architecture could be. That pioneering philosophy became part of our DNA when Arrasmith joined Schmidt Associates, and it still shapes how we design today. Discover the terminal that started it all.

RESTORING A SYMBOL: The SoLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT

Rising 284 feet above Monument Circle, Indianapolis’s most iconic landmark needed more than repair. It needed reverence. Schmidt Associates led a multi-phase restoration that preserved Indiana’s civic soul for generations to come, earning the AIA Indiana Legacy Award for Enduring Design Excellence. See the restoration.

BUILT TO BELONG: SCHMIDT ASSOCIATES AND THE NCAA HEADQUARTERS

This landmark project helped solidify Indianapolis as a national sports destination. The story highlights the collaborative culture, thoughtful design, and lasting partnership behind the 180,000-square-foot campus, which continues to serve as a symbol of the NCAA’s connection to the city. Explore the partnership.

DESIGNING FOR GENERATIONS: OUR 40-YEAR HISTORY WITH INDIANA UNIVERSITY

From the Rotary Building and Ernie Pyle Hall to IU Auditorium and Maxwell Hall, this story showcases how thoughtful design and stewardship have shaped generations of learning and community impact. Discover the legacy.

ONE HISTORIC BUILDING THAT HELPED SPARK MASS AVE’S COMEBACK

The Hammond Block restoration was a pivotal project that preserved a historic Indianapolis landmark and helped ignite the revitalization of Massachusetts Avenue. See how Schmidt Associates became an early catalyst in transforming Mass Ave into one of the city’s most vibrant cultural and commercial districts. See the transformation.

MORE THAN A FAIRGROUND: 30+ YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP, PROGRESS, AND PURPOSE

From master planning efforts to the award-winning Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, the story showcases a shared commitment to education, agriculture, and community impact. See how a decades-long partnership transformed a historic campus into a year-round destination—and why it still matters today. Explore the story.

Archibabble 101

After 50 years of design, we’ve picked up a language of our own. Welcome to Archibabble 101, where we break down the buzzwords, big ideas, and building terms that shape how we collaborate, create, and design for the future.

CHARETTE

First up: charette—a word rooted in rapid collaboration and big thinking, and a core part of how we work.

MASONRY

We’re back to break down classic masonry techniques quoins and corbelling and why they still show up in the work we do today.

Moments Captured, Remembered, and Shared

As part of our 50th anniversary, we’re proud to introduce a commemorative coffee table book that brings our story to life through imagery, people, and place. This collection is a thoughtfully curated reflection of who we’ve been and how far we’ve come. Within its pages, you’ll find snapshots of the individuals who have shaped our culture—past and present—alongside striking visuals of projects that represent meaningful milestones along the way. More than anything, this book is a celebration of people, partnerships, and the impact thoughtful design can have over time. Explore the full digital book here. 

Fifty years is not built alone. It is built by the Owners who trusted us, the communities who welcomed us, and the team members who showed up every single day with purpose and pride. We are deeply grateful for every relationship, every project, and every moment that brought us here.

  • "The values that have always grounded us—servant leadership, collaboration, and creativity—are guiding the future we’re designing with innovation, courage, and partnership."

    Sarah Hempstead Chief Executive Officer/Principal

  • “They became part of the fabric of the community and people saw them as one of us.”

    Dr. Lawrence Veracco, Superintendent MSD of Lawrence Township

  • "I've never grown in a place like I've grown here. I've become a leader through servant leadership. Schmidt is a culture of belonging and from day one I felt like I was meant to be here."

    Veena Reddy Senior Project Architect/Principal

  • "Schmidt Associates was founded on the idea that we bring our skills to be at the disposal of the people we're serving so that they can use them to help forward the missions that are valuable to them. Through servant leadership, we're able to take everything we have and put it into our work to help make the world a better place."

    Jen Carroll Project Manager/Associate

  • "We picked Schmidt Associates because, from our first conversation, we could tell you really cared about this project. We would not be here without you.”

    Heather Pease, President Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center

  • “Not only are they great designers, but they’re also in the business of building relationships.”

    Christine Paulson, CEO Indiana Youth Group

  • "Having been part of nearly four decades of this journey, I see this anniversary as a celebration of the people, projects, and impact we’ve built together."

    Mary Ellen Wolf Senior Project Architect/Associate

  • “Schmidt Associates took the time to listen to our wants, needs, and our past successes and failures to design our campus for generations to come.”

    Kevin McCoy, KY Venues Kentucky Exposition Center

  • “They remain a trusted partner in helping us move forward with purpose.”

    Daniel Elsener, President Marian University

  • "People don’t care what you know until they know that you care. If we continue to lead with genuine care and servant leadership, we’ll continue to build not just projects, but relationships that matter. That’s what sets us apart."

    Steve Alspaugh Design Architect/Associate

  • “It’s refreshing to work with a team that feels like they are on our side, invested in what is best for Goshen College.”

    Brian Mast, Associate VP for Facilities Management Goshen College

  • “Their professionalism, creativity, insight, reliability and ethics are remarkable.”

    Elizabeth Head, Head of School International School of Indiana

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  • Founders Grove Tribute

    As a living tribute to the leaders who built our legacy, Schmidt Associates launched Founders Grove, a tree-planting campaign honoring the individuals who shaped our firm and the communities we serve.

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  • Meet Our People

    The story of Schmidt Associates has always been about people. Hear from employees across the firm as they reflect on the culture, collaboration, and purpose behind the work we do.

    WATCH THE VIDEO

A First Impression That Lasted

When Kathryn Roche started as an intern at Schmidt Associates, founder Wayne Schmidt took time out of his day to personally walk her through the building and share his vision for the firm. More than a decade later, that moment still shapes how she shows up for others.