As Schmidt Associates marks 50 years of design excellence, we are honoring the individuals whose talent, leadership, and vision have shaped the firm’s identity and continued success. Few embody that legacy more fully than Steve Schaecher, AIA, LEED AP, design architect, principal, mentor, and sustainability advocate. Steve’s story is one of imagination, discipline, and dedication. It began with childhood sketches and evolved into a career that has profoundly influenced both our firm and the communities we serve.

Guiding Design with Intention and Integrity

After starting right out of college 35 years ago, Steve has grown into a design architect and principal—now serving as one of the firm’s key leaders.

As the firm’s first architectural quality manager, Steve formalized our quality assurance approach—establishing discipline-specific processes and consistent design reviews that raised the bar on firmwide excellence. His leadership has shaped not just the work we deliver, but the standards we uphold.

A Pioneer in Sustainable Design

Among the firm’s first LEED-accredited architects, Steve helped embed sustainability into the heart of Schmidt Associates’ design process—not as a checklist but as a core value. He laid the foundation for our High-Performance Design Team and continues to champion responsible choices that support building performance, community health, and long-term resilience.

Signature Projects Across Communities

Steve has served as lead designer and project architect on some of Schmidt Associates’ most defining work in education, civic, and urban design:

• Lake Central High School – Lead Designer and Project Architect
  A 550,000-square-foot transformation including 92 new classrooms, a three-story academic wing, specialized learning spaces, an Olympic-sized pool with community use, competition gym, 1,100-seat auditorium, and extensive athletic facilities. The work was phased to allow students to remain in the building throughout construction.
• North Central High School – Lead Designer and Project Architect
  A $202 million modernization that increased capacity and redefined the student experience. The project included additions, updated performing arts and athletic facilities, a central commons, and integrated college readiness and support services. Site improvements also enhanced campus circulation and identity.
• Penrose on Mass – Lead Designer and Project Architect
  A mixed-use development in downtown Indianapolis featuring 235 apartments and 40,000 square feet of retail space. The design respected the Mass Ave Cultural District’s historic character while meeting the needs of a growing urban neighborhood.
• Barnes & Thornburg Lobby – Lead Designer and Project Architect
  A sophisticated adaptive reuse of the historic Merchants Bank lobby, preserving original architectural details while creating a modern client experience for one of Indianapolis’ largest law firms.

A Mentor and Culture Builder

Steve has also played a key role in shaping Schmidt Associates’ architectural team. Through his involvement in hiring, onboarding, and mentorship, he has helped develop a culture grounded in learning, collaboration, and professional growth.

A legacy of leadership—and laughter

Known for saying that laughter is the best medicine, Steve brings a genuine sense of humor and approachability to his leadership.

An Architect and Author

Steve’s creativity extends beyond the built environment. He is also a published author and illustrator of several humorous books that explore architecture through a playful lens:

• Outhouses by Famous Architects (2000)
• Mobile Homes by Famous Architects (2002)
• Phone Booths by Famous Architects (2004)

These works reflect his unique ability to blend artistry, humor, and insight, inviting others to experience design in unexpected ways.

As we celebrate 50 years, it’s only fitting to reflect on the leaders who’ve shaped our path—like Steve Schaecher. His impact on design, sustainability, mentorship, and culture has helped define who we are and where we’re going.

Explore 50 years of impact—celebrating the people, projects, and moments that have made us who we are.