As 2023 comes to a close, we at Schmidt Associates reflect on a year rich in community spirit and servant leadership. Our team’s dedication across Indianapolis and Louisville, Ky, has left a lasting impact, reaffirming our commitment to enriching the communities we serve. Here’s a glimpse of how we’ve broadened horizons and built stronger bonds this year.

Decades of Dedication
Over the last ten years, our teams have dedicated over 14,000 volunteer hours, a clear indication of our core culture of servant leadership. This philosophy isn’t just about leading within the confines of our office walls; it extends to leading in our communities by serving them passionately.

Broadening Horizons, Building Bonds
This year, our team members broadened their horizons and built stronger community bonds by contributing their time, energy, and skills to a diverse array of organizations:

Cultural Enrichment: Through our work with the Athenaeum Foundation and the Arts Council of Indianapolis, we’ve helped cultivate a rich cultural landscape where art and heritage thrive. In 2023, CEO and Principal Sarah Hempstead chaired the Grants Committee that annually awards individuals and organizations who enhance and support the development of quality arts performances, programs, professional development, services, exhibitions, and arts activities throughout Central Indiana.

Child and Youth Advocacy: Organizations like Firefly Children & Family Alliance and East 10th United Methodist Children and Youth Center have seen our commitment to the welfare and growth of future generations firsthand. In 2023, Project Manager and Principal Lisa Gomperts served on the Board of Directors and received the James J. Mallon Award for her outstanding service to children. For years, our late COO and Principal Ron Fisher served on the East 10^th United Methodist Children and Youth Center Board of Directors.

Economic Development: Our involvement with and sponsorship of the Economic Club of Indiana has spurred discussions and initiatives aimed at fostering a prosperous, interconnected community.

Community Building and Housing: Partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis and the Riley Area Development Corporation, we’ve actively participated in creating safe, nurturing environments for families.

Health and Emergency Services: Engaging with the American Red Cross and the FBI Citizens Academy of Indiana, we’ve contributed to preparedness and health initiatives that are leading to community resilience. In 2023, Project Manager and Principal Lisa Gomperts served on the Red Cross Board of Directors.

Civic Leadership and Engagement: Through the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) and Rotary Club of Indianapolis, we’ve championed civic involvement and leadership, inspiring positive change. In 2023, CFO and Principal Brett Quandt served on the GIPC Board of Directors.

Support and Well-being: Organizations like the Salvation Army Indiana Division and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis have benefited from our dedication to fostering a supportive, healthy community. For many years, our employees have contributed to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

Enhancing the Profession and the Professional: Through AIA Indiana, Associate Steve Alspaugh has served as the State Disaster Coordinator since 2021. Architectural Graduates Alvin Laguerre, Trisha Martin, and Shorf Afza are part of the 2023 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program that is paving the way to a bright future.

Education and Empowerment: Our efforts with WFYI Public Broadcasting, Junior Achievement of Central Indiana (JACI) have bolstered educational resources and opportunities. CEO and Principal Sarah Hempstead has serves as the JACI Board President and received the Gold Leadership Award in 2021.

Environmental Stewardship: Our engagement with the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest and the Kentucky Science Center reflects our commitment to a sustainable, thriving environment. In 2023, Project Manager | Associate Veena Reddy served on the board for both organizations.

Professional and Community Development: Our involvement in IFMA Louisville, Leadership Louisville, Leadership Indianapolis, and the New Directions Housing Corporation’s Repair Affair shows our commitment to bettering the communities where we live and work. In 2023, Project Manager and Principal Lisa Gomperts was a presenter for IFMA Louisville, Project Manager | Associate Eddie Layton was selected as an SKL XLVII Program participant, and employees from our Louisville office participated in the Repair Affair.

The Joy of Giving: Capping off 2023, we asked our clients to help us pick organizations that resonate with them, and we made an impact by donating to the Louisville Zoo, Felege Hiywot Center, Girls, Inc. the Indiana State Fair Foundation, and Olmstead Parks Conservancy.

Your Call to Action
We invite you to be part of our story of service and impact. Tell us how we can make a difference for the causes you hold dear. Whether it’s supporting a local charity, participating in community development, or spearheading an educational initiative, we’re ready to listen and act.

Send us an email at marketing@schmidt-arch.com with your ideas, suggestions, or causes and tell us why they’re important. Let’s collaborate to make 2024 a year of unparalleled community engagement and impact. Together, we’ll continue designing more than just buildings; we’ll create stronger, more vibrant communities.