Peter Schwartz, AIA | NCARB | LEED AP
Founding Partner
Pete was born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, then studied architecture at the University of Kansas. Part of his degree program included a semester in Denmark, with extensive travel through Europe and design studio taught by practicing Danish architects. Graduating from KU in 1997 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Pete returned to Saint Louis, working at M+H Architects, where he was given the opportunity to work on complex commercial projects, mostly in the education and industrial distribution spaces.
An interest in the design of sacred spaces led him to SLDA, where he was able to experience the full life of an architecture project, from site planning, through schematic design, documentation, and construction. Working with numerous churches, whose buildings are typically assembled in multiple phases over multiple years, Pete developed an appreciation for bold design work that brought order to the complexity of chaotically assembled spaces. Working with not-for-profits, which typically have multiple key stakeholders, helped Pete develop communication skills for leading groups of people to reach positive, meaningful consensus.
In 2004 Pete fulfilled a goal of starting a new architecture practice. In partnership with Brian Van Winkle, and with the help of some friends, they cleared out half of Pete’s house and set up Vessel Architecture’s first office. (Brian and Heidi were already married with kids, which ruled out their house as a candidate for the first office.) Pete and Brian had been friends since their time at the University of Kansas, and practicing architecture together showed that they had complementary skills that brought successful results for their clients and their growing team.
From Vessel’s founding, Pete and Brian sought to create an office of general practitioners; and Vessel’s portfolio has always included many project types, including senior living, retail, worship space, single- and multi-family residential, urban rehab, office-warehouse, and master planning.
Equally important was the goal of building an architecture practice with a healthy culture. In everything Vessel does, emphasis is on serving others to create environments where people flourish. This is as important to Vessel’s own office as to the new buildings they create for others.
Personal Bio
Pete has been married to his wife Bonnie since 2005; they live in the Saint Louis area and love to play with their unbearably cute boy-girl twins and tie-breaking little boy, and their sweet but very stubborn Rhodesian Ridgeback named Penny. Pete is a USTA 4.0 rated tennis player and enjoys competeing in USTA leagues.
Responsibilities
As a founding principal, Pete is responsible for providing primary leadership in vision, finance, and individual service for our clients.
Credentials
American Institute of Architects
NCARB Certified
LEED Accredited Professional
Registered Architect in Missouri, Colorado, California, Texas
Education
Bachelor of Architecture | University of Kansas | 1997
Project Work
The Sheridan at Bethel Park exemplifies innovative design for our elders that reinforces the traditional fabric of the Pittsburg community. Exterior elements rhyme with the surrounding homes while warm interior colors and steel elements evoke tangible links between Pittsburgh’s past and present. The Sheridan at Bethel Park provides a benchmark by which future senior living communities will be measured, modeling a well-sited, integrated approach to senior care.
Summit Community Church needed a great building, but could only afford an old and busted one. Once they found it, we got to work. Their budget was half what we normally advise for a project like the one they were undertaking; but working as a team, we stretched every dollar to accommodate all of their space needs, and achieve a special result. How did we do it? Just ask!
This building is a well-known fixture in St. Louis and is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Greater Goods had a vision to adapt the building into the headquarters for their growing online retail business. They turned to Vessel for our creative muscle and experience with historic structures, Historic Tax Credits, and Brownfield Tax Credits.
Vessel discovered and renovated this long-neglected gem located near the heart of the Grand Center Arts District in Saint Louis. It had a face only an architect could love, but we were captivated by the potential hidden behind the bricked-up doors and windows. The structure was designed as a service station by...
