HELLO. NICE TO MEET YOU.

Allow us to tell you a bit about who we are. We are a team and process-driven, boutique professional design firm comprised of A-team individuals who share a genuine passion, no-nonsense work ethic, and above all, kindness in our approach. We practice what we preach. We treat others as we wish to be treated. We do what we love, and love what we do. People are our passion, as much as the homes that we design for them. Creativity inspires us, solutions motivate us. Exceeding expectations is our motto, listening is our creed. Welcome and happy to have you here.

WE’RE HIRING TALENTED PEOPLE.

Do you have a passion for creative spaces and unique, whimsical design solutions? We’re always on the lookout for bright, talented individuals with open minds and open hearts. Join our professional, process-driven team of dream home makers, movers, and shakers. We do what we love, and love what we do, and if you’re up for design challenges and ready to flex that positive attitude, we’d love to hear from you! Drop us an email or give us a call to start the conversation.

ANDREA PESCHEL SWAN

AIA

• Registered Architect in Minnesota and New York since 2003
• 26 Years Professional Experience
• Extensive experience in Residential Design, as well as experience in Town Planning, Commercial, Office, Recreational and Civic Architecture.
• Certificate Holder, NCARB
• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Member, Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America
• AIA MPLS Chapter Board, past Director

Andrea's passion for architecture began at young age while spending summers in Europe - her parents immigrated from Slovakia, and her family still resides throughout Europe.

After graduating from Visitation High School located in Mendota Heights, MN, Andrea earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame, including a year at the School of Architecture's Rome Studies Center. Andrea's classical training led her to New York City where she performed her internship and established licensure while devoting more than half-a-decade at the renowned firm of Cooper, Robertson & Partners. Andrea practiced at TEA2 Architects in Minneapolis before founding Swan Architecture in 2009.

Andrea enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two daughters. She also enjoys painting, cooking, fishing, hiking, golf and skiing.

CARLOS BRAVO

ASSOC. AIA

• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Michoacan
• 27 Years of Professional Experience
• 20 Years of Work in Residential Architecture
• 8 Years as Revit Manager
• 5 Years of work in Commercial Architecture

Carlos earned his 5 yr. Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Michoacan in Morelia, Mexico. After graduating he first worked for a residential design and build firm, and then joined one of the largest theater design companies, Cinepolis, creating prototypes for movie complexes in Mexico and Ecuador.

After moving to the United States in 2000, he worked with Brown and Bills Architects in Dayton Ohio; Then after moving to Minnesota he devoted over a decade working with Aulik and Associates, a residential design and build company.

By working in different global locations, Carlos has acquired a diverse knowledge in residential design and different construction systems.

Carlos enjoys spending time with his family, expanding his scientific and technological interests, freestyling his photographic talents, as well as walking, biking and playing tennis.

JOE PAETZEL

AIA

• Registered Architect in Minnesota
• Masters of Architecture Degree, University of Minnesota
• B.S. - Architecture, University of Minnesota
• 23 Years of Professional Experience
• Certificate Holder, NCARB
• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Joe grew up in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis and spent his childhood drawing and thinking of being an architect one day. While on break from college, he took an entry level job for a prominent design/build firm on Lake Minnetonka. After spending a few years in the trenches learning about construction he moved into the office and started doing computer aided drafting. At about the same time, he went back to college to pursue his goal of becoming an architect. He worked his way through college, gaining both a theoretical knowledge of design and a practical knowledge of construction along the way.

Joe loves spending time with his wife of 20 years and their two daughters. Cook out dinners at the fire pit in the backyard are a regular event. So are evenings all cuddled up on the couch as a family playing Nintendo Switch or watching movies. When his family isn’t around, Joe loves learning about the latest technology and scientific advances.

AUDY BACHRAIN

ASSOC. AIA

• Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Deakin University, Melbourne Australia
• 9 Years of Professional Experience
• 5 Years of Experience in Residential Design

Audy hails from Balikpapan, a small coastal town in Indonesia where he spent most of his childhood. In his final year of high school, he seized the opportunity to join an exchange student program in the United Kingdom. This experience ignited his passion in Architecture, and guided him to pursue a degree in Architecture and Building design in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Melbourne, Australia.

His professional experience is diverse including work in design studios in Australia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. He believes People, Culture and Architecture are inseparable and HOME is where everything starts.

Audy finds great joy in cooking and often experiments in the kitchen! In his free time, Audy and his wife operate a small baked goods business called Luna Eid Treats specializing in Indonesian cookie treats.

Julia Severson

AIA

• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Notre Dame
• Registered Architect
• Certificate Holder, NCARB
• 7 years of Experience in Residential Design
• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Julia grew up in the Midwestern heartland of Indiana, earning her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame.

She was fascinated by art, architecture, and textiles from a young age, and her curiosity about architecture was further ignited during her travels in Spain and Italy. This love for travel and design led her to move to New York City after graduation, where she began her career at Fairfax & Sammons Architects. Following her time in New York, Julia further enriched her experience at a high-end residential architecture and interiors firm in Chicago.

She joined Swan Architecture in 2022, working part-time while raising her three young daughters. She and her husband now call St. Paul their home, and together they enjoy exploring the unique offerings of the Twin Cities. Julia loves running, playing with her daughters, and creating in various forms- pencil drawing, watercolor, knitting and sewing.

Katy Dale

Assoc. AIA

• Masters of Architecture, College of Desing and University of Minnesota
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Minnesota
• 22+ years professional experience
• 11+ years residential experience
• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

Katy grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota, her grandfather was a structural engineer and her parents were always dreaming up and building something. This exposure led to an early passion for shaping the world around her.

She holds degrees in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and has been working in the field since 2002. After finishing her masters, Katy spent many years at Christian Dean Architecture, a small creative practice focused on modern residences and boutique commercial projects. With a desire to better understand construction, she transitioned to design-build firms. Working in close collaboration with building specialists accelerated her knowledge of construction methods, detailing and cost drivers.

In her design work, Katy derives inspiration from the uniqueness of each client and strives to integrate her training and experience to develop elegant design solutions that speak to each client’s goals with thoughtful consideration of context, function, materiality and craft.

Katy’s other passion is raising her two boys, which keeps her busy enough! She also enjoys working on her own home, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Cheri Harthaus

Bookkeeper

Cheri grew up in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and joined the Swan Architecture team in 2019, working part-time. She has over 20 years of Bookkeeping and Administrative experience.

In her free time, Cheri enjoys spending time with her three daughters and two granddaughters, gardening, and weekends at the cabin.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE. LOVE WHAT YOU DO.

We believe that the greatest bands are formed not just by immediate need or solicitation, but a bit of serendipity as well. If you or someone you know may have interest, passion, and talent in residential design, and genuine interest in joining our team, please contact us at hello@swanarc.com to start a conversation.