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!

VALUES

We believe that everything happens for a reason. We gravitate towards the following core values: Humility, Originality, Moxie, Authenticity, Integrity, Autonomy and Advocacy. Each value plays an important role in how we practice, professionally and personally. We are good listeners and quick learners. Above all, we are fearless advocates for our client, the profession, and the community at large. Humility is our superpower. We understand the failure is not the opposite of success, it’s vital to success.

DID YOU KNOW

Did you know that professional licensure is not required by law to practice single family residential design in most states including MN? It’s sad but it’s true. Imagine if that were the case for lawyers or doctors. Becoming even eligible to become a licensed architect requires years of education, and apprenticeship, and then grueling exams. Once becoming licensed, renewal requires continuing education credits and fees. On the flip side, professional licensure is required for anyone designing homes to use ‘Architect, Architecture, or Architectural’ in their language, legally. One can easily look up all licensed architects on the Board’s website: https://mn.gov/aelslagid/roster.html

Andrea has maintained the utmost respect for her profession since first becoming licensed in NY state in 2003. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, and has served as Director for AIA MN’s MPLS chapter. She has also served as guest critic for numerous design studios at her alma mater, Notre Dame’s School of Architecture. It is only with hard work and cost that one attains the legal right to call oneself architect and it’s up to all of us to protect that right.

I’d like to share a story with you. What began as a clerical mistake guided me towards reform. I rarely make mistakes and the shame of making one weighed heavily on me. But I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason and this is no different. Fearlessness is not the absence of fear. It’s the mastery of fear. It’s about learning how to pick yourself up more times than you get knocked down.

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.

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.