About
House Plans Designed with You in Mind
As highly skilled Architects with more than 25 years of experience, we cater to a niche market. Our clients are typically those that want house plans that are different from the rest—an original, quality, custom home. We invite you to experience the difference between basic construction and fine architectural home building.
Family owned and operated by a mother/daughter team, our residential architectural firm caters to our clients' needs by providing personalized services. Our specialists have focused expertise in various fields and understand the mechanical, technical, and structural requirements and challenges unique to each project. When you use our firm for your job, you can expect extraordinary designs, meticulously prepared construction documents, and unwavering guidance throughout the entire process.
Jeannette Brendel has a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and is licensed in Illinois and Missouri. She opened the firm in 1996. She is also a member of The American Insitute of Architects (AIA). Her daughter, Brandy Pingsterhaus also earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington University as well as a Master of Architecture from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. She is licensed in Illinois, a member of the AIA and NCARB Certified.
Architecture is our family's passion. We strive to create a unique design for each and every client. In 25 years, we have designed hundreds of new homes, additions and renovations. It is exciting to work with owners and help them reallize their dreams. The best part of the job is walking through the new space with them and feeling their excitement. At Brendel Architects, we love what we do!
Both Jeannette and Brandy have been chosen by St. Louis Homes and Lifestlyes Magazine to judge competitoins for Kitchen and Bath of the year. It is quite an honor to work with them.
Brandy was awarded the St. Louis Homes and Lifestyles Magazine's "5 Under Forty" for Architecture in October 2018. This award recognizes 5 top designers under forty years old in the St. Louis area.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The process, from start to finish, entails the follow steps.
Phase One: Initial Consultation
Determine the scope of your project by assessing your needs and dreams.
Phase Two: Site Visit
Visit your location to determine topography, easements, utilities, etc. Also, we pay close attention to the aesthetic details of the land (e.g., the best views, summer breezes).
Phase Three: Preliminary Design
Provide scaled schematics, such as floor plans and front elevation. We also provide 3-D views of your home's exterior. After your review, we invite your nput.
Phase Four: Design Development
After revising your project based on your suggestions, we review everything in detail with you. We then expand the drawings and develop the site plan.
Phase Five: Construction Documents
Our CAD operators input the structural skeleton of the building, develop construction details, and lay out the electrical components. We also add construction details, foundation plan, roof framing, and other design elements.
Phase Six: Final Drawings
We present you with the final set of drawings for you to review and approve. After your approval, we'll help you select a general contractor for your project.
Phase Seven: Printing
Give your plans to your chosen builder, and let the project begin! If you'd like, we are available to answer your questions during the building process.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Jeannette Brendel
1988 Began Architectural Internship
1992 Graduated Washington University St Louis, Bachelor of Architecture, Magna Cum Laude
1994 Licensed in Illinois and Missouri
1996 Started Brendel Architects
Brandy Pingsterhaus
2000 Worked at Brendel Architects as Office Manager
2003 Began Architectural Internship
2008 Graduated Washington University St Louis, Bachelor of Architecture, Magna Cum Laude
2014 Graduated Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Master of Architecture
2018 Licensed in State of Illinois
2018 Became Parnter of Brendel Architects
What types of customers have you worked with?
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
The "design process" for your home is the most important part of the entire project. If you start construction with a meticulous, concise and thourough set of drawings, it will save you money and stress during the building process.