Sandbulte Architecture
I love old buildings!
Mission: Breathe new life into aging structures
​
Expertise without the overhead:
I built my experience on complex renovation projects,
and now as an independent business owner
I can deliver excellent service at a better value.
​
Projects Big and Small
I work with homeowners, commercial owners, developers,
or as a consultant for other architects and builders.
About Me
Mission
My mission is to breathe new life into aging structures.
By reusing existing structures we minimize environmental impact while preserving the rich history and cultural significance of place.
Goals
1. Solve Your Problem: I believe that design should solve problems. I listen to understand your goals and work collaboratively with you to achieve those goals.
​
2. Make the Process Simple: My experience in large, complex renovation projects means I can help break your project down into manageable steps and questions. I aim to de-mystify historic regulations and get you the approvals you need.
3. No Ego: Ego has no place in the design process. We achieve more when we openly collaborate with team members.
Just One Person?
Yes, it's just me: Kimberly Sandbulte. As an independent practitioner I can deliver better quality design work at a lower cost.
​
Critical information isn't lost in hand-offs to other staff.
​
No bait-and-switch: When you hire me, your work isn't handed off to a junior staff or whichever project manager isn't busy at the time.
​
More Efficient = Better Design at a Lower Cost
​
Services
I work with building owners or as a consultant on design teams with other architects and engineers.
I can provide a full range of architectural services, including the items below.
Architectural Design
Rehabilitation, Preservation, Restoration, Adaptive Reuse
My architectural design services are centered around the revitalization of old buildings. My projects often have components of preservation, but also creatively incorporate new functions into historic spaces. I am committed to creating a design that preserves the unique character and cultural significance of your building while ensuring it also meets your needs.
​
Design Services include:
-
Feasibility Studies
-
Scope definition / project goal development
-
Concept Design
-
Schematic Design
-
Design Development
-
Construction Documents
-
Construction Administration
-
Project schedule planning
-
Phased project planning
​
I am a licensed Architect in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Have a project outside of those states? Let's talk - I can add licensure or partner with a local architect.
Historic Regulatory Guidance
SHPO, HPC, Historic Tax Credits
Is your building "Historic" or just plain old? I will help you determine which historic regulations apply and navigate those review and approval processes, such as:
-
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviews
-
Historic / Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) reviews
-
Section 106
​
There are also financial incentives available, including the Historic Tax Credit (both State and Federal) and the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants (known as "Legacy Grants.") Together, we can decide if these incentive programs are a good fit for your project. I will integrate submissions into the project design schedule, with a goal of minimizing the impact to your timeline.
Building Analysis
Condition Assessments & HSRs
Your existing building has issues, and you don't know where to start or how to fund the work. A Condition Assessment report will determine the causes of the issues you're seeing and outline repairs and maintenance that you should plan for in the next 5 to 50 years. The Condition Assessment will create a capital improvement plan that aligns with your budget and timeline.
​
A Historic Structures Report (HSR) is a Condition Assessment PLUS a summary of relevant history of the building. If your building is subject to historic regulation, an HSR can be a useful tool to understand the development history of your building, which features are character-defining, and what options you have for ongoing maintenance, repairs, and adaptions.