Charles B. Smith, A. I. A. - Principal

I began my architectural apprenticeship in New York City in the fall of 1979. I worked for two years as a draftsperson and code expediter on numerous Lower Manhattan loft conversions for the New York City firm of Joseph Pell Lombardi, Architect. I also worked on the restoration of an octagon house owned by Mr. Lombardi. I gained knowledge of zoning, building code and aesthetic issues related to adaptive re-use and historic restoration.

In 1981, I was recruited to join Architect's Design Group as a designer and job captain for low rise residential and commercial mixed use buildings in New York City. The projects involved both new construction of infill buildings as well as conversions of existing structures.

A year later, I embarked on a five month Grand Tour of European architecture. I traveled from Finland to Spain, Paris to Athens, Thira to Rome bringing to life the lessons learned in architectural history slide lectures. I walked through buildings designed by Aalto, Asplund, Bernini, Borromini, Brunelleschi and Gaudi, among others.

Upon my return to New York, I accepted the position of Project Manager with Harold Spitzer, Architect. I was responsible for all project phases for residential, retail and restaurant architectural interiors. I passed the New York State Architectural licensing exam in 1983 while with Mr. Spitzer.

In 1985, I began my own firm offering architectural services in the Hudson River Highlands, north of New York City. My work focused on adaptive re-use of under-utilized structures, historic restoration and single family residential design.

Ten years later the needs of my young family and a desire to be closer to extended family prompted a move to upstate New York. I accepted the position of head of design for New Energy Works, a design/build company with a focus on environmental friendly construction, use of reclaimed wood and traditional timber framing.

I re-entered private practice in September, 2004, with the opening of Design Works Architecture, P. C.

I am an active member of the Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects and of the Otetiana Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I play hockey in a men's league to keep young.

I was raised in Minnesota but was given a full scholarship to attend Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts for my final two years of secondary school. That opportunity helped open the doors of the Cornell University School of Architecture, Art and Planning in Ithaca, New York. I received a Bachelor of Architecture degree in May of 1979.

Janice Atkinson Smith and I were married in 1986 in Ithaca. Jan is an interior designer and native of Orchard Park, New York. We have two great boys, Kendall and Trevor.

Mark Bodensteiner- Project Manager

My earliest employment in the Architectural field was as a draftsman designing kitchens while attending High School at Edison Technical and Industrial High School. I studied design at SUNY Buffalo. After graduating from college, I worked in Houston Texas for two years. Returning home to upstate New York, I worked for a small Architectural office for twelve years as a draftsman designer. I advanced to project manager and then again to Technical Coordinator for two major firms in Rochester. I enjoy bowling, dining with friends and working out at the gym.

In 2003 I accepted a position working with Chuck Smith, AIA at New Energy Works Timber Framers designing residences and producing the required architectural construction documents. I joined Chuck when he created Design Works Architecture in September of 2004.

I very much enjoy the challenges each project presents and I am fortunate to be gifted with the talents to make our clients dreams a reality.

Sheila Sloan, Associate A. I. A. - Project Manager

My undergraduate degree is in Psychology, but I have always been interested in how things "work." As a young girl, I would be my dad's "tool assistant" and I loved to build with wood.

After graduating from college, I moved to New England where I worked in college administration. However, my interest in architecture continued to grow. I left administration for drafting and wood working, learning the mechanics of construction. I moved back to upstate New York, where I worked for a residential architectural design firm for 16 years. I began the process of qualifying to take the Architect's Registration Exam, through experience-based education and following the AIA's Intern Development Program.

To broaden my understanding of architecture and construction, I took a position on the supply side, and worked for 2 1/2 years in lumber estimating and sales. It gave me a great deal of field experience that enhanced my knowledge of design. I met Chuck Smith when he moved to Rochester in the mid-90's. Little did I know that our paths would cross again. I accepted a position with Design Works Architecture in the summer of 2005.

I have seen how design affects one's mental well being. I especially enjoy "fixing" an existing house to improve the day to day lives of the owners.

I have two daughters, ages 11 and 8, who keep me busy. Our family enjoys gardening, bike riding and reading together.

Eric Hansen, A. I. A. - Registered Architect

Bio Coming Soon

Katie Kelchner - Interior Designer

My interest in architecture and design began when I was a little girl growing up in New Jersey. When I decided to make it my career I chose Syracuse University for my undergraduate degree. Attending a large university enabled me to learn about and be a part of so much more than just the interior design program. I spent my time at the local art galleries and museums, the Syracuse Stage and a cappella concerts to name a few. I was also a part of the cheerleading program allowing me to be involved in all the major sports events as well as participate in the community. As a senior I worked for Peter Crissey as an Architectural Intern at The Crissey Architectural Group. After graduating in May 2006 I spent 2 1/2 weeks touring various European cities including London, Paris and Rome. At the end of the summer I moved back to upstate New York and accepted a position at Design Works Architecture as an Interior Designer/draftsperson. I also do some graphic design and marketing as well as maintain our website.

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking and traveling a lot! My road-trip resume includes driving down the coast to Florida and across the country to the Grand Canyon.

Peter - Construction Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon

Barbara Faisst Kiefer - Office Manager

I can remember looking at blueprints (the ones that were really blue in color) from a young age. My dad would lay out the plans on the kitchen table to design the heating and air conditioning units for whatever project he was working on at the time. I became fascinated with the design of these buildings. During high school I took mechanical drawing and designed my own home. From there I attended the University of Dayton in Ohio for Interior Design and Business Management. After a few years I knew I was being drawn into the design field and entered Harrington Institute of Interior Design in Chicago.

Opportunities presented themselves in the field of Property Management/ Real Estate and I became the Director of Property management for Kenrick Realty in Boca Raton, FL. We managed shopping centers, office buildings and warehouses throughout Florida. It was while living in Florida that my scuba license came in handy. I still managed to keep my hand in residential design by providing drafting services.

I returned to Upstate New York and the architectural field after staying home for a number of years to raise my two daughters. I worked as a CADD technician/designer for two firms in the Rochester area and was an Intern member of the Rochester Chapter of the AIA.

In September of 2004, I joined Chuck Smith as we opened Design Works Architecture, P.C. I work as the office manager, do light drafting, manage client accounts and assist with the marketing of our company. My most pleasurable "job" is working with our clients.

John Adamski, Associate A. I. A.

I have been active in residential design and construction for over 30 years and owned my own design/build firm for 20 of those years. I specialize in the creation of individual custom homes that are site-specific, environmentally-suited, and tailored to the clients' program and budget. I have a personal affinity for Adirondack Lodge and Mountain Style homes, but I am versed in other architectural styles as well.

I met Chuck Smith in 2001 when I joined the design group at New Energy Works Timber Framers. While there, I learned the nuances of traditional timber frame construction and mortise-and-tenon joinery, which I now use to enhance a variety of architectural styles. I am enjoying a bit of semi-retirement and helping Chuck with some select projects as well. Working with Design Works Architecture allows me to keep my finger on the pulse and gives me a creative group of people to work with.