Architecture Studio
Stefan kaiser, AIA
Mikado provides world-class architectural expertise with personalized customer service for each client. We strike the perfect balance of ingenuity and practicality, unique quality and cost-effectiveness. We are trusted advisors and partners in designing beautiful places for living and working.
Our purpose is to create beautiful architecture that inspires individuals and fosters connection to community.
We believe that the success of our projects is rooted in our attentiveness to the details from start to finish.
We listen to our clients and seek opportunities to exceed expectations.
We partner with builders because we are committed to the craftsmanship of construction and we operate proactively to overcome obstacles.
Our approach empasizes sensitivity and diligence at every step in the process of bringing our designs to life.
Stefan grew up in the high-desert of Reno, NV where he spent countless summers and winters doing outdoor activities at Lake Tahoe. Walking through the pine forests gave him an appreciation for the environment and arriving at log-cabins along the trail made him understand how to design places for people to live in harmony with nature. From a young age he was committed to becoming an architect. The intersection of rational and artistic potential with the ability to influence the way people live their lives. He traveled across the country with his family, spending time at places like the preserved homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the impressive civic museums of the Smithsonian in Washington DC. Early inspiration for public places and unique spaces for living.
Stefan graduated from Syracuse School of Architecture, earning multiple awards of distinction for his thesis project on diplomatic structures. He studied architectural history in Florence and apprenticed for a professor of architecture in Hamburg. During this time he also traveled extensively, sketched the churches and plazas he visited, and drank his fill of fine espresso. He is a passionate designer committed to providing excellent customer service in the pursuit of amazing buildings.
For a decade he has gained experience working on large and small projects at every phase of construction. Single family homes, apartment buildings, mixed-use towers, restaurants, and commercial office spaces to name a few. From inception to tenant occupation and throughout the life of a project, he enjoys navigating the complex challenges of designing, managing, and constructing architecture. He has proven himself a trusted advisor of his clients and an enthusiastic partner to the builders he's collaborated with.
Stefan is a member of the American Institute of Architects, LEED GA, licensed in Arizona and Washington, and certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He resides in Tucson, AZ.
Mikado is a full-service architectural practice–meaning that we are experts in taking your project from an idea, putting that down to paper, and then getting it built.
When planning a major renovation or a new home, it is crucial to involve an architect early in the process. Poor design decisions can result in the loss of natural light, restricted access to outdoor spaces, and negatively impact the overall flow and appearance of the property. Our design approach to residential projects emphasizes creating not just additional square footage but also designing outdoor spaces that complement the existing home, highlighting views of the landscape, and enhancing curb appeal.
We will work with you to develop a clear and comprehensive design that takes into account the homeowner's needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Your project will likely require permitting and zoning review. We will help you navigate the process by communicating with local building officials to ensure that the project meets all relevant building codes and zoning regulations.
Mikado can act as the owner's representative during the construction to ensure that the project is being built according to the approved plans and specifications and helping to resolve any issues that may arise during construction. We ensure quality and organization by providing a set of construction documents that is clear and easy for the contractors and tradesmen to follow, helping the owner to establish a realistic budget and timeline for the project as well as supervision and monitoring of the process until a successful conclusion.
We bring valuable knowledge and expertise to our commercial and development projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the client’s satisfaction. Apartment buildings, commercial offices and retail spaces, adaptive reuse projects are all in our wheelhouse.
At the beginning, we help our clients create designs for new construction projects that are functional, efficient, and visually appealing. We are experts in navigating the permitting and zoning process and we can provide insight into construction costs and materials, which can help the client create a realistic budget and schedule for the project.
Mikado seeks to find innovative solutions to the challenges of building, making sure that it is energy efficient, sustainable and with a design that adapts to the context, its surroundings and the users.
At Mikado, we understand that every project is unique and requires a tailored approach. That's why we offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs and how we can bring your vision to life.
Take the first step in creating your dream home or office space. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our process.
