OUR HISTORY.

The firm was founded in Green Bay in 1898 by Henry Foeller, a French immigrant. His first project was the Falck Hotel in Seymour, WI, which still stands today.

In 1906, Max Schober became a partner in the young organization and with two employees began to grow with the expanding economy of Northeastern Wisconsin. In 1928, architect Edgar Berners joined the partnership and additional employees were hired to meet the demands of an increasing number of Architectural commissions. The firm then became Foeller, Schober & Berners. Henry Foeller retired from active practice in the late 1930's. In 1940, the company was renamed Foeller, Schober, Berners, Safford & Jahn. At the end of World War II, Max Schober transferred his interest to his son, Leonard Schober. Paul Kilp joined as a partner in 1963 and the firm became Berners-Schober & Kilp, Architects & Engineers. In 1983, the firm became Berners-Schober

Since the founding of the original firm in 1898, our projects have enriched the lives of their inhabitants. The firm began by designing upscale residences in Green Bay's historic Astor Park neighborhood, in addition to larger community-centered projects such as schools, churches, libraries, office buildings, and hospitals. Gaining prominence in architectural circles, the firm attracted a succession of talented, young architects with the ability to design conservative versions of the latest architectural styles and fashion. In 1928, Berners-Schober Associates designed their office in downtown Green Bay, where it still resides today. In 2004, the Architects Building was recognized as a historical site by the City of Green Bay.

In a study done for the City of Green Bay Redevelopment Authority, our impressive body of work was recognized for its importance to Northeast Wisconsin. Bill Doyle, former President of Berners-Schober Associates, stated this: "The firm's archives contain full or partial documentation for several thousand projects. Foeller's career can be followed in great detail due to the careful preservation of the firm's original drawings, blueprints, photographs and correspondence; and documentation which covers the history of the firm's existence. This represents a resource of enormous value in understanding the history of architectural practice in twentieth-century Wisconsin."

Our principles are much the same today. We strive to produce timeless designs and lasting landmarks, creating buildings that meet the needs of the day with easy adaptability for future additions and remodeling. Many of our clients have shared our vision, thereby cultivating enduring relationships with our firm. Much of our repeat work has spanned generations of designers. A good example is outlined in the case study of St. Vincent Hospital.

Throughout their history, Berners-Schober has been a model of success in the community. They have been a stable employer for generations of architects. In 1995, the firm was named Small Business of the Year by the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. The employees of the firm have in turn given back to the community their expertise in various volunteer efforts for a variety of organizations and charities, including Habitat for Humanity, Sustainable Greater Green Bay, and the Green Bay Redevelopment Committee.

With a long tradition of providing architectural designs that lead to buildings of enduring function and lasting beauty, we will look toward the future as we build on the success of our first 113 years. Whether it is nourishing our client relationships, challenging our staff with stimulating, purposeful careers, or improving the lives, performance and actions of those who use our structures, we will have a positive and lasting impact on every individual we touch, now and in generations to come, as a result of our efforts to conceive and create built environments.