ABOUT US.
Spiller. Design & Architecture was founded in Des Moines, Iowa in 2017 and has since grown into an acclaimed small scale architecture firm focusing on custom residential design and boutique commercial spaces. We are a practice that concentrates on experiential and functional value to create spaces of elevated simplicity. Our design strives to find the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and beauty. Our goal is not only to create stunning, one-of-a-kind spaces, but to improve the way we live and work.
Our work is mostly based in the Des Moines area, but we are willing to travel for an awesome project.
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OUR WORK.
GREENVIEW RESIDENCE 1.0
This kitchen provides a functional and aesthetically modern space in what would otherwise be known as a typical suburban home.
A growing family in need of accessible space for cooking, storage, and gathering the grandkids around the table.
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photo credit: Cort Widlowski
GREENVIEW RESIDENCE 2.0
A private master bathroom suite uses simple white walls and deep woods to highlight the treetop vista beyond.
The highlights being the custom vanity mirror w/ built in lighting and luxury cabinetry designed to the clients specific needs.
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photo credit: Nathan Scott, AIA
FOCUS EYE CARE
A former farm field is now a major commercial block in a burgeoning suburban landscape. Tucked behind an unassuming strip mall storefront, this 2000 square foot optometry office space provides an upscale urban shopping experience and professional medical practice.
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collaboration with Maker Architecture
photo credit: Nathan Scott, AIA
PREMIER VISION CLINIC
Amid the hustle and bustle of West Des Moines strip mall activity is this little oasis. A peaceful and light interior space is the perfect backdrop for either doing some shopping for your next pair of eyewear or just visiting your optometrist.
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photo credit: Nathan Scott, AIA
STEVEN VAIL FINE ARTS
What was once a forgotten room in the basement of a historic building, has been transformed to a vibrant gallery space to display some of the worlds finest contemporary artists. The gallery itself is divided into three zones, the gallery, the office, and the print room, threaded by one common floating gallery wall.
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collaboration with IDEAA
photo credit: Jeff Wagner, AIA
WHO WE ARE.
RACHEL SPILLER
Partner & Design Director
Rachel takes lead on all things design at spiller. She received a B.A. in Design, a Master of Design from the University of Iowa, and a Master of Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design. Rachel has twelve years of experience working at Skidmore Owings and Merrill (Chicago), HLKB Architecture, Knowles Blunck Architecture, and Neumann Monson Architects (Des Moines).
JAMES SPILLER
Partner & Business Director
James is a registered architect and directs project delivery, business development, and provides critical analysis throughout each project. He received a B.A. in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Architecture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. James has worked at Frederic Schwartz Architects (New York City), HLKB Architecture, Knowles Blunck Architecture, Blackbird Investments, and Iowa State University, where he taught architecture and design for six years.
Nathan Scott
Designer & Business Development
Nathan is a designer and architectural photographer, but mostly a people person. He approaches each project with a desire to identify and exceed expectations for all parties involved. He received a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. Nathan has worked for Seeyond Architectural Solutions, BWBR (Twin Cities), INVISION Architecture, Blackbird Investments, and operates his own architectural photography studio.
DREW PETERSEN
Designer
Drew is a designer, project manager and Jack of all trades. He brings seven years of experience in all sectors of the architecture and construction industry. Drew received his Bachelor of Architecture at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and studied abroad in Rome. He has practiced architectural design at RDG Planning and Design, residential design-build with Crose and Lemke Construction, concrete contracting with Spriggs Enterprises, and real estate development with Blackbird Investments.
