History and Philosophy

In 1996 Scott Steele returned home to Bend, after practicing architecture in the Portland area for many years. His goal had always been to gain experience with a broad range of architectural projects in a larger urban setting and then return to Bend to establish a firm of the highest standards. Since returning Scott has dedicated his firm's professional expertise and service to the enhancement of Oregon's livability, economy, and architectural environment. Steele Associates Architects quickly emerged as the preeminent firm in Central Oregon. Cascade Business News' 2002 list of architecture firms, listed Steele Associates Architects as having the most registered architects and the largest staff in Central Oregon.

Steele Associates' enthusiasm for the practice of architecture results in the highest standards of design, service and value for our clients. We simply love what we do, and it shows in the energy and dedication that we pour into our client's projects. The projects we design create value for our clients while also enriching the architectural fabric and economies of the communities that they are a part of.
We are proud of our diversity. Forty percent of our staff are women and our heritages include Native Oregonian, Native American, Asian and Caucasian. We are truly an equal opportunity employer.

Steele Associates Architects has extensive experience in, and understanding of, Oregon. President Scott Steele is a native of Central Oregon and many of the Associates are long time residents. Steele Associates has a thorough understanding of the culture, economy and climate of Oregon. This local knowledge insures that our projects are aesthetically appropriate, contextually responsive (weather and site), and low maintenance. In addition to Oregon we are registered to practice architecture in California, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Colorado and New Mexico. We can acquire other registrations as required.
We have been blessed with good fortune and we believe in giving back to our community through generous pro-bono design services and cash contributions.

We have earned a reputation as a firm that meets budgets and deadlines while delivering excellent design and service with great enthusiasm and verve. This reputation is demonstrated by our repeat clientele and a long list of successful public and private projects. We look forward to developing new relationships and projects with future clients for decades to come.

"Steele Associates Architects exemplify the highest standards in architectural services. . . they provided complete design services for the Deschutes County Expo Center and numerous other projects for Deschutes County under a three year indefinite service engagement. . . the $30 million fairgrounds project, the most complicated project ever undertaken by Deschutes County was successfully completed within budget and on time. From our experience I can assure you that the selection of Steele Associates Architects will result in superior products with few problems in execution."
Rich Isham, Legal Counsel, Deschutes County