Bruns Architecture

At Bruns Architecture, we believe that design is more than just aesthetics. It's about creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also functional and sustainable. Our mission is to deliver thoughtful, lasting architecture that improves our spatial surroundings through careful listening, rigorous study, strong relationships, and innovative thinking.

Our Founding

Bruns Architecture was founded in 2008 by Stephen Bruns, a passionate and dedicated architect with a simple goal: to create pure, meaningful designs that are translated into well-crafted structures. Since its inception, the success of Bruns Architecture has been driven by Stephen's passion for crafting cohesively detailed structures and meaningful spaces.

Our Approach

Our comprehensive approach begins with a process of discovery. We listen to the client and investigate the site; we carefully research to understand the influences of a project. Through careful composition, selective materiality, strong connection to the site, and in specific response to program and budget, we offer a consistent vision and the value of good design. One of our primary core values is sustainability. Whether your goals are to have a LEED certified project, or simply to reduce your operating expenses through more efficient and technologically advanced building systems, our experience can help you achieve your objective.

Our Services

We specialize in highly crafted residential and commercial environments. We offer a full range of architectural and design services to manage a project from initial concept and planning through final detailing, construction administration, and furniture design. Our focus is the experience. From the design and construction process to the way people react and interact with the environments we create; we want to evoke a positive experience.

Awards and Recognition

Our work has been recognized for design excellence both locally and nationally. Stephen's work has received numerous awards, including AIA Wisconsin Honor Awards and ALA Design Awards. He was also the recipient of the Richard M. Raemer Memorial Award and the LaSalle Partners Fellowship in Architecture.

Recent Projects and News

We are excited to share that we've expanded our Third Ward office space to include a custom fabrication shop. This workshop space increases our capacity to fabricate bespoke elements for our projects and to support our ability to create full scale proof of concept architectural details for our designs.

In 2022, we received a 2020 ALA Design Award for our Prairie Remnant House project. The national ALA Design Awards program is an annual showcase of the power of design.

In 2021, we were named as one of the Best Residential Architects in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Home Builder Digest. We also received a 2020 ALA Gold Design Award for our Woven House project. Jury comments included "Elegant simplicity, elegant detailing, and moderation in materials - this building does it all. And does it with elegance and grace." "Beautiful proportioning."

In 2020, our Meander House was shared in AIA Wisconsin Framework for Design Excellence Case Study Series.