Our Story
Our clients often describe us as honest, authentic, and having integrity. Being true to ourselves means being true to our clients.
We wholeheartedly believe great clients make great projects. Their experiences are the foundation for crafting the highly functional and inspirational places where we live, work, play and visit.
As such, our process is centered on you. We work hard to discover your taste, your vision, your story, to create a place that is uniquely you.
Architects of communities.
We help create bespoke commercial and residential projects that are the building blocks of our communities.
Small, but really good.
As a boutique design firm, we provide the highest level of personal service, while having the experience, capabilities, and tools of a much larger architectural office.
Problem solvers.
We’re a team-oriented bunch. Together, we efficiently create diverse design solutions that are equally innovative and inspirational.
Great work and great fun.
We often say “you’ll find no fuddy-duddies in our office.” And, it’s true. We’re a relaxed group who enjoys a lot of laughter in and out of the studio.
Our Purpose
Design from your story.
Many of our clients come to us with a story. Family roots in South Africa, a deep passion for Cape Cods, an unforgettable view framed by 100 year-old oak trees and towering pines.
Our purpose is to design inspirational places from the stories & experiences of our clients.
When you trust in us, we become stewards of your vision and believe our design should reflect your story.
Our Team
Ron & Kelley Brenner
Principals
Ron and Kelley Brenner are a married couple with a shared love for architecture! They co-founded Ron Brenner Architects in 2009 and have worked since to bring their clients’ stories to life through design.
Ron is a registered architect with over 30 years industry experience on a wide range of residential and commercial projects. He has a thorough understanding of what it takes to deliver high-quality architectural services and an unbridled commitment to providing the absolute best work for his clients.
While Ron enjoys and has worked extensively within all phases of the design and documentation process, he loves most his daily interactions with the individuals involved: clients, colleagues, consultants, contractors, and so many great craftspeople working collectively towards a common project goal.
With 25 years professional experience in corporate America, Kelley maintains Ron Brenner Architects’ high standards. She has a wealth of knowledge in budgeting, scheduling, maintaining deadlines, forecasting, marketing, social media, and communication in addition to project design.
Kelley cares deeply for our clients. She understands that creating solutions is a great responsibility. A cornerstone of our practice is the hope that each client is equally excited about the process as they are inspired by the outcome! In addition, Kelley’s great vision, honed by her passion for photography, has trained her to see things differently. Ron often says, “she sees things that I don’t see,” making her a great critic of our work while allowing her to see unique ways to solve a problem.
Beyond architecture, Ron and Kelley enjoy spending time with family and friends. Five beautiful, young grandchildren bring them endless joy. They have a shared love of mountains, nature, boating, photography, fast cars, and music concerts. They’re passionate about traveling and love exploring new places, too!
Katie Mallory
Project Designer
Katie grew up in the beautiful St. Croix Valley of Minnesota and knew from a young age she wanted to be an interior designer. After working abroad in London for a summer and earning a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota, she began her career at Ethan Allen.
Wanting to flex the architectural side of her training, she joined a Minneapolis architecture & interior design firm before moving to Seattle for four years. While in the Pacific Northwest, she worked for a growing architecture firm where she was responsible for creating and implementing the interiors program. She worked directly with clients on single family remodels, interior design, and boutique commercial projects.
In 2018, Katie's family doubled in size with the sweet arrival of twin daughters, and Minnesota beckoned her home once again. Katie joined Ron Brenner Architects in the fall of 2019 as a Project Designer. She is passionate about design and has a strong eye for pairing the traditional and contemporary. She enjoys working in close consultations with the client to create an environment that works perfectly in both form and function. Katie believes that thoughtful, beautiful designs add to our happiness in life, and when we are happy we can achieve great things!
Katie and hubby have settled down on the North Hill in Stillwater. She is slowly renovating their 150 year old home, discovering her green thumb, and chasing after her beautiful children.
Brent Schuettpelz
Project Designer
Brent grew up in Madison, WI and received a Master of Architecture from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 2007. After starting his career in Chicago, he eventually moved west, enjoying eight years of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains and 300 days of sunshine. With the arrival of his son, Brent and his wife decided to relocate closer to home, replacing 14,000 foot peaks with 10,000 lakes.
With a strong background in large scale commercial and residential work, Brent was eager to apply his skills to smaller-scale projects. He joined Ron Brenner Architects in the fall of 2020 where he is able to be more involved throughout the design and construction process.
When not in the office, you can find Brent chasing a toddler, walking his pup, Sloane, golfing, playing the guitar, or paddling on White Bear Lake.
Whitney Schuettpelz
Project Designer & Marketing
Whitney grew up in Sioux Falls, SD but spent summers on the Gull Lake Chain in Nisswa, MN. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a Master of Architecture in 2008, she practiced in Chicago, South Dakota, and Colorado, often alongside her husband Brent.
Nostalgia for sandy beaches and the desire to be near family lured the Schuettpelzes back to Minnesota. Whitney joined Ron Brenner Architects in the fall of 2022 and loves to collaborate on projects that are smaller scale and deeply cherished.
With a diverse background ranging from large-scale mixed use and commercial projects to boutique restaurants and retail stores, Whitney loves being involved with all phases of the design process. She also has a particular interest in sustainable design – how the built environment can operate more efficiently while also making our lives healthier and happier.
Outside of the studio, Whitney enjoys scooting down the bunny hill with her lil’ shredder Kit, walking Sloane around White Bear Lake, singing (badly) to 90s songs, and plotting small adventures up the North Shore, the Boundary Waters, and the St. Croix River Valley.
Sloane
Studio Dog
Sloane's job is to keep the studio atmosphere chill albeit a bit hairy. She likes slow walks, rummaging for crumbs under Ron's desk, peanut butter, and belly rubs. When not in the office, you're sure to find her sleeping.
