Who We Are

Firm Profile

At Wong Strauch Architects (WSA) we not only design and build buildings, we also build relationships. We do this by integrating our clients into the design process and listening to what they have to say. Just as they are experts in their business, we are experts in ours. This process encourages trust and eliminates confusion through an open exchange of ideas and communication. Misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations are minimized and the development of close working relationships is encouraged. Our designs inherently become as unique and creative as our clients due to our interactive design process.

WSA is also known for superior technical skills along with creative, budget conscious designs. We take pride in producing accurate, detailed, and simple-to-read drawings that are easily understood by contractors. We respond to issues and focus on solutions as a leader of your design team.

WSA is comprised of knowledgeable core of people with varied professional experiences. It is this diversity that endows us with the ability to respond to a myriad of project types and sizes, and to constantly challenge one another to excel in our endeavors. At WSA we thrive on these challenges because we believe they encourage us to grow, both individually and as professionals. Meeting these challenges also permits us to be attentive to the clients we serve and to improve the caliber of services we provide to them.

History

Wong Strauch Architects, P.C. is a progressive, full-service design firm with expertise in all aspects of Architecture, Planning, and Interior Architecture, founded in 1989. Our staff includes uniquely talented professionals capable of producing projects of varying sizes and magnitude.

We offer a full range of architectural services, including feasibility studies, planning and entitlement, programming, architecture, project management, Code Analysis, ADA compliance, interior architecture, and space planning. Our history with successful projects includes vehicle maintenance facilities, fire stations, aviation facilities, educational facilities, retail shopping centers, multi-family housing, office buildings, municipal projects, recreational facilities, and multi-use projects.

Philosophy

Our main goal is to provide excellence in design services for a diverse group of clients. We believe each element of a project is unique and offers an individual set of challenges. To achieve the most appropriate solution, we combine our experience and skills to meet our clients’ technical, aesthetic, and financial needs. We listen carefully, give straight answers, and supply technical expertise. The result is a Team that is responsive to issues and focuses on solutions, and fully integrates with our clients.

Design Awards

2017  DIA Denver Fire Station #35 – Best Project 2017 – DBIA Rocky Mountain Design Awards

2017  DIA Denver Fire Station #35 – Best Civic Building – DBIA Rocky Mountain Design Awards

2017  DIA Denver Fire Station #35 – Merit Award Government Public Building ENR Mountain States

2014  City of Black Hawk Public Works Facility – Public Works Project Award – American Public Works Association

2011  Denver Water Einfeldt Station – Community Preservation Award – Historic Denver, Inc. for the historic design of the new Einfeldt Station

2007  T-REX – NPHQ National Achievement Award, Partnerships for Quality Highway Work – for the Transportation Expansion project

2002 DHA Thomas Connole Apartment – Golden Eagle Award, Creative Solutions on Renovated Projects – National award for project design and construction of the Thomas Connole Apartment complex for the Denver Housing Authority

2002  1335 Elati Studio.- AIA Award of Citation for Built Interiors – American Institute of Architects

2001   BCER Engineering Office Building – ASID Award for Interior Design of a Small Office Building American Society of Interior Design

2000 DHA Quigg Newton Homes Family Learning Center.- Gold Hard Hat Awards, 2nd Place Outstanding Public Project, Best Colorado Construction Projects of 2000 – Colorado Construction

2000  DHA Quigg Newton Homes Family Learning Center – NAHRO Agency Award of Excellence in Project Design / New Design –The National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials

1999 Broomfield Marketplace – Capital Investment Award –Broomfield Economic Development Corporation

Individual – Firm Awards

2011 Volunteer of the Year – Presented by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce (SMDCC) Economic Development Group (EDG) to Kevin Sullivan/WSA in recognition of the SMDC new offices at Southglenn

2010 Recognition of Leadership – Presented by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Group to Kevin Sullivan/WSA

2007 Volunteer of the Year – Presented by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce (SMDCC) to Kevin Sullivan/WSA in recognition of the Community Service for the SMDCC/EDG

2001 Small Business of the Year – Presented to WSA by The Asian Chamber of Commerce in recognition of WSA’s contributions to the community

LEED Projects

DIA Denver Fire Station #35 – LEED Gold, 2017

DIA Concourse C West Expansion – LEED Gold, 2015

Xcel Arvada Service Center Renovation – LEED Silver, 2010

Xcel Greeley Service Center – LEED Certified, 2012

DIA CCB West Expansion – LEED Gold, 2021 (Associate Architect for HNTB)

DIA CCA West Expansion – LEED Platinum, Pending (Associate Architect for HNTB)

Team

Wong Strauch Architects was founded in 1989 by Don Strauch and Jam Wong. After 17 years as shared owners of one of Denver’s largest architectural firms, they established WSA, creating long-term business relationships and successful designs for nearly 40 years. Don’s leadership continued at WSA until Kevin Sullivan moved forward to replace him as the firm’s CEO/President.  Rob Klap and Jim Nordstrom joined Kevin as Vice Presidents/Shareholders of the firm in 2023 and Sonja Jones was promoted to WSA’s CFO. Other Senior Staff members, noted below, have working relationships that span over 25 years with the firm.

At Wong Strauch Architects, all long-term RELATIONSHIPS really matter!

G. KEVIN SULLIVAN

CEO/President/Director of Design

Kevin's Bio

ROBERT J KLAP

Vice President/Partner/Principal

Robert's Bio

JAMES NORDSTROM

Vice President/Partner/Principal

James' Bio

SONJA K. JONES

Chief Financial Officer

Sonja's Bio

JAMES C.S. CHEW

Project Manager/Project Architect

James' Bio

VICKI C. DETTMAN

Contract Specialist

Vicki's Bio

Community Engagement and Qualifications

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G. KEVIN SULLIVAN, AIA, LEED © AP BD+C

CEO/President/Director of Design

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Architecture with High Honors, Montana State University
Master of Architecture, Montana State University
Alpha Rho Chi Architecture Medal

REGISTRATION

Architect: Colorado, Wyoming; AIA; LEED © AP BD+C

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

For over a decade, Kevin has led Wong Strauch Architects as the firm’s CEO/President and Director of Design. He has also directed the firm’s Aviation practice as well as other market sector projects from a design, quality, and Architect-of-Record aspect since 2002.

Growing up in Wyoming and receiving two Architectural Degrees in Montana, Kevin always wanted to live and practice Architecture in Colorado, keeping with his Rocky Mountain roots. He has done this for over 40 years, working on all sized projects and building strong relationships in the community, while being a husband and father of three successful children. He enjoys skiing, hiking, playing golf year-round in the Colorado sunshine and traveling overseas whenever possible.

ROBERT J KLAP, NCARB, LEED © AP BD+C

Vice President/Partner/Principal

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Colorado
Master of Architecture, University of Colorado

REGISTRATION

Architect: Colorado, Pennsylvania; NCARB; LEED © AP BD+C

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Rob has been with Wong Strauch Architects since 2014 and is a Partner of the firm serving as Principal, Designer, and Sr. Project Manager. Managing all phases of architectural design in commercial and governmental sectors, overseeing projects from Programming and Schematic Design through Construction Documents and Contract Administration. This includes new construction, remodels and additions for various types of facilities, such as municipal, retail and mixed-use projects.

Rob was born and raised in the Denver area and has maintained a strong connection to the city and state of Colorado. Having been licensed since 1996, architecture has been a long passion of his and fortunate to have been able to work on a vast variety of projects over the years including multiple projects across the country. Besides enjoying the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Rob also likes to take in trips and hikes exploring the Southwest.

JAMES NORDSTROM

Vice President/Partner/Principal

EDUCATION

Associates of Arts Degree, Architectural Technology, CCD
REVIT 2024, Computer Aided Design Drafting, UCD

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

James Nordstrom has worked in architecture for over 42 years.  As a Partner and Principal at  Wong Strauch Architect’s he is responsible for leadership in many areas and is a successful, diligent, Sr. Project Manager.  As the firms Production Director, he is responsible for the creation and development of all phases of architectural drawings from Schematic Design through Construction Documents and Contract Administration, Government Agencies, Building Department coordination, Code review process, and has been involved with new construction, remodels and additions of municipal facilities, educational, medical, retail, and mixed-use projects.

Jim is a Colorado native, growing up in the northern suburbs of Denver. Jim enjoys traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, bowling, and an occasional Denver Nugget Game.

SONJA K. JONES

Chief Financial Officer

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Sonja’s responsibilities as  Chief Financial Officer at Wong Strauch Architects are diverse.  Her responsibilities range from overseeing the financial aspects of the firm to managing human resources and employee-related activities. She is responsible for  the company’s financial IT system, financial project controls,  project invoicing, account receivables, and account payables. Her knowledge of accounting and financial principles is instrumental in ensuring accurate financial transactions and maintaining financial health for the company.

As Human Resource Director, she manages employee recruitment, onboarding, and retention.  She also administers employee benefits and payroll.

Sonja is a Colorado Native who loves the outdoors. She enjoys paddleboarding, camping, gardening, hiking, Movies on the Rocks, and anything else that takes her outside. She also likes adventure with her four adult children and has been skydiving and completed the City Climb on top of the NYC Edge skyscraper.

JAMES C.S. CHEW, AIA, NCARB

Project Manager/Project Architect

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Environmental Design, University of Colorado
Master of Architecture, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Registered Architect: Colorado

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

James joined WSA in 2015, but prior to joining the firm he gained architectural experience on commercial office, healthcare, and residential projects starting in 2000. Since joining WSA, and gaining his license in 2018, he has demonstrated outstanding skills in project coordination, design, and working with a team of consultants on a variety of project types in the areas of aviation and hospitality.

Growing up and traveling the western United States with his family and then living in Las Vegas, he found his passion for buildings, design, food, travel, and Cirque du Soleil. Now settled in Colorado, after falling in love with the mountains in college, he now does his best architect impersonation working on projects around the Denver area and spends his free time traveling as often as his boss will let him get away with it.

VICKI C. DETTMAN

Contract Specialist

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Ms. Dettman is the Vice President and Senior Business Principal of WSA, bringing over thirty-five years of experience in Project, Business, and Financial Administration. This experience includes business development and financial planning, human resources, legal and insurance coordination, and conflict resolution.

She has experience in organizing/coordinating all the various administrative aspects for all sizes and types of projects, including multi-discipline projects with up to fourteen firms on the WSA Team. This experience includes establishing and managing two Jt. Ventures and several Architectural associations on varying project delivery types including traditional Bid, GMP Design Build, and CM/GC.

Vicki assisted Jam Wong and Don Strauch establish the firm in 1989. Therefore, our firm culture, client and employee satisfaction, and firm reputation, will always be of the upmost importance to her.

She enjoys being outdoors with her family (hiking, camping, gardening, tennis, learning pickleball, and trying to get better at golf). She also loves to travel.