Firm

Henderson Architect is dedicated to paying personal attention to each client – we focus on listening to our clients first. Then our team facilitates the conversations necessary for an outcome that exceeds client expectations without exceeding their budget.

This COLLABORATIVE process results in the synergy of ideas and passions we and all those involved bring to the project. The ultimate product of that process is a place that enhances the lives that come into contact with it better than any one individual could have imagined or conceived of alone.

Environmental Stewardship

The core of our mission is to create Architecture that can enhance the built ENVIRONMENT, and an Architecture that touches lightly on the earth.

Environmental stewardship is fundamental to any design process. We recognize that good design is an informed response to the climate, culture and context of the project and region, taking advantage of good daylighting practices, building orientation, natural ventilation, local materials, and efficient detailing of the exterior envelope. It is through these fundamental building and site planning concepts that a facility is born that is both beautiful and responsible.

Good design solutions imitate natural systems and are by their very nature GREEN. The LEED Certified team at Henderson Architect is committed to incorporating these strategies by designing for minimal impact on the environment.

Jim Henderson, AIA | Principal

James Henderson was born and raised in Santa Rosa. Jim is one of those rare people who knew exactly what he wanted to do for a living from a very young age. As early as the 5th grade he had a passion for architecture and he has studied and perfected his skills from that point forward.

Jim studied at the University of Arizona in Tucson where he achieved a 5 year degree with a Bachelor of Architecture. During his education he took a special interest in passive solar techniques and focused on designing buildings that took advantage of the climatic characteristics of the region, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing the way the building performed for its occupants. This regional building focus is the basis of what is now a popular trend called “green” building. For Jim the “green” movement is a mainstreaming of what good Architects have been doing all along.

After completing college, Jim moved to Austin, Texas and worked for a quickly growing firm producing designs and projects of various project types, including large office buildings, resort projects, golf clubhouses, light industrials buildings, and office parks. During his impressive career he has held many management positions including his years as project manager at Dell Computer. This opportunity gave Jim the experience of overseeing the conception, development, and construction of several large fast-track projects where the annual capital budget for construction was $500 million. Jim was one of two architects on staff and would manage multiple, large projects. Most buildings built by Dell Computer at that time where in the $10 to $12 million range.

As he continued to manage the construction of buildings for Dell Computer he controlled the financial and operational success of over three-quarters of a million square feet of building space. At Dell he experienced working with large groups in a politically charged, corporate environment to develop strategies for growth and execute them on time. Jim hired architects and consultants to design buildings to meet the programs he developed. He then hired the contractors to build the buildings; managed the process; and coordinated the move-in activities of each department involved. Once the buildings were completed, Jim managed the day-to-day operations of the buildings on the campus that were under his responsibility.

This unique experience is what makes Jim different than most architects. He has been in the client’s position before and understands the stresses, issues, and concerns every client has while trying to develop a successful project. Jim brings this vast experience to every project no matter how large or small. In 2003 Jim founded Henderson Architect, with a hands-on approach his team offers personal attention to detail in a collaborative spirit with the client at the center of each project.

Daniel Strening, AIA | Project Architect

LEED Accredited Professional

Daniel brings a wide variety of experiences to the Henderson Architect team. Growing up just north of Chicago he developed an appreciation for the built environment in what was the birthplace of a truly ‘American’ architecture.

He studied Classical Civilization as an undergraduate, living and working abroad in Italy and Israel and later received his Masters in Architecture at the University of Oregon. During his education and travels he had the opportunity to study Landscape Architecture in Japan, as well as take advantage of his previous educational work by becoming the Teaching Fellow for the University’s summer Rome program, while simultaneously leading tours of the ‘Eternal City’.

Daniel also brings expertise in Sustainable Design to the team. While pursuing his Masters he was a Graduate Research Fellow at the Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory - a research lab for sustainable design. It was here he studied daylighting analysis, material research, wind tunnel testing, and energy modeling. Through this analysis Daniel learned that the difference between a truly 'green' building and a building advertised as ‘green’ takes a lot of research, good design and hard work.

Daniel is currently the Project Architect on the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, the Unity Church Tenant Improvement and a Santa Rosa residence. Past work includes an Environmental Education Center, the SRJC Doyle Library and Petaluma Campus Expansion, several winery projects and award winning design competition entries.

Leslie Smith, CSI | Technical Staff

Leslie brings nearly 30 years experience in drafting & design, including proficiencies with a variety of CADD software. For the past 14 years she has been working in the world of 3d modeling, first in mechanical design and for the past 8 years in architectural design. Her duties include: Developing 3d models, producing construction documents, coordinating consultant documents with architectural documents, and organizing & maintaining project files and digital libraries.

Joanna Mansell | Support Staff

Born in London, raised in South Wales she has studied French, art and needlecrafts/textiles Joanna earned her certification in business administration from an Oxford college.

She moved to the US after meeting her husband on a visit to California. Joanna has lived worked and owned/renovated real estate in San Francisco, Pacifica, Boise ID and now Santa Rosa. She is the front office manager, bookkeeper, scheduler and master organizer providing clerical and moral support for the entire operation!