Bickford + Company
Architecture
Story by Ann Butenas / Sponsored Content
When Scott Bickford opened his architectural firm in Overland Park back in 1979, he had one simple goal: design homes that people would love to live in. Fresh out of school and armed with a year of hands-on experience, he wasn’t interested in churning out cookie-cutter houses. Instead, he wanted to create spaces that told each family’s unique story.
“Custom architecture isn’t about building a house — it’s about designing a home,” expressed Bickford, whose passion for personalized design has turned his local Kansas firm, Bickford & Company, into a nationwide success story. From beachfront properties in Hawaii to cozy East Coast retreats in New Jersey, every project starts with a conversation, not a template.
What makes Bickford’s approach different? It’s all about listening. His team of architects and designers aren’t interested in imposing their vision. Instead, they want to hear yours. They call it “personal architecture,” and it’s more than just a catchphrase. It means creating homes that work with their surroundings while perfectly matching how their owners actually live.
But great design isn’t just about beautiful drawings. Bickford has spent decades building relationships with contractors who know how to turn architectural dreams into reality. By understanding the nuts and bolts of construction, his team creates designs that are both innovative and buildable, which is no small feat in today’s complex construction landscape.
While new builds might be their bread and butter, Bickford & Company doesn’t shy away from transforming existing homes. Whether it’s adding a dream kitchen or reimagining an entire floor plan, they bring the same attention to detail that’s made them a go-to name in custom architecture for over 40 years.
In a world where quick-build homes dominate the market, Bickford stays true to his original vision. His team approaches each project knowing that a home should reflect its owners, not the latest trends. This commitment to individuality has earned them clients across Illinois, Texas, Nebraska, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, and Hawaii—all through word-of-mouth referrals.
For Bickford, architecture is about building relationships as much as houses. He sees each project as a partnership between client, contractor, and environment. While the industry keeps changing, his philosophy remains rock-solid: everyone deserves a home that’s uniquely theirs, not just a house that follows the crowd.
What’s perhaps most remarkable about Bickford & Company’s success is that they’ve never had to advertise. Their portfolio of satisfied homeowners speaks volumes, with each completed project leading to new referrals. After four decades, Scott Bickford is still doing what he does best — turning architectural dreams into places people love to call home, one family at a time.
Ask The Expert
The latest building trend we see is a growing demand for low maintenance wood-looking siding. Composite, fiber-cement and aluminum are all popular. These are often used as an accent rather than on the entire home.
