Bickford and Company
Architecture
Story by Ann Butenas / Photos courtesy of Bickford & Company / Sponsored Content
Scott Bickford’s path to architecture began at his grandfather’s drafting table. Growing up surrounded by engineering precision and his mother’s work as a draftsman, he absorbed the technical language of design before he could fully articulate it. But when he founded Bickford & Company in 1979, he discovered something beyond blueprints and structural calculations: the profound satisfaction of personal connection with clients.
“I like the personal connection to my clients that residential architecture provides,” Bickford said. That connection has defined more than four decades of work, building the firm’s reputation entirely through referrals with projects spanning from Kansas City to Hawaii, Illinois to Florida.
Ask Bickford what inspires his work outside of architecture, and the answer might come as a surprise: Reggae and Ska music.
“The stories and messages reinforce my design approach of personalizing the homes I design,” he said. Like the narrative depth and cultural authenticity of his favorite music, Bickford’s architecture tells each client’s unique story rather than imposing a predetermined aesthetic.
This philosophy manifests in what he identifies as his signature elements.
“I design to reflect the tastes of my clients, and the homes are designed for livability.” In fact, Bickford & Company deliberately avoids having a signature “style.”
“Although new homes can be convenient in every way, the reality is that they weren’t made for you; they were made for the market,” Bickford said. “We believe that every homeowner is unique and that their homes should reflect this individuality.”
As design trends shift, Bickford observes an important transition in what clients want.
“As the white trend is changing and perhaps winding down, I see clients requesting more warmth in the character of their homes,” he said. This evolution aligns perfectly with his approach, letting client preferences, not passing fads, drive design decisions.
The firm regards each house “not just as an abstract exercise of the designer’s artistic virtuosity and technical skill, but also, indeed, primarily, as an adjunct to the client’s lifestyle and as an expression of the client’s character, values and status.”
This contextual sensitivity extends to surroundings, whether rural settings, historic neighborhoods, or new suburbs. By maintaining close relationships with builders and subcontractors, Bickford develops innovative designs that remain practical and buildable.
Further, Bickford is candid about the realities.
FRESH VIEW
Before starting a design project, Bickford emphasized preparation. “As they say, ‘time is money.’ Starting with a clear scope of work, a thought-out list of goals, and an understanding of the proposed budget all will help the design process proceed more efficiently.”
“The design process path is never straight and totally on track as it always is a bit exploratory and often clients’ design tastes evolve through the process. While this is always expected, better preparation helps us stay more on track and be more efficient with our time.”
Custom architecture isn’t about building a house. It’s about designing a home. Your home. Find an architect who listens more than they dictate, who respects your lifestyle as much as their design principles, and who views your project as an expression of your character rather than their portfolio.
One builder who has worked with the firm on numerous projects praised Scott’s versatility: “Scott is extremely creative, can bridge many different styles of homes, and is very reasonably priced. His calm and caring demeanor makes for a wonderful design process.”
