Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis’ architect is retiring, again!
After decades of a successful career in architecture, Art Stauder did the remarkable – he opted to start a second career. For the past 15 years, Art has faithfully served Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis by generously volunteering his time and skills to design attractive, affordable, and sustainable homes for deserving families.
Art has logged more than 12,000 volunteer hours and his drive and concern for ending substandard housing (homes that are unsafe and unhealthy for residents) has resulted in his direct involvement in the construction of more than 280 homes for hard-working families residing in the greater Saint Louis area.
Art began volunteering with Habitat Saint Louis as a Construction Committee member before taking on the position of Volunteer Staff Architect in 2000. Art’s role at Habitat Saint Louisis a vital one – he is the only architect in the organization. Every blue print and every house plan for the past decade and a half have been a product of Art’s unwavering commitment to transforming our community.
He designs each home with the family’s best interest at heart – from making sure that our green building techniques help our families save money to creating simple, yet beautiful designs that complement the architectural styles of the neighborhoods in which they will be built.
Throughout the years, the ability to grow the reach of our organization’s mission and adapt to changing industry standards has been possible because of Art’s continued support and vision. He does everything with our partner families in mind. Each blue print is hand drawn (that’s right! Art does not use a computer) with incredible precision and detail so that homebuyers and volunteers on the construction site can easily follow the plans when they are building the home.
Art has helped our organization provide no-profit mortgages to first time homebuyers by designing homes that are cost effective, energy efficient, and volunteer-friendly to build. Since 2008, he has designed the houses to be built to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum standard; incorporating green attributes that reduce utility and maintenance costs for our homebuyers.
Additionally, the house designs meet the EPA’s Energy Star and Indoor airPlus requirements, reducing indoor air pollutants, allergens, and contaminants which has helped many of our homebuyers reduce their medical costs.
Art’s work and dedication to HFHSL are an extension of his faith and family values. Through his volunteer service, Art has helped transform our community, strengthen the local economy, and ensure future generations have the opportunities they deserve.
We have been so fortunate to know Art. And we are so grateful for the impact he has had on St. Louis neighborhoods and families. He has forever left his mark on the landscape of the city and on our hearts.
We will miss you Art!
