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Stephen Varenhorst, AIA
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Biography
Stephen Varenhorst, AIA

Stephen Varenhorst founded SVA in 1987 and has since realized numerous noteworthy, award-winning commissions. Single and multi-family residential, non-profit, education, and mixed-use retail projects comprise his extensive portfolio. An exceptional ability to detail as well as intensive client interaction and involvement have encouraged repeat clients, among them Suburban Square and Covenant House. Architecture for Stephen is a creative process to continually seek new and better approaches to design.

Stephen has frequently been recognized for both firm leadership and excellence in design. His award-winning projects include the Silverman Residence, Lee Residence, Balch Institute for Ethnic Studies (now the Constitution Center High School ), Philadelphia Enterprise Center , and the Mixed-Use Train Station Building at Suburban Square . The firm is presently designing three multi-family residential projects. The former Philadelphia Board of Education Building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be converted into 130 condominiums. A building at Fourth and Cherry Streets in Old City will be converted to 55 units. A new, 300-condominium complex is also in design development.

Stephen is a graduate of North Dakota State University where he received a B.A. in Architectural Studies and a Bachelor of Architecture; and North Carolina State University School of Design, where he received a Master of Architecture and the Dietrich Fellowship. Stephen is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Pennsylvania Society of Architects, and National Association of Architectural Registration Boards, and is an adjunct faculty member at Drexel University . H e also sits on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia.

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