Robert A. Shaffer
President, AIA, CID, LEED AP
Bob has been a licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects since 1987. He also is a certified interior designer and a LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional). His bachelor’s degree in Architectural Studies is from the University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign, one of the world’s leading institutions for architectural education.
Bob loves to work directly with clients to develop unique, personal and affordable solutions that exceed their expectations. His methodical and pragmatic approach returns high-value results at minimal cost on each project. His previous dental clinic designs clearly show the benefits of this approach. Clients benefit from Bob’s experience in all aspects of a project (design, production and construction administration) and with his involvement in a great variety of project types including dental clinics, homes and other facilities.
Bob’s attention to personal service and dedication to the community is clear moments after any first meeting. He has served two terms as city council member in the City of Golden Valley after years of experience on the city’s Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, which helps him understand first-hand the government processes that affect building, planning and construction of all types.If you are interested in a thoughtful consultation about a project that’s creative, efficient and realizes your personal vision – call Bob at 612.340.5430 or email him at bob@foundationarch.com.
Tonya Nicholie
Tonya comes from a long line of builders, makers, teachers, and artists. She sees architecture as a healthy balance between the art and the science of building. Tonya graduated from the University of MN with a Bachelor of Environmental Design.
Tonya enjoys the process of creating a great building or a great space in an existing building. She has over 25 years of experience in Healthcare, Nursing Homes, institutional and the Industrial sectors. She has worked on small remodels and large buildings. She enjoys the scale of the smaller projects, where the projects are part art, part science and part project management.
Tonya served as the president of St. Paul’s Historic Fort Road neighborhood Federation, co-chaired the Victoria Park design committee and served on the school board for Nova Classical Academy.
Besides basic building skills Tonya’s zombie apocalypse skill is of spinning yarn. She can be found on the weekends spinning art yarn when she is not judging climbing competitions around the region or out hiking with her dogs.
Abbey Dombeck
Abbey graduated from Dakota County Technical College in 2022 with an Associate’s degree in Architectural Technology. Her interest in design and architecture started when she was a kid, building houses in The Sims 2 and 3 for hours on her family computer.
Since starting at Foundation, she has enjoyed seeing how excited clients become when creating their space and likes to encourage that excitement through the design process with concept images and renderings.
Abbey enjoys spending time with her family & dog, Lucy, cleaning, baking, or gaming with her friends.
Kelly Hanson
Born and raised in Minnesota, Kelly graduated with her professional Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University in 2018, and is a licensed architect with 5 years of post-graduate experience in the architecture profession.
She moves through projects with equal parts creativity and practicality, and is constantly pondering new ways to better serve clients with her problem-solving and organizational skills. She is motivated every day by the idea of creating spaces that are both beautiful and useful, and finds joy in knowing that she is helping to define what future spaces will look and feel like through the use of new innovative solutions.
