--- title: "Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/edw-j-shannon-architect-spirit-lake-studio-pfvwus-pf~1166218213 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1166218213.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/57135046000ece20_1867-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3269 Lincoln Avenue, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, United States" latitude: 43.4262 longitude: -95.1123 phone: "(515) 779-9050" website: http://www.edwardjshannon.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 143 last_updated: 2026-11-10 --- # Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio Original Houzz profile: [Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/edw-j-shannon-architect-spirit-lake-studio-pfvwus-pf~1166218213) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Spirit Lake, IA - **Serves:** Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, Waukee, Johnston, Clive, Grimes, Norwalk, Pleasant Hill, Polk City, Windsor Heights, Saylorville, Granger, Beaverdale, Cumming, Berwick, Chicago Suburbs, Door County WI, Lake Panorama IA, Okoboji IA, Spirit Lake IA, Sun Valley Lake IA - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2021–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - Award winning - 13 years in business I am a Licensed Architect with over 25 years of experience in commercial, institutional, and residential sectors. While I reside in Des Moines, Iowa, I still maintain a strong Chicago presence and am also available for projects in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. I also have a branch office in Spirit Lake (address below): 1710 Lincoln Avenue Spirit Lake, IA 51360 I design homes and light commercial projects that are inspiring, comfortable, economical, and flow well to enhance livability. I refer to myself as the "Neighborhood Architect" because I treasure old neighborhoods and believe in investing in these. Two Design philosophies I work closely with are The Not So Big House and The Original Green. The Not So Big House: • Values Quality over Quantity • Emphasizes Comfort, Beauty, and a high level of Detail • Doesn't necessarily mean small. It means not as big as you thought you needed, but designed and built to perfectly suit the way you live. The Original Green emphasizes sustainable buildings that are: LOVABLE - If they can’t be loved, they will not last. DURABLE - They must endure, in order to be sustainable. FLEXIBLE - If they endure, they will need to be used for many uses over generations. FRUGAL – because energy hogs can’t be sustained in a healthy way long into an uncertain future. Building a new home is one of the biggest investments a family will ever make. Yet, despite spending a lot of money, a new home can still be flawed by way of planning, structure, and aesthetics. You deserve only the best! Going through a thorough design process with a licensed, seasoned design professional will ensure you get the house that best suits your needs and fits your site. Do it right with an Architect! ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Barn Design & Construction - Deck Design ### Areas Served - Des Moines - West Des Moines - Ankeny - Urbandale - Waukee - Johnston - Clive - Grimes - Norwalk - Pleasant Hill - Polk City - Windsor Heights - Saylorville - Granger - Beaverdale - Cumming - Berwick - Chicago Suburbs - Door County WI - Lake Panorama IA - Okoboji IA - Spirit Lake IA - Sun Valley Lake IA ### Typical Job Cost $50,000.00 - $1,500,000.00 www.architecturalfees.com ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio | | Address | 3269 Lincoln Avenue, Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360, United States | | Phone | (515) 779-9050 | | Website | http://www.edwardjshannon.com | | License Number | ARCHITECT IA-06580 IL-015868 | | Followers on Houzz | 143 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/edwardjshannonarchitect - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/edward-j-shannon-ncarb-leed-ga/9/a5a/336 - Blog — http://www.edwardjshannon.com ## Offers Virtual Consultations Available! _Call Us To Schedule Your Meeting_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Edw J Shannon, Architect/Spirit Lake Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/edw-j-shannon-architect-spirit-lake-studio-pfvwus-pf~1166218213) - **Website:** http://www.edwardjshannon.com - **Phone:** (515) 779-9050 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licnsed Architect, State of Iowa, Illinois, NCARB - National Certificate of Architectural Registration Boards, AIA RESIDENTIAL HONOR AWARD, American Institute of Architects Northeast Illinois - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2021–2025), for Service. **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA Iowa](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-iowa-pfvwus-pf~1863333408) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — David Tentinger, Nov. 2024** > We came to Edward with ideas; he listened to us and added his creativity and expertise; and now we have the beautiful lake home we envisioned. Edward was a great partner through the whole process, and that includes working with our building contractors and suppliers along the way. First class architectural design service! **★★★★★ — petula67, May 2024** > We sought Edward’s expertise to design an addition to our house. Working with him was a delight from beginning to end. Edward has outstanding communication skills and is very responsive to questions. He is creative, very good at the big picture, but also very attentive to small details. He inspires confidence, and it’s clear that he deeply cares about his projects. Our project wish list included a large garage bay with storage above, vaulted workshop, safe room, mud room, and an indoor kennel, all within a footprint constrained by our lot’s setback requirement. Edward found a way to fit our whole wish list into a well-functioning layout. From the outside, the addition blends seamlessly with the rest of the house. The style and scale of the new section work so well, people marvel that it hasn’t always been there. We recommend Edward Shannon with enthusiasm! **★★★★★ — Kay Stevens Custom Designs, Aug. 2021** > Edward listened to the vision for my project. He created an addition that blends perfectly with the existing structure! **★★★★★ — HU-621326709, May 2020** > Edward designed a carport for us that was perfect for our house with our suggestions and his expertise. This was not an easy project-small space-county restrictions-and yet it was perfect. He was easy to talk to-had so many ideas that he would show. Followed up on questions we had and worked well with the contractor. I would highly recommend Ed. **★★★★★ — Doug Wilson, March 2016** > We were very pleased with our results from our architectural designs by Edward. Edward led the way forward with providing numerous options in order to accommodate our needs and to enable us to stay within budget. We were very happy with the final plan and would use Edward in the future if the need arises! **★★★★★ — Trudy LaBarr, March 2016** > I hired Edward Shannon to draw up plans for my small retirement home. I had some ideas of what maybe I wanted and in working with him those ideas were clarified. In the past month I have located a builder in the Ozark area where my property is located and because I am having to scale down the size of my home due to financial reasons, I will not be using the plans that Edward drew up. I am having built a tiny home that just does not need plans. **★★★★★ — Patrick Beach, March 2016** > Mr. Shannon worked with me creating a room we are very happy with! It came in on time and under budget. The contractor was most pleased with Mr. Shannon's plans and prints. The project was about 15 years ago and at the time construction cost exceeded 60k. **★★★★★ — Kathleen Butler, March 2016** > Edward Shannon is an accomplished, passionate architect who understands and embodies the most important qualities to be successful. He has great communication skills that make him easy to collaborate with and a solid technical, design and business sense to keep a project on time and on budget. I highly recommend working with him! **★★★★★ — David Shumway, March 2016** > Ed Shannon was the architect for my house addition. My wife and I knew we wanted to enlarge the kitchen, add an eating area and connect the kitchen and family room but did know how it could be done. Ed figured out an idea that was radically different than our thoughts. He presented several design options to us. We went with his radical idea and the house has been twice as nice to live in since. The improvement in usefulness of the house went well beyond what we were imagining. Now we hope we do not have to move away from this house. Ed met with us several times to understand our desires and the existing house design. He was easy to work with to develop the final design and did the work with the city for permit approval. **★★★★★ — Douglas Clark, Nov. 2012** > Edward and I were neighbors in Palatine, Illinois and taught architecture together at Judson College. I have the highest respect for Edward's abilities both as a practicing architect and as an architecture professor. > This combination of practicing architect/professor is respected in the profession as achieved by some of the most industrious and design savvy members of our field. Edward's photos speak volumes of his design sensitivity. His drawings are likewise works of art in a profession that has lost much of its hand drawn talent in 25 years of CAD prevalence. He clearly has the design maturity to know the disciplines of restraint, light and balance, harmony, forms and textures and can apply this maturity of design to multiple venues. Working directly with Edward I learned his quality of sincere responsible work ethic and constant self improvement motivation. He has excellent people skills and is a collaborative proactive problem solver. His continued professional advancement with LEED accreditation, professorship in Iowa, and his ever expanding portfolio are testaments of his commitment to a profession which demands lifelong learning to maintain excellence. Very glad to find Edward's page here and heartily recommend him to clients seeking a conscientious architect for their next project. > Best Regards, > Douglas Clark, NCARB > Architect > San Mateo, CA ## Selected projects - [TRUE NORTH JUNGWIRTH VIDEO](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/true-north-jungwirth-video-pj-vj~6397095) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Adirondack Style Lake House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/adirondack-style-lake-house-pj-vj~7314147) - Location: Spirit Lake, IA - Photos: 16 - Description: This new lake house showcases vacation home architecture inspired by the Adirondack style. With spacious yet cozy interiors, it blends seamlessly with the lakeside environment. Great care was taken to design rooflines with cottage proportions. Authentic Adirondack detailing is employed throughout the exterior. - [House for a Lumberman](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-for-a-lumberman-pj-vj~64514) - Location: Sister Bay, WI - Photos: 12 - [Sun Valley Lake Addition/Transformation II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sun-valley-lake-addition-transformation-ii-pj-vj~7314225) - Location: Sun Valley Lake, IA - Photos: 17 - Description: A new Addition to this lake house takes advantage of the powerful lake views. a new great room was added, with a flex space beolow. The interiors were reconfigured to expand the kitchen and dining area. A new mudroom was added to the street sideof the house. - [Beaverdale Brick Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beaverdale-brick-addition-pj-vj~7601029) - Location: Des Moines, IA - Photos: 8 - Description: This modest addition seamlessly integrates with the original 1940s brick Cape Cod home. Salvaged brick was reused on the facade, maintaining authenticity. "Everyone thinks it’s original," said the owners. - [North Shore Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-shore-residence-pj-vj~2642167) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 11 - Description: A French Eclectic Estate on Chicago's North Shore. Edward J. Shannon, Architect of Record for Benvenuti & Stein Design Company. - [Spacious yet Quaint](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spacious-yet-quaint-pj-vj~72994) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Sister Bay Shed](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sister-bay-shed-pj-vj~109545) - Location: Sister Bay, WI - Photos: 6 - [Dicing the Suburban Cookie Cutter](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dicing-the-suburban-cookie-cutter-pj-vj~109125) - Location: Palatine, IL - Photos: 9 - Description: A new addition that flows seemlessly incorporates a family room, breakfast room, expanded kitchen and dinging room. The addition addressed many flaws in the existing house's circulation pattern. The existing house had rooms with dead -ends. Now all the rooms flow seemlessly. to quote the owner: "The back of the house was like the letter E, now it's a figure eight! - [Moore Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moore-cottage-pj-vj~109472) - Location: Buchanan Township, MI - Photos: 8 - Description: a small cottage in a dense neighborhood. The covenant restricted the size of the cottage to the original foot print. The budget was modest, yet through the use of a saltbox roof form and dormers, a sense of quaintness was achieved. - [Thorne Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thorne-residence-pj-vj~109455) - Location: Lake Zurich, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: A major addition/whole house remodel that connects an existing cottage and garage. While the house is large, the lowered second story eave and dormers creae as sense of quaintness. - [Olson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/olson-residence-pj-vj~109446) - Location: Palatine, IL - Photos: 3 - Description: A second floor addition and whole house remodel. The clients had recently had their kitchen re-deon. We were able to reating this, as well as an exsting powder room and brick fireplace. - [Stott Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stott-residence-pj-vj~109426) - Location: Barrington, IL - Photos: 4 - Description: An addition to a quaint Cape Cod consisting of a new garage, expanded kitchen and master suite. It was of utmost importance to not oeverwhelm the original house. To accomplish this, carefull attention was paid to the rooflines and the garage was sunken into a berm. - [New Family Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-family-farmhouse-pj-vj~6184471) - Location: Knoxville, IA - Photos: 8 - [Urbandale Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urbandale-custom-pj-vj~6388969) - Location: Urbandale, IA - Photos: 4 - Description: Custom Residence on a hilly, wooded site in Urbandale, Iowa - [Bike Shop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bike-shop-pj-vj~3694032) - Location: West Des Moines, IA - Photos: 5 - [1880's Commercial Block Adaptive Reuse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1880-s-commercial-block-adaptive-reuse-pj-vj~3692582) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Adaptive reuse of a dilapidated 1880's commercial block building in an urban neighborhood. Vast research has been done to determine the appropriate motifs for the store front and cornice. Tenants will include a restaurant/cafe at the ground level; three efficiency apartments and a gallery/community room on the upper level. - [Vicaros Deli](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vicaros-deli-pj-vj~109530) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Wood Street Bungalows](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-street-bungalows-pj-vj~109527) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Prempas Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/prempas-residence-pj-vj~109495) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/edw-j-shannon-architect-spirit-lake-studio-pfvwus-pf~1166218213) ## Ideabooks - [Wlaker/Korver](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/185266335/list/wlaker-korver) — 21 ideas - [Georgian Houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/184070560/list/georgian-houses) — 17 ideas - [Edeker Idea book](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/175105689/list/edeker-idea-book) — 7 ideas - [George Studio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170098427/list/george-studio) — 5 ideas - [Miller Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/168445704/list/miller-farm-house) — 7 ideas - [Stevens Block](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166336237/list/stevens-block) — 4 ideas - [W/H Sun Valley Lake](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/165590743/list/w-h-sun-valley-lake) — 49 ideas - [Tentinger Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164032759/list/tentinger-residence) — 162 ideas - [mudroom ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155698440/list/mudroom-ideas) — 16 ideas - [Kelty Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151495101/list/kelty-residence) — 8 ideas - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145433323/list/modern-farmhouse) — 6 ideas - [Hardie Panel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144204671/list/hardie-panel) — 12 ideas - [Green Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143558306/list/green-residence) — 29 ideas - [Melton Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/142204961/list/melton-residence) — 15 ideas - [Inspiring homes](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21987722/list/inspiring-homes) — 25 ideas - [Hiplpipre Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/133377048/list/hiplpipre-residence) — 20 ideas - [Garages](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7135425/list/garages) — 35 ideas - [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65210880/list/stairs) — 19 ideas - [Concrete Ext](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129319107/list/concrete-ext) — 5 ideas - [Hegarty Interior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125328742/list/hegarty-interior) — 6 ideas [See all 42 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/edwardjshannon) ## Community Q&A **Q: Critique our house plans** *(in Building a Home)* My husband and I are building on our 150 acre farm that’s mostly wooded. We surveyed off 5 acres, close to the main road, and cleared 2-3 acres to build on a slightly sloped lot. We are working with an architect and a builder. The house is a ranch on a walkout basement to the left. We intend on living in this home as long as possible so I would like your constructive criticism if there is anything we could improve. I apologize as the pictures are not the best but our architect is old school and draws everything by hand. Thanks in advance. A: With all due respect, I have to wonder if you have any confidence in your "architect"? As a Licensed Architect, I feel I have no business critiquing a fellow licensed professional's design - unless solicited by the professional. This Architect has visited the site, met with you (hopefully numerous times), assessed your needs, and (hopefully) has gone through a thorough design process with you and your partner. Your Architect has a history with this project that none of us have! If you are not beyond pleased, but thrilled with your design and the process, your Architect is not a good fit for you! **Q: Design-builder v. purchase home plans** *(in Building a Home)* We're looking to build a home on our lot in Huntersville, NC. For the design, we are trying to decide between one of several local design-build firms or instead buying and customizing a plan from Don Gardner architects and then getting bids from multiple builders. Anyone have suggestions? A: Another thing to keep in mind. Architects have areas of expertise, just like law practices. Most mid-sized and large firms concentrate on commercial and institutional buildings. A small project, like a house, will not be profitable for them. Nor do they likely have the expertise in single family residential. Make sure the architects you interview have this expertise. This may also explain why the quote you got was on the high side. **Q: Thoughts on layout of stairs for addition** *(in Building a Home)* Hi all, We are doing a second floor addition on our bungalow and received very interesting layouts from our designer. The main problem is that we weren’t going to alter the main floor too much beyond removing a wall, but what she is proposing can easily add significant costs to the project (specifically the stair and the dining room bump outs). We will be going back to discuss options but wondered if the experts here had any ideas on stair placement/configuration? One idea we briefly discussed was to have the stairs run in a straight line to the left of the main entrance (along the short end of the house) but that strikes me a bit odd as I’ve never seen that done. The other option would be to move them to the dining area (without bump out) but that creates quite small bedrooms on the second floor. The house is narrow (19’) so it’s a challenge! A: " What building code applies to the stairs? Be sure to check the local amendments. I doubt what is drawn meets any building code but all that is probably required is to move the risers a half tread into the room." The author claims she has a licensed architect. Without scaling the drawing, the winders appear to have the minimum 6" and giver there is a 45 degree angle meet the 10" requirement too! I have confidence the architect is cognizant of the building code provisions! If winders are built according to code, the are safe. Period! I live in an old bungalow winders that do not conform to doday's code. It's an attic studio where I used have my office. I am careful going up and down and make use of the handrail! Here's the thing about winders. They only have one purpose - saving space! If the owner doesn't want the winders the stair tower can be extended 10" into the yard and there can be a square landing. It should incur minimum additional costs as only about 6 square feet are being added! No bigs! **Q: Back finish ?** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you have photos of the back ? A: Sorry, no I do not --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-10.*