--- title: "Sears Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sears-architects-pfvwus-pf~562037251 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562037251.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Sears Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1d03d6b60f85bee2_9467-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "16 Ionia Ave SW, Suite One, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States" latitude: 42.9659 longitude: -85.6527 phone: "(616) 336-8495" website: http://www.searsarchitects.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 628 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # Sears Architects Original Houzz profile: [Sears Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sears-architects-pfvwus-pf~562037251) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Grand Rapids, MI - **Serves:** Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Holland, Forest Hills, Walker, Cutlerville, Jenison, Grandville, Northview, East Grand Rapids, Comstock Park, Rockford, Cannonsburg, Ada, Belmont, Jamestown, Marne - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2020), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Sears Architects is a boutique architecture and planning firm that develops personal relationships with clients as we design their individual, award winning projects. We are known and respected nationally for our outstanding design and meticulous attention to detail. Sears Architects’ work is largely recognized for our commitment to period architecture and thoughtful land use. We have become a leading firm in waterfront and resort architecture in the Great Lakes region. The firm has been involved in projects including homes, cottages, neighborhoods and mixed-use developments. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - Home Additions - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Grand Rapids - Wyoming - Kentwood - Holland - Forest Hills - Walker - Cutlerville - Jenison - Grandville - Northview - East Grand Rapids - Comstock Park - Rockford - Cannonsburg - Ada - Belmont - Jamestown - Marne ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 1 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Sears Architects | | Address | 16 Ionia Ave SW, Suite One, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, United States | | Phone | (616) 336-8495 | | Website | http://www.searsarchitects.com | | Followers on Houzz | 628 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — www.facebook.com/SearsArchitects1 - Blog — www.searsarchitects.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Sears Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sears-architects-pfvwus-pf~562037251) - **Website:** http://www.searsarchitects.com - **Phone:** (616) 336-8495 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz Design Award Recipient, 2014,2015,2016 & 2017 - Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards – Grand Award, 2004 - Builder’s Choice Design and Planning Awards – Merit Award, 2004 - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2020), for Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Cannarsa Structure and Design, Feb. 2020** > As a designer, I can't say enough about the experience of working with Sears Architects. Their entire team is consistently professional, creative, and continue to surprise their clients with spot-on dream homes because they listen and interpret so well. Recently, in a one week period, I witnessed two different mutual clients seeing their first-draft plans and elevations. BOTH accepted the initial design without major changes! I can tell you that this doesn't happen very often, and the back and forth process can sometimes take months and even years. One client was brought to tears and the others could hardly contain their elation. **★★★★★ — Spectrum Interiors, Sept. 2016** > Sears Architects have a great handle on classic and classical architecture, including contemporary styles. Their homes exude a sense of dignity through the adroit handling of form, shape, and proportion. It’s wonderful to see homes that are balanced and poised; whether they be symmetrical or asymmetrical or combination thereof. > > Steven C. Adamko > Interior Designer > Author & Speaker **Comment from Sears Architects:** > Steven, > Thank you for your review. We work hard to provide excellent service, and listen to what our clients really want. **★★★★★ — Lisa Saur, Jan. 2016** > Sears Architects are amazing! They were professional, dependable, creative and enthusiastic. They never missed a deadline. Their on site visits were important follow through for the integrity of the project. Their whole office works hard to bring your dream project to fruition! **★★★★★ — Katie-K Team, Jan. 2016** > I purchased a home in East Grand Rapids, which needed a complete redo! I interviewed three different Architectural Firms and decided upon Sears Architects. They were vey welcoming, had great ideas, listening to what I wanted and performed in a very timely manner. It was a pleasure working with Rob Sears and learning more about his business. A very profession experience and I couldn't have been more excited to move in! And of course begin the "art of living." I would highly recommend Sears Architects. **★★★★★ — Staci Alguire, Jan. 2016** > Rob Sears and his design team did an outstanding job on our 1922 traditional brick home. The Sears team did a great job of listening to our ideas and creating an addition that felt like it was always there. **★★★★★ — Eric Rongey, Jan. 2016** > Sears Architects provided architectural services through my builder for my home which was completed in May 2015. I used a lightly modified version of a floor plan they already had developed, as well as some custom engineering to accommodate a green roof on my garage. Sears Architects suggested numerous subtle design details that make a dramatic statement as a whole. I am extremely pleased with their work and the way the home looks. **★★★★★ — David Korte, Jan. 2016** > Rob and his staff designed and helped bring to life a dream home. > > My wife and I found everyone to be professional and creative. They listened to our vision and brought it to life on paper. > > We had a great experience and could not be happier with the result. **★★★★ — martin5787, Nov. 2015** > Sears Architect designed a 3100 sq house for us in East Grand Rapids, MI. We have never built a home previously. We found the design process to be very efficient which resulted in a home that matches our needs and wants. The Sears project manager was very responsive and Rob Sears seemed to be full informed and involved at all times. > > Having said this there were many heartaches that occurred that could in part be mitigated with up front client education. In talking with another friend who build a house with Sears last year, our experience was similar to theirs. > > 1\. Architectural costs - designing a custom build house is more expensive and has more components than one would expect. Multiple site surveys, structural engineers, each set of more detailed plans add to the final cost. We spent $xxxxx for plans - which were the refinement of a plan presented to us in a design build proposal by the builder. In addition we used an interior designer recommended by the architect another $xxxx. We would have been happier if we had a fixed predefined budget as the builder led us to believe the costs would be about $25,000. Having said this, Rob Sears was very responsive to financial questions and happily and promptly provided the billing records that justified their billings. In addition I felt Rob made a strong effort to follow the project to completion and did quite a bit after delivery of the plans, uncompensated, to finish the job. In the end we are very happy with Sears Architects - but wiser for the experience. > > 2\. Cost of building. We learned that there was essentially no communication between our builder and the architect regarding the building allowances and the costs of the developed plan. Our home ended up xx% over budget, despite most components falling within allowances - the builder just underbid to get the work. What I learned from the process is that is not the architects job, rather the home owners sole responsibility, to verify all components are accuately costed prior to contracting a builder. > > 3\. Interior designer. We did not expect how important the interior designer would be in implementing the design of the home - guiding interior and exterior materials, designing lighting schemes, plumbing, etc as well as planning for furniture layout. Sears recommended Christine DiMaria. We separately retained her. My wife and I thought she did a great job - design, providing perspective from other project, helping sort priorities, communicating with the architect and in general holding our hands through the up and downs of the 10 month process. We were glad we used a designer who had worked with the architect before. > > 4\. Landscape design. This was a separate contract and budget through a landscape architect. Sears coordinated well re the placement of the house on the lot, grade decisions needed so proper retention walls could be planned and built by the Landscape team. > > So overall, I feel that Sears Architecture is a terrific firm that does good work. We are very happy with the completed product of our home. We would recommend them to other home buyers. ## Selected projects - [Fisk Lake Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fisk-lake-cottage-pj-vj~323208) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 24 - Description: Builder: Eastmark Construction Interior Designer: Villa Decor Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography Specifications- Square Footage: Total Finished Area = 6,292 sf (including finished basement) Stone: Santa Fe Full Veneer by Belden Brick Siding: White Cedar shingles with 5" reveal, painted Benjamin Moore Seagull Grey (semi-solid) Windows: Kolbe Ultra series with a 7/8" mutton bar, color: Ultra-Pure White Exterior Trim: Finger joint A-grade cedar, painted Benjamin Moore Cloud White Interior Trim:… - [Private Residence - Grand Rapids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-grand-rapids-pj-vj~800583) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 9 - Description: Featured in an article by Houzz editorial writer Mitchell Parker here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32802053?utm\_source=Houzz&utm\_campaign=u714&utm\_medium=email&utm\_content=gallery1 - [1722 Cielo Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1722-cielo-drive-pj-vj~755283) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 12 - [Walloon Lake Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walloon-lake-renovation-pj-vj~125698) - Location: Petoskey, MI - Photos: 11 - [Westwind - Saugatuck](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westwind-saugatuck-pj-vj~381453) - Location: Saugatuck, MI - Photos: 18 - [840 Pinecrest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/840-pinecrest-pj-vj~732735) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 12 - [549 Lovett](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/549-lovett-pj-vj~732753) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 9 - [941 Pinecrest](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/941-pinecrest-pj-vj~747481) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 14 - [Kirby Residence - Holland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kirby-residence-holland-pj-vj~1474262) - Location: Holland, MI - Photos: 27 - [Wealthy Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wealthy-street-residence-pj-vj~1476026) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 17 - [Private Residence - Grand Rapids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-grand-rapids-pj-vj~1423119) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 20 - [Darby Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/darby-residence-pj-vj~1398098) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 21 - [Private Residence - Muskegon](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-muskegon-pj-vj~1609116) - Location: Muskegon, MI - Photos: 22 - [Private Residence - Grand Rapids](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/private-residence-grand-rapids-pj-vj~1474164) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 37 - Description: The interior designer on this home was John Cannarsa, of Cannarsa Structure and Design. The majority of the interior furniture can be found at Restoration Hardware. - [Lake Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-drive-pj-vj~1972287) - Location: Grand Rapids, MI - Photos: 20 - Description: Complete re-do of a small home in East Grand Rapids, MI. Added garage and master suite. - [Lakeshore](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lakeshore-pj-vj~1958398) - Location: Fennville, MI - Photos: 12 - Description: Doubled the size of the house. Timber-framed the great room and porches. - [In the Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/in-the-woods-pj-vj~314610) - Location: Ada, MI - Photos: 3 - Description: Total renovation and additions. - [Beach House Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-house-studio-pj-vj~143396) - Location: Harbor Springs, MI - Photos: 12 - [Coastal Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-cottage-pj-vj~143379) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 6 - [Newport R.I. Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newport-r-i-cottage-pj-vj~143376) - Location: Birmingham, MI - Photos: 9 [See all 31 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sears-architects-pfvwus-pf~562037251) ## Ideabooks - [We Love Wine Cellars](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55519348/list/we-love-wine-cellars) — 7 ideas - [Memorable Staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55519100/list/memorable-staircases) — 8 ideas - [Bathroom Luxury](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55518813/list/bathroom-luxury) — 8 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/sears-architects) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the exterior walls and garage door color?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this look and the colors! A: Thank you for your interest in Sears Architects. All colors are custom and chosen with the builder. Unfortunately, we don't have access to that information. **Q: woodland theme wallpaper** *(in Photo Questions)* where is the woodland wallpaper from? A: Thank you for your interest in Sears Architects. The interior designer on any project specifies wallpaper for a home, not the architect. The interior designer on this project was John Cannarsa, of Cannarsa Structure and Design. https://www.houzz.com/pro/jcannarsa/cannarsa-structure-and-design **Q: What is the color of the exterior? Beautiful!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Thank you for your interest. The color of the exterior is Seagull grey by Benjamin Moore. **Q: Love your home!!!** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the square footage? TU A: Thank you for your question and interest in Sears Architects! The Total Finished Area = 6,292 sf (including finished basement). **Q: type of ceiling treatment** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you recall the type of ceiling treatment used in the room? Are the boards 3.5" width? Also, ceiling height? Thank you! A: Ceiling treatment they used to finish the ceiling was shiplap. It is something the interior designer would generally pick out with the client not the architect. Ceiling height is 9’. **Q: what color paint on the walls?** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the color you used on the walls? thanks!! A: Hi Sarah! Thank you for your question. Homeowners work with the builder on these type of details. The builder is Scott Gregory Designer Homes. They are not on Houzz, but here is their website. http://scottgregorydesignerhomes.com/ --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*