05/26/2026
80 years ago, on May 25, 1946, John E. Somerville opened a small architectural practice with just three employees. The firm’s very first commission was for the Great Lakes Shoe Company in Oconto, Wisconsin, the beginning of a legacy that would shape communities across the region for generations to come.
Today, Somerville Architects and Engineers is proud to celebrate 80 years of inspired design, meaningful partnerships, and community impact. From schools and healthcare facilities to community spaces, workplaces, and beyond, our projects have always been about more than buildings, they are about improving lives and helping our clients and communities succeed.
As we reflect on this milestone, we are especially grateful for the incredible people who have made Somerville what it is today. Our innovative and creative work begins with our employees, the talented architects, engineers, designers, and support staff who bring passion, expertise, and care to every project. Their dedication to collaboration, creativity, and client partnerships continues to drive our mission forward.
In September 2025, we proudly moved into our newly designed office building at 2120 Riverside Drive, marking the completion of Somerville’s fourth office building along the Fox River. While much has changed since 1946, our values remain the same: genuineness, creativity, expertise, ownership, quality of life, and lasting partnerships.
As a 100% employee-owned firm, we take immense pride in the work we do and the relationships we build. Thank you to our employees, clients, partners, and communities for being part of our story over the past 80 years. We are humbled by your trust and excited for what the future holds.
