Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Auburn Hills, MI
French Associates has been Michigan's partner in shaping the future through purposeful design since our founding. Our employee-owned firm combines deep local expertise with full-service integration across architecture, planning, interiors, and engineering. We approach every project as a partnership, tailoring solutions to reflect client visions while maintaining a commitment to quality, innovation, and client satisfaction. With over five decades of experience, we deliver award-winning designs recognized for excellence in educational, municipal, and healthcare sectors.Our multidisciplinary team leverages cutting-edge technology to create functional, inspiring spaces that anticipate future needs while adhering to the highest ethical standards. Through active collaboration with clients, partners, and communities, we transform bold ideas into environments that stand the test of time. Our track record demonstrates consistent delivery of projects on time and within budget, supported by a philosophy that values sustainability, transparency, and meaningful dialogue throughout the architectural process.
Services
Architecture
Planning
Interior Design
Consulting
Construction Administration
Engineering Integration
Highlights and features
- 54+ years of specialized expertise in educational and civic architecture
- Employee-owned firm with personal investment in project success
- Integrated services across architecture, planning, interiors, and engineering
- Award-winning designs recognized for excellence and innovation
- Commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible practices
What people say
Creative educational solutions
Highly qualified team
Passion observed
Award-winning designs
Successful project delivery
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services create purposeful spaces that balance functionality with inspiration. Specializing in educational and civic projects, we deliver designs that reflect client missions while anticipating future needs. With 54+ years of experience, we combine traditional expertise with innovative technology to produce award-winning structures that enhance community experiences and stand the test of time.
Interior Design
We craft interior environments that optimize performance and wellbeing. Our designs enhance organizational identity through thoughtful material selection and spatial organization. Focused on educational, municipal, and healthcare settings, we create adaptable spaces that support evolving needs while maintaining aesthetic excellence and functional efficiency.
Construction Administration
Our comprehensive construction administration ensures project success through meticulous oversight. Services include site visits, contractor coordination, and compliance checks. We maintain quality assurance throughout implementation, resolving issues proactively while ensuring adherence to design specifications and budget parameters for successful project delivery.
Planning Services
We provide strategic planning solutions balancing vision with feasibility. Our services include site analysis, zoning research, and master planning for large developments. By integrating architectural expertise with practical considerations, we create comprehensive plans that address current needs while accommodating future growth across diverse market sectors.
Engineering Integration
Our engineering integration ensures seamless technical coordination across projects. By combining architectural design with engineering expertise, we optimize building systems and material selections. This holistic approach enhances structural integrity, improves system efficiency, and reduces project costs through early identification of potential conflicts.
People
Todd Pardon
Chief Executive Officer
Todd Pardon leads French Associates with strategic vision, overseeing operations and long-term growth. With extensive architectural experience, he ensures the firm maintains its commitment to excellence while adapting to evolving industry standards and client needs.
Dale Jerome, AIA
President
Dale Jerome directs French Associates's architectural practice, combining design excellence with technical expertise. As President, he focuses on client relationships and project quality, ensuring each design solution meets both functional requirements and aesthetic aspirations.
Dan Jerome, AIA
Vice President
Dan Jerome oversees project execution and team development. With AIA certification, he brings technical proficiency to complex projects, maintaining French Associates's reputation for delivering innovative solutions that balance creativity with practical implementation.
Suzanne Carlson, AIA
Vice President
Suzanne Carlson specializes in educational facility design. As Vice President, she leads school projects that create inspiring learning environments, combining pedagogical insights with architectural innovation to support student engagement and institutional growth.
Craig Westrick, AIA
Vice President
Craig Westrick manages civic and municipal projects. His expertise in public architecture ensures designs that serve community needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility. He focuses on creating spaces that enhance civic engagement and governmental accessibility.
Questions
What architectural services does FRENCH specialize in?
We specialize in educational, municipal, and healthcare architecture with integrated planning, interior design, and engineering services.
How does FRENCH approach client collaboration?
We treat every project as a partnership, tailoring solutions through active listening and maintaining transparent communication throughout the design process.
What makes FRENCH different from other firms?
As an employee-owned firm, we combine 54+ years of local expertise with multidisciplinary integration to deliver award-winning, future-ready spaces.
How does FRENCH incorporate sustainability?
We integrate environmentally responsible practices in all phases, from material selection to construction administration, viewing sustainability as core responsibility.
What project phases does FRENCH handle?
We manage all phases from pre-design planning through construction administration, ensuring consistent quality from concept to completion.
How does FRENCH ensure project success?
Through our three-phase process combining strategic planning, detailed design development, and rigorous construction oversight to deliver on-time, on-budget results.
