Innovative Church Design and Architectural Solutions
Space is more than a typical church architecture and design firm. Rather, it was established to represent the Church, embrace the Church’s vision, and build great friendships along the way.
With over 100 years of combined architecture and construction experience, we bring a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and innovation that results in successful church development solutions.
Our Philosophy
We commit to providing integrity-filled, ministry-minded, value-focused facility design and project management services. We have many baseline standards we aim to achieve. Sustainability, team approach, and budget accuracy are three we highlight.
Sustainability
We aim to achieve sustainable design, employing renewable resources, energy-efficient systems and designs that maximize building performance. We want to ensure your buildings will serve you in the future.
Team Approach
We choose to work alongside all stakeholders with the project’s success as a goal. This means we make quick and clear communication a top priority.
Budget Accuracy
We provide an accurate architectural program and realistic budget to eliminate surprises later in the design process. Budget accuracy is based on historical project data and progressive estimate updates with your general contractor as the design progresses.
Beyond a Church Building
We understand your church building is a place where many will experience Jesus for the very first time. For others, this is a place they grow deeper in their faith. Your church is a house of God. We understand what it takes to design a ministry building to maximize the results of your ministry.
The atmosphere of your building supports the culture of your church. How your attendees flow in and through your building needs to be intentional. Most first-time visitors decide if they’ll return in the first 10 minutes of visiting your church.
Designing a church is not about a welcoming cafe or large sanctuary, it's about what solution provides the greatest ministry impact. Our many years of church ministry and administration, allows us to strategically design your children’s ministries areas, guest locations, worship stages, or any other ministry areas of importance.
Our Leadership
Thomas Small
Partner | AIA/NCARB
A practicing architect since 1982, Thomas Small formed Small Architects in the year 2000. Focusing on both public and private projects, his experience encompasses churches and religious facilities, office buildings, education (primary, secondary, and higher-ed), historic preservation, museums, retail developments, healthcare, community centers, and federal government projects. Thomas is an NCARB-certified architect, meaning that he can obtain registration in all US states.
Forming a partnership with Mark Allen in 2009, Thomas directs the architectural tasks of Space and is responsible for project staffing, schedules, and quality control. All projects commissioned to Space directly involve both partners with the goal of exceeding client expectations.
Mark Allen
Partner | Pastor
Mark Allen, having served as a pastor for 20 years in the local church, understands intimately what is required to meet the needs of the church in the 21st Century.
For almost 14 years, Mr. Allen worked under the leadership of Craig Groeschel to lead the Construction & Design and Land Acquisition Teams at Life.Church. This frontline experience equips our team to give advice and expertise concerning the effects the project’s program and your ministry will have on each other.
Meet Our Team
Get Started
It’s hard to know where to get started.
For us, it starts with a “no-strings” conversation. Feel free to send us a message or give us a call to explore the best solutions for your church.
Take the next step to help your church make a greater impact in your community.
Church Designer FAQS
-
A church designer creates ministry-focused spaces that go beyond architecture. The goal is to design facilities that reflect a church’s vision and culture while supporting worship, discipleship, and community.
-
Church designers understand how ministry flows through a building, from children’s areas and sanctuaries to lobbies and guest spaces. This expertise ensures the design aligns with both spiritual and practical needs.
-
A full-service church architect partners with the church from start to finish, guiding land selection, design, budgeting, construction, and interior details. This approach provides accountability, clarity, and ministry-focused solutions.
-
Our leadership team combines over 100 years of architecture and ministry experience. Partners Thomas Small and Mark Allen bring expertise in both design and church leadership, supported by a talented staff of architects and designers.
-
The layout and atmosphere of a church often influence whether guests return. Thoughtful design of lobbies, children’s areas, and worship spaces helps people feel welcomed, safe, and connected.
-
It starts with a no-obligation conversation. We’ll listen to your goals, assess your needs, and guide you toward the next steps in creating a church facility that supports growth and ministry impact.