Harmony, Balance, Tradition and Craft

Erik Bootsma, Architect

Architects who sought to be skilled with their hands without formal education have never been able to reach a position of authority in return for their labors; while those who relied only upon Reasoning and Scholarship were clearly pursuing the shadow, not the substance. But those who have a thorough knowledge of both, like men fully armed, have more quickly attained their goals with authority.

Vitruvius, Ten Books on Architecture, I.II.II

Erik Bootsma

Erik Bootsma

Architect, Owner
Erik Bootsma has had a passion for building nearly his whole life.  Growing up the child of a contractor and a painter, architecture was especially apt vocation.   Working for his father's construction firm for his teenage and college years, he built up valuable experience in the field of architecture, learning intimately how a building really works.   Later, being trained in the classical liberal arts at Thomas Aquinas College's great books program, he became interested in the philosophy of architecture and aesthetics. This philosophy was the foundation upon which he completed his architectural education with a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Curriculum Vitae

Erik Bootsma, Architect

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture, University of Notre Dame, 2008

Bachelor of Arts, Thomas Aquinas College (Santa Paula California), 2001

Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (New York City) Summer Program, 2002

Architectural History Coursework, University of Oregon, 2001/2002

PAST EMPLOYMENT

Glave & Holmes Architects, Richmond, Virginia
Milton Grenfell, Architect, Washington, DC
Duncan Stroik, Architect, South Bend, Indiana
Main Street Architects, Ventura California

PUBLICATIONS

First Things
Adoremus Bulletin
Catholic News Agency
The Weekly Standard
Bellarmine Forum Magazine
Crisis Magazine
Catholic World Report
Russell Kirk Center

 

EXPERIENCE

18 Years Total Experience in Architecture

6 Years independent as Erik Bootsma, Architect

AFFILIATIONS

Foundation for Sacred Arts – Past Board Member

National Civic Art Society – Past Board Member

Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

LECTURES

University of Notre Dame
Catholic University of America
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Catholic Art Guild
Hillsdale College, Washington DC center.
St. John Cantius, Chicago

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PHILOSOPHY

Beauty is objective and reflects the truth of the natural world. It is the task of the artist to discover and imitate the sources of beauty.

CRAFT

Craft is the learning of skills and techniques passed on by tradition, and is as essential to the practice of the architect as the builder.  One cannot learn architecture unless one studies how the architects of the past built and made beautiful buildings and cities.

 
  • Mr. Bootsma was very effective in helping a joint planning committee from the parish develop our program requirements, not an insignificant task in the planning process.  He was easy to work with and always responsive in answering questions and giving advice. He was very helpful in developing a parish wide survey which served to validate our program requirements and phasing of construction.  This also served to generate support within the parish for the overall effort. The Master Plan prepared by Mr. Bootsma is very detailed, easy to read and understand.  We are happy with the results.  I would encourage any parish to review our plan before making a decision. We would hire Mr. Bootsma if we ever again needed this kind of strategic facility planning.
    Wayne Parent, Pastoral Council Chairman
  • It has been a pleasure to work with Erik because of the unique skills and background he brings to the table, which is such a clear fit for the needs of Catholic parishes. As a faithful Catholic himself, he is familiar with the liturgical needs of churches. He operates a small firm, which allows him to keep fees lower than the industry average. He is flexible, working on all sizes of projects. When working with him, churches feel confident that the result will not only be functional but also beautiful and reflective of the eternal truths of the Catholic faith, creating holy and sacred spaces worthy of the Church.
    Deacon Paul Mahefky, Director of Real Estate (Retired)