STELLAR SPACES™
by SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE
Simply put, we help you create the observing experience of your dreams.
✴︎ Stunningly Elegant Design Solutions ✴︎
✴︎ Totally Immerse in Your Observing Experience ✴︎
✴︎ Beautifully Detailed to Ensure Longevity ✴︎
The Observatory You’ve Always Wanted, and Much More
Whether you are observing a distant galaxy through the eyepiece or capturing the ionized dust of a beautiful planetary nebula, at SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE, we know you want an observatory that is not only located far away from the glow of light pollution, is durable, long-lasting, and resistant to fire or other natural disasters, but also reflects your personal style, tastes, and vision. It’s a space that you can find comfort in and be cozy during a cold night of observing. It’s a space to keep your equipment secure and possibly even exhibit your portfolio of work. It may even be a space that you occasionally invite guests over to share in the experience. Ultimately it is a place to house the human spirit and to explore the universe.
Not Just A Warm Room
Imagine your observatory as your home away from home, your space to get away from it all, clean and comfortable as you would expect allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Unique, Advanced, & Uncompromised
We believe that observatories are advanced, specialized, and unique building types and should be planned, designed, & detailed with that in mind. As every site is different and no two clients are alike why would anyone want a one-size-fits-all solution for their unique needs and situation? At SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE, we understand this and are here to help.
Exquisitely Modern
With cutting edge design, we pay attention to every detail, delivering the ultimate observatory and experience.
Interior Design
Our designs perfectly encapsulate your tastes in modern, clean interiors and lighting designs that beautifully respond to your needs.
3D Visualization
We can build your project in 3D design & modeling software to ensure precision, virtually eliminate issues, budget accurately, and give you remote, virtual access to your project.
Guiding You Every Step of the Way
From helping you navigate through complex entitlements approvals to envisioning your ultimate observatory with 3D visualization, and physical models, & site visits, we are here to ensure your design experience is enjoyable, memorable, and personal. As creative problem solvers, we help you achieve everything you want and much more.
That process starts with our Ask the Expert Initial Consultation, click the button below to learn more.
Finesse and Attention to Detail
Observatories are buildings, and therefore should be detailed and designed as such. For the observatory systems contained within to function and perform as they are intended, these buildings have specific requirements for ventilation, security, fire protection, thermal breaks, etc. We design and detail these buildings with precision, rigor, and full attention to detail so that your instruments can perform as they are meant to.
STELLAR SPACES™ Planning Pack
How do we navigate each stage of your project? Learn essential insights in the must-have STELLAR SPACES™ Planning Pack.
Click the link below to download the pack. This pack you will inform you about our process, the aspects you should consider and what to expect further down the line.
If you are interested in SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE's services and considered building and advanced, uncompromising, and unique observatory, you can schedule an ''Ask the Expert'' meeting with Scott Schneider by clicking HERE where we can talk more in depth and answer any questions you might have.
Common Queries
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We are the only professional architecture and design firm in North America that specializes in the design of ground based astronomical observatories. These types of buildings have very specific needs that are not generally recognized by other architects, especially during the early stages of the project development and design. Our experience has allowed us to create our STELLAR SPACES™ strategy. To learn more click here.
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Yes we do, in fact we offer different options depending on what level of service you may be looking for. Click here to set up a free initial consultation with Scott if you would like to further discuss these options.
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Fees and costs can vary depending on your needs and wants, please click here to make an appointment for a free initial consultation with Scott to discuss your project needs.
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Yes, we travel sometimes quite frequently for site visits, depending on a project or client's needs.
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While SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE specializes in designing observatories, Scott has an extensive background in designing beautiful single-family residences. These projects take much more time to complete, thereby only allowing Scott to work with select clients. He takes great care in helping those clients craft unique, warm and welcoming contemporary residential spaces that are harmoniously integrated with the natural environment. If you would like to learn more please click here.
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If you are interested in working with SCOTT SCHNEIDER ARCHITECTURE, please click here to set up an initial consultation with Scott.
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Please don’t hesitate to connect with us by filling in the form below, we are delighted to answer any questions you may have.
Book a FREE Initial Consultation Appointment
Thinking of embarking on an observatory project and not sure how or where to start? Then you have come to the right place.
Our FREE “Ask the Expert” initial consultation is the answer!
Don’t wait another day, week, or year, get started by clicking the button below to book a FREE consultation with Scott Schneider, Principal, Founder, and Design Director.
With more than 20 years of architecture and design experience, Scott can give you the clarity you need about your observatory project.
Observatory Site Selection: Why Location Matters More Than Equipment
Your expensive telescope setup could perform like a beginner scope if you choose the wrong location. While most amateur astronomers obsess over equipment specs, the biggest factor determining image quality happens before you even break ground. Here's what really matters when selecting your observatory site—and why that 'perfect' spot in your backyard might be sabotaging your stargazing goals.
Practical Fire Protection For Your Observatory
When wildfire destroyed our astronomy club's observatory, all that remained were melted blobs of aluminum and glass — what used to be precision telescopes worth thousands of dollars. As an architect and newsletter editor for the Tri-Valley Stargazers, I witnessed firsthand how the 2020 SCU Lightning Complex Fire reduced years of careful equipment curation to rubble in hours. With fire season approaching, protecting your observatory isn't just about building codes — it's about preserving your connection to the cosmos. Here's what every amateur astronomer needs to know about fire-proofing their slice of the universe.