Here's what others are saying about us:

"Steve's assignment for Church of the Servant was to craft a major addition to a distinctively styled building designed by an internationally known architect. His design creatively integrated with the original concept. For a community as aesthetically alert as this one, that is a very important factor. It's as functional as it is visually striking. And he brought the project in on time and on budget. Altogether worthy of the awards he has won." -

David Diephouse, Council President, Church of the Servant CRC, Kentwood, MI

"I just want you to know how thrilled we are with the space! You and your dedicated staff were such an inspiration to watch in action and to work with. The end product really has fulfilled everything on my wish list. Every inch is jam-packed with kid friendly fun and bursting with potential for learning, growing and developing kids in their relationship with Jesus. There is nowhere in our town with anything quite like the space you've created for us at Oak Park. You have done an outstanding job."

Gail Boatright, Children’s Pastor, Oak Park Christian Center, Pleasant Hill, CA

"Jim and Rebecca were the perfect team to design our new church home! Jim listened to our needs and desires and transformed them into a facility that showed he understood our vision. Rebecca’s attention to detail and ability to bring together color and design were amazing to watch unfold. Their unique ability to come alongside the client and take ownership of the project while still allowing us to drive the overall process made for an enjoyable building project experience. As a team, these two really brought the “Wow!” factor to our new facility."

Kristin Gill, Director of Administrative Ministries, Trinity Church of Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale, CA

"Jim’s team does a great job relating to congregation members and understanding their desires and wishes. They are cost conscious, trustworthy stewards of church funds, passionate about their work and bring a Christ-centered focus to their designs."

Milan Coburn, Building Committee Chair, Christ Lutheran Church, Valparaiso, IN

"I have worked with Jim on two church-oriented projects. His design work is very creative but based in a clear understanding of budget. Designing with simple and inexpensive materials, he develops unique and innovative design solutions properly expressing the user’s needs and vision."

Lesley Miles, AIA, President, Weston Miles Architects, Morgan Hill, CA

"Steve Fridsma is a talented and gifted architect who really believes in and is led by God’s grace and beauty in all his church designs. I recommend Steve to any church that is considering a new project."

Ron Hansen, Senior Project Manager, the Wieland-Davco Corporation

“I have known Steve Fridsma personally for an extended period of time. It is people like Steve that make me like the construction industry. Steve is an excellent architect with a lot of creativity. Most of my experience with Steve has been related to worship facilities. He is a man of great knowledge in the area of designing worship facilities that have meaningful and functional space. In addition to his capabilities, I have found Steve to be a man that is principled with high values. Subsequently, I have found him to be a professional that I have come to trust and have great respect for. I would highly recommend Steve as a professional, very competent and trustworthy individual.” - Dale Bramer, Senior Vice President, Erhardt Construction, Ada, MI

“We cannot thank you enough for bringing all of our dreams to life. What a tremendous blessing to work alongside all of you. We are grateful!”

Angie Field, Director of Children’s and Young Families Ministries

“Stepping into our Elevate Studio designed and newly renovated worship space, the Mulder Chapel at Western Theological Seminary, is like stepping into a parallel universe… no, it’s better than that, it’s like waking up and realizing you are in heaven! All of us at WTS could not be more thrilled or grateful.”

Timothy Brown, President, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI

"....The space we get to worship and serve and build relationships in is absolutely breathtaking. Every guest who walks through the door seems to comment on how welcoming, captivating, and hospitable the space feels. I don’t know how they were able to do it, but they took an old 1963 industrial building and transformed it into a life-giving spiritual home for the community. We are so grateful for the work of Elevate Studio.”

Pastor Jim Boer, Lead Pastor, Monroe Community Church, Grand Rapids, MI

“I have utmost respect for the professionalism, creativity, responsiveness, and patience of the Elevate Studio team. They went the extra mile for our church project (a multi-phased $7,700,000 master plan) and took the lead in first understanding our church culture, meeting our members, and attending our worship services to fully understand our needs. They delivered exactly what they promised, and we appreciate it! Hire these guys, they’re really good!”

John VanderPloeg, Facilities Expansion Team, New Hope Community Church, Rockford, MI