How William Adams' Rich Family History Shaped His Interior Architecture Design Philosophy
From a young age, I have cultivated a deep-rooted passion for architecture and design, a journey that feels almost predestined. My inspiration came from my grandfather, an architect, and my father, who dedicated his life to the cabinetry business. Growing up surrounded by their creativity and craftsmanship, I recognized their contributions to the world of construction and home renovations. I developed a profound appreciation for design that balances innovation with respect for tradition.
Design is more than just a career for me—it’s a legacy I pridefully carry forward. I’m excited to share my story, how I fell in love with interior architecture and design, how it has impacted my life and path as an architectural designer, and ultimately, the evolution of William Adams Design.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Design
My family has profoundly shaped my journey, particularly my great-grandfather Charles F. Stengel and my grandfather Robert Stengel. Their contributions to the world of construction and craftsmanship laid the foundation for my path as a designer. Today, I carry a deep-rooted passion for architecture and design that started at a very young age.
Charles F. Stengel (1880–1970) was a visionary who began his career in carpentry at just 16, earning 8 cents an hour. By 23, he had studied architecture through correspondence courses and launched his own construction business. In 1916, after an earlier partnership, he founded Stengel Construction, which would leave an indelible mark on the city of Jefferson, Wisconsin, and beyond.
Stengel Construction was involved in shaping the very infrastructure of Jefferson. From the early 1900s, Charles and his company built homes, warehouses, and barns and remodeled significant buildings like the Woolen Mill. By the 1920s, the company was handling major civic projects such as Jefferson High School and Meadow Springs Clubhouse and acquiring a brickyard to support their growing operations. During the 1930s, the company’s influence was so significant that a local newspaper proclaimed, “Hardly a street in town is without a Stengel-built home.”
The company’s achievements spanned decades, including constructing schools, churches, industrial plants, and civic landmarks like bridges and dams. By the 1950s, Stengel Construction had built over 300 homes and countless businesses, solidifying its place in the city’s history. These milestones were driven by Charles’ dedication to quality, functionality, and timeless design—values that I aim to carry forward in my own work.
Lessons in Design: How My Family's Craftsmanship Influences My Work
Growing up surrounded by this legacy, I was deeply inspired by the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defined my great-grandfather and grandfather’s work. My great-grandfather and grandfather were master artisans, and my father continued that tradition with his passion for cabinetry. My uncle also ran his own business, and these family ties instilled a deep appreciation in me for designs that marry beauty with functionality.
My mother played a crucial role, too; she had a knack for decorating our home, always creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every time I visit, I’m amazed to see how she’s rearranged the rooms since my last visit.
This upbringing inspired me to pursue Industrial Design in college, where I developed my skills and gained a solid understanding of spatial dynamics, as well as the philosophy of form, which emphasizes that beauty in a design must follow function. After launching my professional journey in 2004, I had the opportunity to work at some of the most prestigious design firms, including opening the Christopher Peacock showroom in San Francisco. This further solidified my reputation as a designer on the West Coast.
In 2009, I took a significant step by starting my own company, William Adams Design. I embarked on this journey with a kitchen remodel project in Oakland, and since then, I’ve led over 500 kitchen designs, completed more than 30 whole home renovations, and tackled around 100 bathroom remodels. Each project reflects my clients' unique lifestyles while honoring the values my family instilled in me.
From 2008 to 2017, I was hustling hard—balancing a full-time job while juggling up to seven part-time kitchen and bathroom design projects at a time. This relentless pursuit helped me build my business and gain invaluable experience in the industry, including the intricacies of cabinet design and layout, which has become a pivotal part of my expertise when designing homes.
Bringing Timeless Architectural and Interior Designs to Life
Today, I see my work as a tribute to my great-grandfather’s legacy. I strive to create thoughtful designs that stand the test of time, ensuring every detail serves a purpose. At William Adams Design, we prioritize collaboration, setting realistic budgets and timelines to make the remodeling process enjoyable for everyone involved. My education and training in construction management and architecture empower me to elevate each project to the next level. By spending actual time on job sites, I maintain a hands-on approach that allows me to oversee the finer details of craftsmanship and execution. Additionally, I provide my clients with visual presentations and renderings, enabling them to truly imagine their space before any work begins. This thorough involvement and commitment to customer satisfaction, combined with creating personalized spaces, positions my work as a beacon of quality and reliability in the world of interior design. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, or a complete home renovation, I approach every project with professionalism, confidence, and a solution-oriented mindset, ensuring each endeavor is a resounding success.
Every space holds the potential to tell a story - your story. Our dedication to and attention to detail ensures that your vision is realized and elevated, and we are here to guide you through every step of the process.
A Decade by Decade Look at Stengel Construction
Stengel Construction has played a pivotal role in shaping the community of Jefferson over the past five decades. Founded by Charles F. Stengel, a dedicated craftsman and visionary, the company emerged from humble beginnings. Born in 1880 to German immigrant parents, Charles began his journey in carpentry at the young age of 16, earning a mere 5 cents an hour. At 23, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own construction business, fueled by a desire to expand his knowledge through a Correspondence Course in Architecture.
This timeline highlights the significant milestones and achievements of Stengel Construction, showcasing how the company has evolved and contributed to Jefferson's development throughout the years. From its inception to its enduring legacy, explore the key moments that have defined Stengel Construction’s remarkable journey.
In April, Charles Stengel built his first home with 4 men to help him. He and Herman Ladien formed a partnership known as the Ladien and Stengel Construction Company, focusing on contracting and building.
The carpentry for the new Wm. Pepper home in the Fraction was completed.
Together they rebuilt the old high school after it was destroyed by fire.
Charles bought the north lot of John Stengel (4th St./Whitewater Ave) and erected a shop for the firm of Ladien and Stengel Construction near the alley.
The carpentry work on the new residence of Henry Fischer was completed, along with the remodeling of the Charles Henry house and the construction of the new residence for John Fernholz.
Ladien and Stengel erected the addition to the Max Blank home on Ogden as well as the carpentry work on the JJ Spangler home.
They roofed the Charles Banker house (Ogden and Center) and built a barn to the rear of his home.
The firm did the carpentry work on a new home on 3rd St and put an addition onto the Henry Beck residence. In April, they remodeled the Woolen Mill Building after a fire. In November, they built a 9-room house for Rudolph Heger and a 9-room house in the 4th ward for Mrs. Johanna Habermann. Also, Ladien and Stengel won the contact for carpentry work on the new Waverly plant in the Fraction.
Ladien and Stengel built an addition onto the Idle Hour Theater. In June they erected a new home for George Hake as well as the new WA Kiessling home on 4th St (Whitewater Ave). In October they built a new home for Charles Schicker also on 4th St.
In February they erected a new residence for Henry Riess on the corner of Clark and Pleasant.
They also had a large “gang” working on the woodwork of the F& M Bank. In July they had the contract for building the addition onto the St. John’s Lutheran School.
In December they did the carpentry work for the new house of MJ Kemmeter in Highland Park.
Ladien and Stengel did the carpentry work on the Mrs. W. Puerner home.
In February they had the contract for the carpentry work for the new jail. And in April they erected a new $50,000 building at St. Coletta.
On June 26, 1916, the firm of Ladien and Stengel was dissolved. The firm became Stengel Construction with Charles F. Stengel in charge.
In December, Stengel Construction dedicated their new shop, garage and tool house.
Stengel construction got the contract for razing the old Heimerl Tannery northwest of town.
Charles bought the brickyard property from Jefferson Brick and Tile: 42 acres of land, a shed and an office building.
Stengel Construction was awarded the contract for the erection of the new Jefferson High School after fire destroyed the previous high school.
Stengel Construction won the bid from The Board of Parks for a new comfort station in the City Park. (Stoppenbach Park)
Stengel built the new Meadow Springs Club house designed by Heimerl.
Robert drew the plans and Stengel Construction did the work on the new Armory of Co. L, 427” Infantry on Dodge St.
The new Stengel Warehouse was constructed west of Meadow Springs.
In October they reconstructed the Jefferson Dam.
Stengel Construction won the contract for building the Toll Bridge at $9,600.
Sept. 6, 1934, Banner headline: “Hardly a street in town is without a Stengel built home.”
In August they began building the Nurse’s home at Forest Lawn.
In December they began building the addition to the jail.
Stengel construction built the new Christian Science Church on the SE corner of Dodge and 3” St. for about $12,000. (torn down by the City in 2022)
Stengel Construction razed the old East Side School.
Robert Stengel drew up the plans for a new home at the County Asylum. It was 156’ x 40’ and would house 98 patients. Projected cost was $100,000.
Robert Stengel drew up plans for the new Rindfleisch Hatchery facing Main St. on the Plymouth St. on the south side of town.
Charles formed a corporation with himself President and his two sons as Secretary and Treasurer.
Stengel Construction built the 17-room Sister's Home for the Catholic Church between the old school and the church.
Stengel Construction built the new St. Mark’s Church on the corner of 5th (S. Sanborn) and Linden.
Robert Stengel submitted a design for a new Jefferson County Court House. The County Board decided against rebuilding at that time.
Stengel Construction won the bid for the 85-bed “home for the aged. “(The County Home)
Stengel Construction completed the addition on the south side of the Jefferson High Schoo and Stengel Apartments on East Washington.
Stengel Construction celebrated 50 years in the construction business. (April 29, 1954) Charles estimated he had built over 300 homes and worked on every business and industry in the city. He also built bridges, barns, factories and schools.
The firm worked on remodeling the F&M Bank.
In December they enlarged LaVasser’s Store to over 19,000 sq. ft. by combining it with the building next door.
Stengel Construction won the contract for the addition to be added to the north side of the Elementary School.
Stengel Construction was the lowest bidder for the Fire House addition fronting 3rd St. (S. Center)
Stengel Construction built the new 45’x50’ City Garage, east of the Sewage plant.
Stengel Construction built a 2-story/ 8 classroom addition to the south side of the Lutheran School.
The firm built a 21,000 sq. ft. addition to Schweiger’s Plant 3 (the old Wood Products building).
They built the Sykes Chapel in Greenwood Cemetery.
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