terry m. tarr, partner
After taking an interest in architecture as a missionary kid in JH school, Terry felt called to design churches.  Several years studying architecture lead to graduating from the Univ. of Minnesota Architecture School in 1981 and full time architecture practice since then. Working for several architects in Minnesota, Missouri, and since 1985 in California, led to a broad range of experience before starting Tarr Architects in 1993 specifically for the purpose of fulfilling that early calling. 

Spending many years in churches as a musician, in laity leadership, and with a preaching/professor father, Terry has developed a strong appreciation for changes in technology and impacts that has had on churches, auditoriums, multi-use gyms, and similar structures. The incorporation of AV, Media, IT, Drama Staging & Lighting are all vitally important components to tie in with Aesthetics; WorshipSpace creates the synergetic team environment for this to be coordinated and balanced. 

Terry actively serves in his local church with his wife Wendi and two kids, helping in leadership for Sunday school teaching, children's department, Bible quiz coach, and still blows a few notes on the trumpet to keep the acoustic ear tuned to what is happening. 

Tarr Architects 
Offering an architectural practice dedicated primarily to the challenges of helping churches and related organizations achieve their vision for the future regarding facilities for worship, ministry, and growth, we can assist you at many levels. We occasionally do other commercial projects to keep fresh in our thinking. 

CONSULTING SERVICES 
Terry's expertise: Architecture, Planning, Interiors, and Design Consulting. 
Services Offered: 
Site Acquisition Consulting, Programming, Master Planning, Feasibility Studies, Site Planning, Architectural Planning and Building Design, Image Studies, 2D/3D CADD, Acoustic Analysis, Architectural Lighting exterior and interior, Engineering Team Selection, Construction Drawings - Specifications - and Contract Documents, Coordination of Engineering Disciplines, Modified Design/Build Teaming, Zoning and Use Permits, Building Permit Processing, Construction Budget Estimating, Bidding or Negotiating with Contractors, Construction Administration Services, Interiors, Building Inspections, Design Consulting. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 
Terry's experience from 1981 to 1993 consisted of a wide range of project types including churches, auditoriums, gymnasiums, schools, hospitals, health care clinics, medical and corporate offices, banks, commercial multi-use developments, multi-unit housing, sports/recreation, civic, industrial, renovation, adaptive reuse projects, and site design for many of these. This broad base creates for flexible thinking and adaptability. 

Since 1993 the focus has been about 90% churches and related facilities. Building types have included sanctuaries, chapels, multi-use, gymnasiums, schools, family life centers, classroom buildings, childcare/daycare, offices, food service, organized camps, sports/recreation, and adaptive reuse of existing buildings into churches. Tarr Architects has been involved in over 90 separate projects including master planning of some campuses with 5 to 15 year build-out intentions. 

Design Projects have ranged from modest remodels to a $20 million multi-building campus. Auditorium type spaces designed have ranged from 150 to 2,500 seats. Collaboration through WorshipSpace ensures technology design capabilities for much larger auditorium spaces where needed. 

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 
American Institute of Architects (AIA) 
Terry has served on several organizational committees related to design. 

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY 
Buildings are a tool to serve the purpose intended by the client, and as such I believe the architect can perform a valuable service to achieve that intent. When the focus is service oriented rather than designing icons the client and people to be served in that building becomes the dynamic instead of the architect and his ideas. I try to be flexible and work to provide what you need to achieve your vision and goals. I believe Design Style must respond to many conditions including the site, demographics, existing buildings if applicable, and client preferences. Current Trends can be transient and pass in a few years so I try to avoid the traps. Good design happens as a collaborative where client, architect, WorshipSpace design team members, and other engineers have a common goal - yours. I want you to have space that is simply great acoustically, visually, technologically, meets your needs and your style, fits your budget, and  is flexible far into the future.