Firm History

After receiving his Bachelor's Degree from Lawrence Institute of Technology, Clifford N. Wright became a licensed Architect on October 17, 1947. Initially, he founded Clifford N. Wright Associates Architects, P.C. on Eight Mile Road and ran the office as a sole proprietorship. Several years later the firm moved to Grand River Avenue where it remained in Detroit until 1960. During these early years the firm established a reputation for designing high quality residential and commercial projects.

In 1960, the office moved to Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and John Stemplowski joined the staff as Director in Charge of Design. Mr. Stemplowski had a passion for residential design and developed this portion of the practice while Mr. Wright expanded the firm's work in commercial and light industrial architecture. Tragically, Mr. Stemplowski died in an automobile accident in July 1974 while returning from one of the firm's projects under construction.

In 1976 William L. Baldner joined the firm to assume the design responsibilities. In the same year William D. Shiels moved his practice into the office and became Special Consultant for Commercial Projects and Construction Administration. As a professional team, Messrs. Wright, Baldner and Shiels completed many notable projects, including corporate headquarters for Alexander Hamilton Life Insurance Company and Lamb Technicon.

Mr. Wright retired from practice in 1985 after establishing and leading the firm for 38 years.

Today, under the current leadership of William L. Baldner and William D. Shiels, and Michael T. Miller, Architectural Consultant to the firm, Clifford N. Wright Associates Architects maintains an enviable position in the architectural community. A combination of residential and commercial projects continues to build the firm's reputation.