Meet our new VP, Senior Project Manager who is elevating our vision for Dallas Commercial Interiors
Hoefer Welker is proud to introduce Rachel Schnitzius, RID, IIDA, LEED AP BD + C, our newest vice president, senior project manager, who has recently joined our commercial interiors team in our Dallas studio. A Dallas native, Rachel brings a wealth of knowledge about the local market along with an expansive portfolio of commercial design experience and a fresh perspective to our interiors practice.
We recently sat down with Rachel to hear about her career journey and passion for architecture. Discover what led her to join Hoefer Welker and hear about her broad experiences and vision for the future of our commercial interiors team.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a proud fifth-generation Dallasite from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. My family is deeply rooted in the Dallas community as my great-great-grandfather opened the first bottling plant in Dallas County, Schnitzius Foods, in 1892 on Elm Street, which is now commonly known as Deep Ellum.
My decision to become an architect was influenced by my grandfather, who was an aerospace engineer. One summer, he took me to a drafting store, bought me my first drafting board and a little T-square, and taught me how to draft when I was just 12 years old. I quickly became obsessed with it, and that’s what started it all. My love for art was another major influence on my career choice. My high school AP art teacher saw my potential and helped me choose the right college and degree program.
I stayed close to home, attending college at the University of North Texas, and bought my home in Farmers Branch.
What inspired your decision to join our team, and how did your previous experience prepare you for this role?
I have learned a lot about working in the commercial market over the past decade. I began my design career primarily in retail and later transitioned to another firm, where I gained commercial interior design experience. While being a generalist helps create resilience within an architecture career, I knew I needed more commercial design practice. Quickly after joining that team, I ended up helping lead and rebuild its commercial practice.
It’s extremely rewarding to bring my background and relationships I’ve built throughout my 22-year career here to Hoefer Welker. I’m honored to join this incredibly talented team, who are passionate about commercial architecture work, and to me, that’s a marriage made in heaven.
Joining the firm, I know that I can help Hoefer Welker reach its goals within this market, and they will help do the same for me, as my focus is on making my home of Dallas a better place. What truly excites me is that Hoefer Welker shares that passion for building the Dallas-Fort Worth market into a prosperous place to live, work and play.
What is your vision for the Dallas team as a leader in commercial interiors?
Our group is engaged in many exciting projects, and I’ve been tasked with leveraging my background and specialized experience to strengthen the firm’s commercial workplace focus. My goal is to shape this area into a true specialization that will distinguish Hoefer Welker in the industry. Bringing my strong industry relationships with the local brokerage and development community is something I’m eager to do. This will position the firm in front of the right people, enabling us to succeed by bringing something new to the table.
As a designer, what excites you most about seeing your work contribute to the development of the city?
While my heart will always be in Dallas, my personal mission is to make Dallas a greater place by the time I turn 65. Partially for my own enjoyment in retirement, but even more to inspire others and watch them do the same.
As I mentioned in an article with D Magazine, I’d like to create more opportunities for reusing downtown office space, establishing downtown Dallas as an active and attractive place for people. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw downtown office spaces suffer, and I believe there’s an opportunity to explore adaptive reuse of these spaces for higher education.
Additionally, I’d love to contribute to our local arts scene. Growing up doing stage theater sparked a deep adoration for the arts, fueling my lifelong dream of designing a performing arts center within the metroplex. This is something that I’d love the opportunity to be involved with in the future.
What are you most looking forward to accomplishing in your career at Hoefer Welker?
Within my first day here at Hoefer Welker, I instantly noticed how intentional and transparent the leadership team is and how that positively impacts and motivates team members like myself. While I also find great satisfaction in mentoring and leading teams, I hope to foster our commercial interiors work and eventually lead a workplace studio.
I feel extremely fortunate to have delved immediately into my new role, working with the team and contributing to some of the amazing projects they have in the works. I look forward to continuing to create and complete stunning projects, on time and on budget, and establishing some incredibly pleased clients we’ll maintain strong relationships with.
Beyond your day-to-day work, how do you stay engaged in your community or industry?
It is important to me to make local industry connections a priority. I maintain an active role within the Commercial Real Estate Women’s (CREW) Dallas chapter and previously served on the board from 2020-2021.
I’m also a former board member and active member of CoreNet North Texas, whose mission is to advance the practice of corporate real estate through professional development opportunities, publications, research, conferences, designations and networking.
As a true testament of my love and commitment to local arts, I’m proud to spend my time outside of the office making a difference. I’m deeply dedicated to my work with Pegasus Theatre, a fantastic theater company founded in 1985 that focuses on new comedies. The theater is known for its “Living Black and White” series of murder mystery comedies performed and showcased in black and white. From makeup techniques to special sets and effects and lighting, everything is intricately designed to trick your brain into thinking you’re watching a comedy film from the 1930s or ’40s. I’ve worn many hats since I began working with Pegasus more than 20 years ago, including serving on its board of directors since 2020.
I also proudly serve as president of the Site-Based Decision-Making Committee for the fine arts magnet program my son and daughter attend in West Dallas, where I use my architectural skills to oversee the building’s addition and progress.
Beyond your professional life, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
During my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and daughter, hiking, taking trips to explore Colorado, visiting family in North Carolina and, of course, making memories at home here in Dallas.
Get to know more of our team, explore our practice and learn more about our services today.
