who we are
Located in Albuquerque, NM, SCOUT Design brings small firm attention with large firm expertise to a broad range of projects. SCOUT is a woman-owned business with over 35 years of experience. SCOUT creates beautiful functional spaces through intentional, engaged design. The firm has a unique structure that emphasizes personalized service specializing in healthcare, multifamily residential, hospitality, retail, office, and community projects.
Shannon VanDusen, LEED AP
Owner | Architect
Shannon founded SCOUT Design in 2016. She received her BA in Architecture with a Minor in Engineering from Lehigh University in 2006, and her Masters in Architecture in 2008 from UNM. She has over fifteen years of experience working on a diverse range of projects of all scales including healthcare, education, hospitality and multi-family housing. Shannon is passionate about design and its power to positively impact the user and their daily experience with the built environment. She loves the journey of helping clients work toward and arrive at their vision. In addition to deep roots in the architectural world, Shannon is a mother, outdoor enthusiast, runner and problem solver. Originally from the Philadelphia area, she fell in love with the immense skies, contrasting landscape and relaxed attitude of the Southwest while volunteering on the Navajo Nation.
Emily Brudenell, AIA, LEED AP
Architect
Emily is an ardent believer that great design makes a difference: it sets the stage for a better world. At SCOUT, she demonstrates her passion for design, function and sustainability. She enjoys the challenge of working on a variety of project types, including multifamily housing, medical office and education. Renovation projects Emily finds especially meaningful for their unique challenges and rewards. She is involved in her community and was AIA Albuquerque President for 2019, an Alumnus of the Leadership New Mexico Connect program and is passionate about solving food insecurity in New Mexico. Emily grew up in Boise Idaho, graduated with her Masters in Architecture from Tulane University in New Orleans and has been in Albuquerque ever since. She loves the New Mexico landscape and enjoys opportunities to explore it with her two dogs Carlos and Dani.
what we do
SCOUT provides full architecture and design services. We strive to exceed expectations, deliver on time and create an enjoyable experience along the way.
- new construction, renovation, addition
- programming + conceptual design
- interior design, wayfinding, furniture + art selection
- master planning and feasibility studies
how we do it
For us, SCOUT symbolizes the best way to approach architecture as one that is nimble, curious, and empathetic.
In 2016, Shannon named the firm after her daughter Emma Scout, inspired by the character in To Kill a Mockingbird. In the novel, Scout learns to understand the world and other people by seeing things through their point of view. At SCOUT, we approach every project thinking about our client’s unique perspective and goals to apply a high level of care, attention to detail, and unique voice.
