NICHOLAS RAUSCHER, AIA, NCARB

NICHOLAS RAUSCHER NAMED LICENSED ARCHITECT BY STATE OF MISSOURI

“An eight-year journey and a life-long ambition were realized with this accomplishment.” - Nick Rauscher

JANUARY 2025: Though Nick’s progress to becoming an architect started with his first year of college, his passion for design began much earlier. Thinking back to kindergarten, Nick recalls drawing a wildly imaginative building over the top of lined paper he was supposed to practice writing numbers on. 

“I was just so excited anytime I had paper and a pencil in front of me - I couldn’t focus on the assignment with this wild, impractical idea in my head.” - Nick Rauscher

It was through the patient encouragement of his teachers, enthusiastic support from his parents, and friendly reinforcement of his peers that Nick came to love drawing. 

“It’s the excitement of creating something in your head, and translating it to the paper that keeps me so engaged. Developing that ability to imagine things that don’t exist - to put things together in your head that you can’t yet explain - it makes you feel amazing.” - Nick Rauscher

His love for drawing and imagining continued to develop through grade school. He continued to draw on the back of graded papers, lined sheets in notebooks between pages of math practice, and on copy paper at home when he could get a hold of it.

“My mom had a home office while I was young, and I know I emptied her printer’s paper tray many times over the years stealing away sheets when I was out of graded papers to use the back of. She never complained, but she had to have noticed.” 

- Nick Rauscher

His love of drawing expanded to other subject matter - specifically cars. His affinity for car design continues today. Some of his most recent automotive artwork is featured at nickrauscher.com.

“Cars and buildings are in the same vein - both are inhabited works of art. Their functions take priority to their forms, they require immense coordination, and their design silently influences our lives every day.” - Nick Rauscher

Nick developed his skills in high school and decided to pursue an architecture degree. Drury University proved to be an excellent choice where Nick could step out of his comfort zone. Faculty were excellent advocates, and connections to the industry were readily available. In his study, he gained further respect for the power of architecture. 

“Architecture is one of the most impactful art forms. It’s the physicality that determines our patterns of movement, the environment that gives character to our day, and the detail that gives depth to our memories. It controls and invades our lives whether we’re conscious of it or not. It empowers or impedes us pursuant to the designer’s intention. It deserves an empathetic, observant practitioner.” 

- Nick Rauscher

Nick knew that the road to an Architect’s license would be challenging, but his respect for the duties of the profession drove him through it with purpose. At the completion, Nick knew he would have responsibility to people’s safety.

“The charge of an architect will weigh heavily on my work. It’s my responsibility to care, try, and persist in considering how my work will affect and serve people.” - Nick Rauscher

The achievement brings Nick great joy and excitement. In less than three years since completing a Master of Architecture, Nick has completed over 7,700 hours of experience and completed the required series of six Architectural Registration Exam Divisions. All of this work is alongside his extensive involvement as Associate Director on the AIA St. Louis Board of Directors, Chair of the chapter’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee (J.E.D.I.), and as a scholar of the AIA St. Louis Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program 2024-2025 cohort. Nick has no plans to slow down.

“This achievement is a beginning, not an end. It’s time to take a moment, celebrate the completion of this goal, and identify the next one.” - Nick Rauscher

Nick will continue to deliver quality work to clients at M+H Architects in St. Louis, MO. He’s excited to continue adding value and exceeding expectations wherever his talent and expertise is most valuable.

“My portfolio has only just been opened; now it’s time to fill it with beautiful, successful, impactful projects.” 

- Nick Rauscher