Club Development
Elevating member and guest experiences through thoughtful architecture and timeless design.
Stone Group Architects specializes in club development, private club architecture, clubhouse design and strategic facility planning. We partner with club leadership and ownership groups to create facilities that enhance the member experience, support efficient operations and reflect the unique character of each club. Whether planning a new clubhouse, renovating an existing facility or developing a long-term plan for future improvements, our approach balances thoughtful design, operational insight and a deep understanding of what makes each club unique.
FIRST TEE SIOUX FALLS
The First Tee Learning Center was designed as part of the City of Sioux Falls’ broader investment in Elmwood Golf...
Our ApproachÂ
At Stone Group Architects, we believe successful club design and facility planning goes beyond aesthetics. It starts with understanding how members experience a facility, how staff operate within it and how every space supports the club's goals.
Our approach to club architecture and facility planning focuses on member experience, operational efficiency and long-term flexibility. From arrival and circulation to dining, social spaces, amenities and staff areas, every design decision is considered through the lens of how the facility will function today and evolve in the future.
Whether planning a new clubhouse, renovating an existing facility or developing a long-term master plan, we balance thoughtful design with practical operations, fiscal responsibility and the unique history and culture of each club.
Experience That Goes Beyond Design
Great club design starts with understanding how clubs actually operate.
With more than four decades of experience in the club industry, Club Development Director Skip Avery brings a firsthand understanding of club operations, member expectations and the challenges club leaders face every day.
His operational perspective allows our team to look beyond the building itself and consider how strategic facility planning and design can improve the overall member experience, operational efficiency and long-term value of a club.
The best club facilities don't just look good. They work well.
Lawrence "Skip" Avery, CCM, CCE, CMAA Fellow
Director of Club Development
Designing for Return on Experience
A building can be beautiful and still fail. It can photograph well, earn compliments and check every box on a program document. Yet if guests struggle to find the entrance, employees feel disconnected from their workspace or members are not staying as long as they...
How Smart Facility Design Creates New Revenue Opportunities
At Stone Group Architects, we believe that a well-designed facility does more than accommodate today’s needs. It creates opportunities for tomorrow’s growth. Many organizations approach facility improvements as a response to a problem: outdated spaces, limited...
It Isn’t About a Building. It Is About Designing Community.
There are three questions worth asking for every project, every team, every decision. Every building we design is built to serve someone. The question most of us forget to ask is whether that person will ever feel it. Not whether the program was met. Not whether the...
Frequently Asked Questions: Club Development
What types of hospitality projects does Stone Group Architects design?
Stone Group Architects designs private clubs, country clubs, golf clubhouses, resorts, hotels and event spaces. Our hospitality work includes new construction, renovations and phased expansions, with a focus on creating memorable experiences while supporting operational efficiency and long-term flexibility.
What does a private club architect consider when planning a clubhouse?
A private club architect considers member and guest experience alongside operational efficiency, circulation, amenities, staff needs, flexibility and the club's long-term goals. SGA's approach begins with understanding the culture, history and expectations that define each club.
How can a clubhouse master plan support a private club’s long-term goals?
A clubhouse master plan provides a framework for evaluating existing facilities, prioritizing improvements and planning future development. It can help clubs make informed decisions about phased investments while maintaining a cohesive vision for the member experience and overall property.
How can private club design support both member experience and operational efficiency?
Successful club design balances what members see and experience with the operational systems that support the facility behind the scenes. SGA considers space planning, member flow, amenities, staff needs, durability and long-term flexibility to create environments that are both elevated and practical.
What types of golf and club projects does Stone Group Architects design?
Stone Group Architects designs golf clubhouses, private and country clubs, municipal golf facilities and other member- and guest-focused spaces. Our experience includes new construction, renovations, additions and facility planning, with an emphasis on improving the user experience, supporting operations and creating long-term value.
What should be considered when planning a new clubhouse or clubhouse renovation?
Successful clubhouse planning starts with understanding how members, guests and staff use the facility. Space needs, circulation, food and beverage operations, amenities, staff workflows, existing conditions and future growth should all be considered early. For existing facilities, understanding what is working and where the building is limiting operations can help establish priorities before design begins.
When should a golf course or club involve an architect in facility planning?
An architect can provide the most value early, before major decisions about scope, budget or improvements have been finalized. Early planning can help clubs and golf facilities evaluate existing conditions, identify opportunities, prioritize needs and determine whether renovation, expansion or new construction is the right approach.
How can clubhouse design improve both the guest experience and daily operations?
A well-designed clubhouse considers the experience people see and the operations they don't. Thoughtful adjacencies, circulation, food and beverage areas, staff spaces, storage and service access can make daily operations more efficient while creating a more welcoming experience for members and guests.
How can a facility assessment or master plan help a golf course or club plan for the future?
A facility assessment or master plan helps clubs understand existing conditions, identify priorities and develop a long-term strategy for improvements. This can help leadership make informed decisions about capital investments, phase improvements over time and align facility decisions with operational goals and the experience they want to provide.
Start your next project with confidence
Contact our team to discuss your goals, challenges and next steps.