A building cannot speak…

but it can tell a story.

We are Narrate Design.

Architecture.

Interiors.

Planning.

A building cannot speak, but it can tell a story.

Narrate Design (formerly Selser Schaefer Architects) is an architectural, interiors, and planning firm inspired by people-first design. We create environments that tell your story with purpose, clarity, and a distinct point of view.

Since 1993, we’ve collaborated with all kinds of clients — and it shows in our diverse body of work. As you explore the projects we’ve collected here, you’ll see everything from placemaking and renovations to thoughtful work, learning, and community environments. It’s a rich spectrum rather than a single specialty. This broad experience informs our design, as well as the efficient processes we use to bring it to life.

Current Projects

Design spans all types of buildings and spaces. That’s why we’re excited to highlight the breadth and diversity of our work through our latest projects. Each is designed to do good things for people, communities and the environment. See what’s new and in the works at Narrate. [...]

[narrate] worked masterfully with our program and our aspirations for the quality of the building.

Tom Wallace, President/CEO, Wallace Engineering

Mother Road Market

A Historic Warehouse Reimagined as Tulsa’s Community Marketplace Great cities are often defined by their marketplaces; the places where people gather, discover local culture, and experience the energy of a neighborhood firsthand. Mother Road Market brings that spirit to Tulsa […]

Retail

Helping Brands Adapt, Grow, and Connect with Customers Retail environments move quickly, and successful design has to keep pace. Since 1993, Narrate has partnered with national retailers, regional brands, and emerging concepts to create spaces that balance customer experience, operational efficiency, speed-to-market, and long-term adaptability. Our retail portfolio spans grocery stores, restaurants, and large-format retail environments across the United States. [...]

Non-Profit

Nonprofit Architecture Rooted in Mission and Connection Our work is about more than buildings, structures, and inside spaces. It’s about strengthening communities, supporting meaningful missions, and creating places where people feel connected—to each other and to the organizations that serve them. Whether we’re designing an arts venue, a faith-based environment, or a community-centered facility, we explore not only how people [...]

[narrate] clearly understood our goals, and designed a building that lives and breathes our mission and vision.

Kathy McRuiz, Former Director, Hardesty Arts Center

Preservation

At Narrate, sustainability is simply part of architecture. We design buildings to outlast their original purpose and take on new life—an approach reflected in our deep experience with preservation, adaptive reuse, and renovation. Reimagining existing structures is the ultimate form of recycling, benefiting both the environment and the community. These projects require specialized skills, research, and collaboration—areas where we excel. [...]

Education

Education Spaces Designed for Learning and Growth

At Narrate, we design learning environments that support curiosity, connection, and long-term success. Our education portfolio spans early childhood centers, PreK–12 schools, school bond planning and preparation, higher education facilities, and specialized support spaces—all designed around the understanding that the physical environment plays a meaningful role in how people learn, teach, gather, and grow.

Every campus and classroom serves a different community, and no two educational projects should feel the same. We work closely with educators, administrators, students, and stakeholders to create spaces that reflect each institution’s goals, culture, and approach to learning. From flexible classrooms and collaborative gathering spaces to student life environments and campus planning, our work focuses on creating places that feel welcoming, safe, and adaptable.

Thoughtful design decisions shape every project. Daylighting, indoor air quality, acoustics, security, technology integration, and severe weather protection are carefully considered to support both student well-being and academic performance. Just as important, we design spaces that encourage interaction, creativity, and a sense of belonging—because meaningful learning often happens beyond the classroom itself.

We also understand the practical realities educational institutions face. Budget stewardship, phased construction, campus operations, and evolving educational models all influence the process. Narrate regularly partners with school districts and institutions during bond planning and preparation, helping communicate project vision, establish priorities, and create thoughtful plans that support long-term community investment. Our collaborative approach helps clients navigate complex challenges while creating durable, flexible environments that can continue serving students and educators for years to come.

At its core, education design is about investing in people and possibility. Whether supporting early learners, college students, faculty, or the broader campus community, we believe thoughtful spaces can inspire confidence, strengthen connection, and help shape the future of learning.

FAQ: Education Projects

Q: What types of education projects does Narrate design?
A: Narrate designs a wide range of educational environments, including early learning centers, PreK–12 schools, higher education facilities, student life spaces, and specialized educational support projects.

Q: How does architecture impact learning environments?
A: Thoughtful learning environments can support student engagement, wellbeing, safety, collaboration, and academic performance through factors like daylighting, acoustics, air quality, and flexible space planning.

Q: Does Narrate work with both K-12 and higher education clients?
A: Yes. Our education portfolio includes projects for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, universities, and campus support facilities.

Q: How does Narrate approach school safety and wellness?
A: We carefully consider security, severe weather protection, indoor air quality, circulation, and visibility to help create environments where students and educators feel safe and supported.

Q: Can Narrate help with bond planning and preparation?
A: Yes. Narrate works with school districts and educational institutions during bond planning and preparation, helping communicate project goals, prioritize needs, and create plans that support long-term investment in learning environments.

Q: Can Narrate help with phased campus projects and long-term planning?
A: Yes. Many education projects require phased implementation, renovations, or long-term campus planning. We work closely with institutions to create flexible strategies that support both current and future needs.

Q: What makes a successful learning environment?
A: Successful educational spaces balance functionality, flexibility, comfort, and connection. They support different learning styles while creating opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and community.

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Municipal

Municipal Spaces Designed for Community and Service

Municipal buildings shape how communities experience public life. From city halls and public safety facilities to animal services and community support [...]

OK Tourism Information Centers

Each of Oklahoma’s 10 Tourism Information Centers serves as a necessary stop for travelers across the state. However, the existing Centers were dated, well worn, and not leaving visitors with the best impression of Oklahoma. Narrate Design was tasked with […]

Office

Offices and Work Spaces Designed Around People and Performance Today’s workplaces need to do more than simply house employees. The best office environments support collaboration, focus, creativity, and connection while reflecting the identity and culture of the organizations they serve. At Narrate, we design office spaces that feel intentional, adaptable, and distinctly human—from ground-up office buildings to workplace renovations, tenant [...]

Multi-Family

Multi-Family Housing Designed for Community Narrate has designed more than 25 multi-family and housing projects over the past decade. We believe these developments do more than provide housing. They help shape the character of neighborhoods, support economic growth, and contribute to a more connected, livable city. Successful housing is about more than amenities or density. It’s about creating places that [...]

H-E-B Mid-Cities

H-E-B has officially opened its new Mid-Cities location, bringing an expanded grocery experience to the Hurst, Euless, and Bedford communities in North Texas. The new store continues H-E-B’s growth across the Dallas–Fort Worth region and reflects the company’s focus on […]

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