Crosspointe Church Architects blends design expertise with a focus on community and spiritual growth spaces.
In a small, intimate meeting room at a church in Texas, a group of pastors, architects, and ministry leaders came together to begin a journey. Their goal: to translate the spiritual mission of a growing congregation into an architectural design that meets both practical and spiritual needs. Leading this effort was Steve Upham, founder and chief architect of Crosspointe Church Architects. His approach to church design would leave a lasting impact on the space where worship and community intersect.
The result? A thoughtfully designed church campus that reflects the aspirations and spirit of the congregation. This outcome exemplifies the ethos of Crosspointe Church Architects, a firm dedicated to creating spaces that support faith, community, and connection.
The Birth of Crosspointe Church Architects
Founded in 1992 by Steve Upham, Crosspointe Church Architects has always been committed to designing churches and ministry spaces that enhance both spiritual growth and community engagement. With over 30 years of experience, the firm has completed more than 300 projects across the United States, earning a reputation for understanding the unique needs of churches and faith-based organizations.
Steve Upham’s dual expertise in architecture and theology sets Crosspointe apart. Having earned two degrees in architecture and having attended seminary, Steve combines architectural knowledge with a deep understanding of spiritual and communal needs, bringing a holistic perspective to every project. “Church architecture is about designing spaces that support spiritual connection,” says Steve. “We focus on creating environments where individuals can feel welcome, safe, and inspired in their faith.”
Crosspointe’s specialization in church design, ranging from worship spaces to educational and community areas, gives the firm a unique advantage in staying ahead of trends and refining their expertise in building spaces tailored to ministry. Becca Upham heads up the church interior design department, which is crucial to creating successful ministry spaces.
A Collaborative Approach to Church Design
What sets Crosspointe apart is their interactive approach to church design. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, Crosspointe architects work directly with church leaders through their Design Summit Workshop. This five-day, in-depth collaboration at the church’s location allows churches to clearly identify their goals, needs, and vision for their space.
The Design Summit is more than just a planning session; it’s a chance for the architects to understand the essence of a congregation. “The design process is about much more than function,” Steve explains. “It’s about understanding the heart of a church, its mission, and its impact on the community. We listen, learn, and collaborate to create spaces that embody those values.”
This hands-on, personalized approach ensures that each design is uniquely suited to the congregation’s needs, resulting in spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Crosspointe’s custom solutions have earned them recognition from a diverse range of churches, from small congregations to multi-campus ministries. Consequently, Crosspointe has created a couple hundred custom church designs for unique situations.
Tailored Solutions for Growing Congregations
Crosspointe’s expertise extends to scalable building plans that allow churches to grow as their congregations expand. In addition to custom design, the Crosspointe team offers a catalog of customizable, pre-designed building plans ranging from 250 to 2,500 seats. These designs ensure that churches have flexible options that can accommodate future growth without compromising design quality. Many of these plans can be easily expanded and adapted to allow for continued expansion as ministry needs evolve.
“Our building plans are designed for flexibility,” Steve says. “We understand that growing congregations need space to grow in a very affordable way. Our plans are designed to expand while maintaining a functional and inspiring environment for worship.”
Crosspointe is also known for its innovative approach to worship spaces, designing adaptable environments that can be easily reconfigured for different services, events, and gatherings. This ensures that churches, regardless of their size, have the flexibility to meet the needs of their community. They often build in features for what Steve calls “Financial Sustainability” – spaces that can be leased for a variety of community functions that bring people into the campus but also contribute an income stream to the church.
A Legacy of Excellence in Church Architecture
Crosspointe’s dedication to excellence is reflected in every project they undertake. The firm has earned recognition in industry publications like The Church Expansion Journal and Religious News Service, but also regional and national sources like the Washington Post and The Galveston Daily News. But the most meaningful praise comes directly from their clients.
One pastor who recently worked with Crosspointe on a campus expansion shared, “Steve and his team translated our spiritual mission into design outcomes that were both practical and inspiring. Their expertise and passion are evident in every stage of the project. The spaces they create truly reflect our values and support our ministry goals.”
For Steve and the Crosspointe team, this feedback underscores their commitment to their craft. Each project is an opportunity to serve churches by creating spaces where faith and community can thrive.
Why Crosspointe Church Architects Stands Out
Crosspointe Church Architects combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of faith-based needs. Their commitment to designing ministry spaces that reflect a church’s values, mission, and growth potential makes them a trusted partner for congregations looking to expand or build new facilities.
Whether you’re a growing congregation or an established church, Crosspointe offers a unique blend of architectural skill and spiritual insight to guide you through every phase of the design process.
Learn More About Crosspointe Church Architects
For more information about Crosspointe’s Design Summit approach and how they can help design a space that fosters spiritual growth and community for your congregation, visit www.CrosspointeArchitects.com. You can also connect with them on LinkedIn and Facebook to stay updated on their latest projects and news.
