Steve von Raesfeld
Steve von Raesfeld is the founding principal of vRǀa Architects, an architecture and planning firm specializing in wineries, artisan food and commercial projects. He graduated with Honors from the school of Architecture and Environmental Design at California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. In addition to architecture Steve is a licensed General Contractor. He spent the early years of his career working in construction and real-estate development. As an active member of the Sonoma County design and construction community he has served on numerous design review committees and planning commissions.
As the Staff Architect for Jackson Family Wines, Steve developed wineries throughout California, as well as Argentina, Chile, France and Italy. It was in this career that Steve was introduced to Sonoma Academy. As staff architect he worked closely with the Founders assisting with site acquisition, design and entitlements for the SA campus. This serendipitous introduction sixteen years ago left an indelible impression that continues to influence his unique perspective of Sonoma Academy.
Steve and his wife Kathleen have two daughters, Sonoma Academy alumni Audrey '17 and Nina '19. Kathleen is also very active in the SA community serving in numerous capacities on the SAPA board and BNO committee. They live in Petaluma where their daughters are fifth generation residents of the area on both sides of their family.
A plaque on the wall of the NY Museum of Natural History states: “Treat the earth well; it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.” Our children are the future and we owe them the best set of tools to start working toward paying it forward to their children... and so on. For me, Sonoma Academy does this better that any high school in a very large area. Giving takes many forms beyond financial. I believe in giving of our skills in ways that can make differences. So I serve on the Board: an inspiring, passionate, group of people that brings so much to the table. Every meeting is like a class on living life well—who could pass that up?
Also, it’s magic.
Sonoma Academy Is...
...the only private, independent, college preparatory high school in Sonoma County. On our beautiful campus nestled at the base of Taylor Mountain in Southeastern Santa Rosa, our students are able to explore their interests and passions in a rigorous and inspiring environment that develops a lifelong love of learning and prepares them for college and beyond.
Sonoma Academy admits students of any race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity or national origin, citizenship, gender or gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and tuition assistance programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
