Shelter Studios

We started Shelter Studios in 1999 to offer clients strategic, one-of-a-kind solutions to their design needs, supported from start to finish by extraordinary personal service. Our fine arts backgrounds and award-winning expertise in graphic design, photography and interior finishes enable us to deliver unforgettable visual identities that set your business or project apart from the competition.

At Shelter Studios, every client receives "A Team" treatment. You'll always deal with principals, from first consultation to final production phase.

Whether you are

• a restaurant owner looking for a one-stop shop to create a compelling visual identity that integrates everything from menus to murals...
• an architectural or interior design firm seeking to partner on a project...
• a business that understands the impression a strong visual presence makes on your target audience and your bottom line...
• an  individual, business or organization in need of a new or refreshed website design to break through the "information noise" and get your message heard and acted on...

we look forward to working with you to identify and express the story and aims of your business, organization or project.

Shelter Studios is owned and run by the husband and wife team of Scott Severson (design) and Charma Le Edmonds (photography/interior finishes).

Scott Severson
An accomplished muralist, portraitist and painter whose work had appeared in private galleries and public spaces, Scott turned his fine-art sensibility to the challenges of graphic design as a founding principal and creative director for a Washington-based boutique marketing communications agency before he and Charma decided to build Shelter Studios.

The decision has had its rewards: Over the past three decades, Scott's work has been honored by more than 300 design awards, appearing in Communication Arts magazine,Print magazine, Graphis Logos 4 and 5, Graphis Posters, and How Design Books.

In addition to the American Institute for the Graphic Arts (AIGA), and the American Advertising Awards, he has received Best in Show, Gold and Silver Awards and the Design Leadership Award from the Art Directors Club of Metropolitan Washington. And in a return to his roots, Scott now occasionally instructs students in graphic design at the Corcoran College of Art and Design, where he studied painting before embarking on his design career.

Charma Le Edmonds
A graduate of the Corcoran School of Art and Design, Charma began her career as a painter, exhibiting work in the Corcoran Museum of Art, Washington Project for the Arts, Maryland Art Place and Hemphill Fine Arts.

Her interest in applying painterly techniques to architectural environments prompted her to explore and conquer the esoteric world of specialty finishes and murals. Working in all styles, from historical to contemporary, for the past 13 years, Charma has created interior finishes and designs for corporate, residential, and restaurant interiors, often working in partnership with nationally and internationally recognized interior designers and architects.

More than 15 years spent in the restaurant business, working with some of Washington, D.C.'s finest chefs, has given her a rare understanding of the needs of restaurant clients. In addition, her commercial photography has been honored by How to Design Books,Graphis Posters and the Art Director’s Club of Metropolitan Washington; in response to client requests, she has recently added personal portraits to Shelter's photography services.

“It used to be I could walk into a restaurant and tell who designed it—the architects defined it. I want restaurants that you know are Black restaurants. Scott and Charma ‘get’ it—they innovate, they hear what you are saying. I consider them integral to the process and to my team.” Chef Jeff Black, Co-Founder Black Restaurant Group

“It’s so important to Linda and me that people understand what’s behind Teaism—that it grows from ancient traditions and is so much more than a cup of liquid. There’s a philosophy behind what we serve and how we present things. Scott and Charma gave expression to our passion for what we do.”
Michelle Brown, Co-Founder Teaism Tea House

“If Scott and Charma were not such talented artists, we would insist they become restaurant people. Their fun, customer-centric approach is a rare find.  For years now, Scott has been able to turn my rambling narratives into just the right images to represent our restaurants. Charma’s website photography gives our guests a true representation of what to look forward to even before they join us. We are lucky to have found this pair.”
Jill Norton, Vice President of Human Resources, Design & Construction Great American Restaurants

"At every turn, the work that comes out of Shelter Studios surprises and delights me, and far exceeds my expectations!"
Susan Soorenko, Owner Moorenko's Ice Cream

"Our longest and most valued professional relationship - Shelter has been an indispensable partner in the creation of a distinctive brand for our organization. Over many years now, the compliments on the design of our print materials and website just keep coming; Scott is our secret weapon. He brings to his work a rare combination of talent, intelligence and sensitivity to client needs... not to mention a droll, or perhaps the word I seek is macabre, sense of humor."
Julia Olin, Executive Director National Council for the Traditional Arts

"I worked with Scott for nine years at a marketing communications firm. He is a terrific art director, with the ability to take an idea and turn it into a visual/verbal metaphor that reflects its intended meaning and flavor more precisely than even the original owner of the idea ever concieved. It's what art directors are supposed to do, but it's a rare gift. I would highly recommend Scott and Shelter Studios for anyone that understands that vision and design are two different things--and that vision is what drives a successful brand and identity.If you want a market presence that works with the spirit and goals of your effort, whether a restaurant, business, or mission-driven organization, Scott and Shelter Studios will deliver."
Rob Thompson Director of Content Development, Marketing, Randstad Sourceright, US

"I have worked as a professional interior designer in the DC area for the last decade. My job has created working relationships with hundreds of vendors over that time, and at the top of those hundreds of vendors sits Charma Le Edmonds. I value Charma greatly not only for her exquisite talent as a faux finisher and artist, but also because of her professionalism. If you hire Charma for your projects I'm certain that you will have the same great experiences that I have had."
Shanon Munn, ASID Principal Ambi Design Studio

INTERIOR FINISHES/PHOTOGRAPHY
Charma Edmonds
Voice: 301-437-2287
[email protected]

DESIGN
Scott Severson
Voice: 301-237-0982
[email protected]

Shelter Studios, Inc.
10405 Leslie Street
Silver Spring, MD 20902