Brooks Walker

As a San Francisco native, I grew up surrounded by interesting architecture, and was inspired by visiting homes designed by William Wurster, Joseph Esherick, and Frank Lloyd Wright. By the age of 12, I knew I wanted to be an architect.

After graduating from the University of Oregon, I worked with my uncle, Sandy Walker, to enhance my skills. Soon after, I expanded my experience to include construction and real estate development before opening Walker Warner with Greg.

I remember Thanksgiving at the Gregory farmhouse designed by William Wurster. It was a masterclass in timeless design, referencing the local vernacular but executed with a modern touch. The proportions were just right. When approaching a ground-up design in Sonoma Ranch, I looked back to the Gregory Farmhouse for inspiration.

We’ve taken on a few substantial remodels in San Francisco. It’s typical to go through an extensive historical review process, sometimes lasting up to 18 months. Our approach to renovations is to preserve the essence of the original architecture while transforming the building to meet today’s needs and last well into the future.

I’m very passionate about both art and architecture. My family has been connected to the art world for generations, and this background has given me an appreciation for artist collaborations, enabling us to create architectural designs tailored to showcase their artwork.

I try to maintain an active lifestyle, and when I’m not working, I can often be found fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, tennis, squash, and biking. As a certified private pilot, I also love escaping the city by flying to remote landscapes.

The houses we design in remote locations are all about connecting you to the site, enabling you to feel fully immersed in nature. As an outdoorsman, these projects are especially appealing to me, as they reinforce what I enjoy most about our work—the relationship between the architecture and the landscape.

Traveling with my children has given me the gift of seeing the world through their eyes, igniting inspiration at every turn. They continually inspire me to approach life with fresh wonder and deep appreciation.

The more you explore, the more you come to appreciate the value of home, reminding you of what’s truly important—quality time spent together. A couple of years ago, we undertook an extensive renovation of a Joseph Esherick-designed residence, which has now become my family’s forever home.

Including everyone in the learning process, our team continues to expand while remaining united by our shared values. It’s a true testament to the belief that teamwork makes the dream work.