Kathy Scott

Growing up on Long Island, my family shared countless adventures, from camping trips to sailing excursions. My curiosity about the natural world was sparked by my mother, who, as my first science teacher, never missed an opportunity to explain the flora, fauna, and geology we encountered.

It was Rice University’s undergraduate architecture program that initially drew me west. Texas introduced me to open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere—a stark contrast to the East Coast. Then, a college internship sent me to San Francisco, where I discovered the unparalleled beauty of Northern California. I’ve been fortunate to spend my entire career working in this magical place.

The West’s diverse landscapes offer boundless adventure. From mountain trails to coastal waters, I explore through hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, and snorkeling. These outdoor pursuits nourish my soul and deepen my appreciation for the environment.

I was Walker Warner’s third employee and grew alongside the firm, starting as a Job Captain and eventually becoming a Studio Director and then Partner. I have led some of our largest projects and take joy in fostering community, both internally and externally. My instincts, as the daughter of a teacher, serve me well as I guide clients and teams through the complexities of design and construction.

I’m deeply committed to the San Francisco community. As a former board member at Creative Arts Charter School, a public K-8 school with a focus on arts-integrated education, I dedicated years to supporting education in the city’s public schools. This involved meaningful engagement with a diverse range of students on architecture-related projects.

One of my favorite projects was among my first—a cabin tucked away in a remote part of California for a client deeply passionate about design. The site is snowed in for more than half the year, so we used each winter hiatus to refine design details, eventually creating something truly exceptional—a jewel box made of wood, stone, and steel.

Doing ‘the right thing’ in architecture transcends style. It’s about allowing structures to respond to the land and serve the needs of occupants. For Kara Creek, its unassuming presence and seamless integration invite views from all angles, leaving the surrounding beauty undisturbed.

A different kind of challenge: creating a tranquil oasis within a vibrant surf town. Inspired by our clients’ vision for how they wanted to engage with the community, Wahi Lani carefully balances privacy and openness, offering peaceful respite or opportunities for gathering.

We created a sense of openness on Hale Ube’s intimate site, prioritizing outdoor spaces over the interior and letting the buildings serve as a backdrop. A central great room opens to both the courtyard and pool, emphasizing views of mountains, lava fields, and the Pacific.

My love for travel is fueled by a curiosity about cities and their rich architectural traditions. The timeless curves of Sifnos’ stucco villages captivated me. Copenhagen’s luminosity, spaciousness, and warmth felt like ‘hygge’ infused into everything. Japan’s dedication to materiality and craft, seen in both traditional and contemporary architecture, stirred my soul.

As I explore the world, I continually seek and gather design inspiration. Whether during my travels or in my own backyard, I find myself inspired by the creative ideas of others.

In the sixth grade, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My answer was either an architect or a teacher. Now, as a Partner at Walker Warner, I get to be both—designing while mentoring a new group of young architects.