Our firm is made up of talented individuals who are dedicated to the pursuit of architecture. They are passionate about design, committed to thorough project management, and appreciate an attention to detail. We value the collective experience of our people and recognize how much they contribute to helping our clients realize their architectural dreams and aspirations.
Growing up in San Francisco, Brooks was exposed to interesting architecture from a young age. He distinctly remembers spending quality time in relatives’ homes commissioned by William Wurster, Joseph Esherick and Frank Lloyd Wright. By the time Brooks was 12, he knew architecture was his passion and calling. He followed his dream and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Oregon in 1983. Upon graduation, Brooks worked with his uncle Sandy Walker for five years where he enhanced his landscape and architecture skills. Brooks also spent several years as a sole practitioner, expanding his architectural experience to include construction and real estate development, before opening Walker Warner Architects with Greg Warner in 1989.
Brooks draws inspiration from many styles and architects, but he is most influenced by William Wurster for the simplicity and precision of his works. He spent many holidays in one of Wurster’s ranch-style homes, which was evocative of those found in a John Steinbeck countryside. During this time, Brooks developed a strong appreciation for architecture that is well integrated into the landscape.
Brooks is very involved in community service and currently serves on the boards and/or committees of the Wild Salmon Center, Hamlin School, Shasta Forest Timberlands LLC, Sugar Bowl Ski Corporation and Ploughshares Fund Investment Committee. He has previously served on the boards and/or committees of SPUR, Aim High, Walker Art Center and SFMOMA Department of Architecture and Design Accessions Committee. Outside of architecture, Brooks leads an active lifestyle that includes fly-fishing, skiing, hiking, tennis, squash, biking and hunting. He is also a certified private pilot and is passionate about and supportive of the arts. Brooks lives with his wife and three children in San Francisco.
RECOGNITION:
The Architects’ Take Interview (view)
Greg’s interest in contextually appropriate design was greatly influenced while growing up in the Hawaiian Islands where climate and environment have a great impact on design. He further developed his expertise in contextual design while attending the University of Oregon, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1983. Early in his career, Greg worked for several Bay Area firms gaining experience in both residential and commercial design before co-founding Walker Warner Architects in 1989 with Brooks Walker.
Greg does not work in a singular design approach, but rather he is versatile and adaptive to the unique environment of each project. His forward-looking approach incorporates a modernist point-of-view imbued with warmth and texture. He also attributes his sensitivity to context and site to agrarian buildings that shaped his appreciation of architecture within rural settings.
He finds inspiration from architect Vladimir Ossipoff, who is best known for his works in Hawaii, including the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy, which Greg attended as a young boy. Greg contributes his early interest in architecture to his time spent at the Academy.
As an alumnus of the University of Oregon, Greg actively supports the school by participating in lecture programs and other activities. Greg’s community service has included a pro bono assignment to create a new health center and storm shelter for Oceania Community Health in Micronesia. Greg is also working on efforts to restore Vladimir Ossipoff’s Davies Chapel which is part of the Hawai’i Preparatory Academy and one of the key influential buildings that shaped Greg’s approach to site responsive architecture that is enduring. Outside of architecture, Greg pursues his love for the outdoors with activities ranging from fly fishing to participating in triathlons. Greg has two children and currently resides in Lafayette, California with his wife.
RECOGNITION:
“Chasing Ossipoff” Presentation, Modernism Week 2020 (watch)
Modern Luxury Hawaii Profile (view)
Design Milk Interview (view)
The Architects’ Take Interview (view)
After growing up on Long Island, Kathy was awakened to architecture’s potential during her time at Rice University where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture in 1993. During her years in Houston, Kathy regularly visited Renzo Piano’s Menil Collection, drawn by the building’s quiet contextualism, simplicity and inventive use of natural light. Kathy was equally impressed by Piano’s collaborative approach with master craftsmen and has sought out similar relationships on projects, such as the Wilderness Cabin, Quintessa Residence, and Big Wood River Residence since joining Walker Warner Architects in 1995.
As a Principal, Kathy mentors teams in the use of good processes to achieve the highest quality of work. She ensures that all projects are successful in balancing clients’ goals in terms of budget, schedule and design. She also leads the design process on several projects of her own. Kathy believes that the best work results when designs evolve in a thoroughly considered and deliberate manner.
Kathy’s spent many years supporting education in San Francisco’s public schools and has worked with a variety of students on architecture-related projects. She also spent three years as a board member at Creative Arts Charter School, a public elementary and middle school that focuses on arts-integrated education. Kathy enjoys soccer and hiking in her spare time. She lives with her family in San Francisco’s Mission District.
RECOGNITION:
Madame Architect Interview (view)
Design Voice Podcast (view)
