Kathy Scott

Growing up on Long Island, my family shared countless adventures, from camping trips to sailing excursions. I remember exploring my grandparents’ historic three-story home, which had a grand staircase with stained glass windows and wrap-around porches on every level. The house left a lasting impression on me, igniting my passion for architecture.

In high school, I attended a summer architecture program at Cornell University, which cemented my path. My journey took me to Rice University next, and Texas introduced me to open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere—a stark contrast to the East Coast. I went on to intern at Gensler in Northern California, deepening my love for the West Coast, the place I now call home.

I joined Walker Warner as its third employee and very much grew alongside the firm, starting as a designer and eventually becoming a partner. Throughout this journey, I have also cherished the title of ‘Mom’ amidst my various roles.

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

Birding has taught me how to observe the world around me. It’s not just about the thrill of spotting a rare bird, it’s about immersing yourself in nature. It cultivates patience, a quality essential to the world of architecture. In both fields, an acute focus on detail and a deep appreciation for the subtleties of the landscape are key.

I always look for opportunities to collaborate with talented artists and artisans on my projects, as it allows me to draw inspiration from the beauty of their craft. Their attention to detail, mastery of materials, and boundless creativity never ceases to fascinate me.

If we can do great work while enjoying each other’s company, that’s the best. I try to promote an atmosphere of fun through my projects, even when navigating through considerable complexity and rigor.

Doing ‘the right thing’ in architecture transcends style. It’s about allowing the architecture to authentically respond to the land, while ensuring meticulous execution. In the case of Kara Creek, its unassuming presence and seamless integration invite views from all angles, leaving the surrounding beauty undisturbed.

Living in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District, I get a great deal of energy from the life of the city around me. I walk almost everywhere I can, especially with my Golden Retriever, Cedar.

My love for travel is fueled by a deep curiosity about cities—their evolution, culture, and art. Sifnos in Greece captivated me with the timeless curves of the stucco villages. Copenhagen, with its luminosity, spaciousness, and warmth, felt like ‘Hygge‘ had touched everything. In contrast, Berlin, with its size, gritty authenticity, and rich history, offers an honest but raw experience.

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

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.