We create timeless buildings in urban environments. Founded in 1993 as Clark Design Group and rebranded October 15, 2017 to CLARK|BARNES in order to recognize the contributions of Brenda Barnes. Lauren Garkel joined the firm directly out of school in 2007 and became a partner in 2020. W. Scott Clark, Brenda Barnes, and Lauren Garkel built CLARK | BARNES as a Seattle Architectural and Interior Design firm with experience in various building types, innovative site strategies, and integrating new construction with the historic fabric. We have a passion for designing community-centric and thoughtful places that link the past and future. CLARK | BARNES values developing long-term relationships with our clients, through which we believe the best design solutions are achieved. Our staff includes Architecture, Interior Design and Historic Architecture with project teams often comprised of a mix of disciplines. We place a special focus on Sustainable Design, Tenant Improvement, and Preservation. This allows us to work collaboratively and think differently about the solutions required by each client, their goals, and the site.
At CLARK | BARNES we have built a culture that lives not only in our office but also in our projects and how we collaborate with clients and consultants. Our three partners and one associate are intimately involved in the design process and the wealth of talent and diverse skill sets allow us to create effective teams based on the needs of the project not the needs of a studio. Our focus on providing the best technically delivered project possible begins in pre-construction and our focus on design, detail, budget, and schedule ensures that our projects are successful all the way through to the end-users experience.
From our renovated open-plan office in Interbay, CLARK | BARNES is pushing the boundaries for what it means to have a successful project. Meeting your goals and solving tough problems while having a fun time doing it are just a few of the things that set us apart. Our personalized service will ensure that the smiling faces below will provide you with the knowledge and expertise that you need.
Give us a call, or stop on in. We’d love to meet with you.
W. Scott Clark
AIA, NCARB
Scott has 30+ years of international experience in Architecture, grew up in Brazil and Australia, and has traveled extensively. A graduate of Harvard Graduate School of Design, his family moved to Seattle in 1974. He has taught and was a guest critic at Harvard, Boston, Pratt, RISD, and University of Washington. He was the editor of Harvard Acceptance Review and founding editor of Designscape.
Lauren Garkel
Partner
With 12 years in the architectural field, Lauren is experienced in all phases of project development and has extensive experience in hospitality and multifamily. She enjoys being an integral part of a highly-qualified design and construction team that values quality and relationships built on trust. Lauren is originally from Arkansas and lives in Ballard with her husband, daughter and energetic dog, Tazzy.
Brenda Barnes
AIA
Over the last thirty years, Brenda has worked on a range of institutional, government, transportation, multi-family and hospitality projects. As a partner for the last 15 years, she is at home with both large-scale complex urban projects to small-scale renovations. She enjoys exploring the National Parks with her family in their Airstream. They surf, paddleboard, kayak and can be found fly fishing in the great outdoors.
Adam Gromer
Project Manager
As a licensed architect with over seven years of experience, Adam has worked on a variety of projects, including commercial, mixed-use, and assisted living projects. Adam is highly detail-focused and is currently working on multiple hospitality projects, which includes the recently completed Renton Hampton Inn & Suites. He enjoys golfing, telling dad jokes, watching the Seahawks, and has a strict office eating schedule you can set your watch to.
Alexander Watchman
Project Architect
Alexander is a licensed architect with eight years in the field, with interests in mass timber and digital fabrication. He has experience with mixed-use, senior housing, institutional, commercial, adaptive reuse, tenant improvement and artistic installation projects. A graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, he has also worked as a carpenter and CNC machinist. Outside of the office, he enjoys backyard barbeques, archery, hiking and home renovations.
Becca Pheasant-Reis
Historic Architect
From Seattle High Schools to Texas Courthouses, Becca has spent her Architecture career following her passion for the revitalization of existing buildings. As Historic Architect at Clark | Barnes, she focuses on finding the delicate balance between old and new. When not at work, Becca can be found training and competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with her husband.
Chloe (Yike) Ding
Designer
Influenced by Chinese traditional buildings in her hometown Xi’an, Chloe began to develop interest in architecture when she was in high school . During her graduate study at Washington University in St. Louis, she had several internship experiences in both United States and China related to commercial, educational, as well as interior design projects. She likes watching movies, hiking and playing board games with friends during her spare time.
Craig Carney
Senior Associate
As a licensed architect with 20+ years in the field, Craig started his career framing houses and drawing plans as a teenager. He’s one of those rare architects who understands construction as well as he understands design. His wide range of projects include luxury single-family, distribution centers, high-rise, multifamily, office buildings and hospitality both locally and nationally. His passion for architecture expands outside the office having built his own home, completely remodeled 2 mid-century modern homes and what does he do for vacation….tour architecture of course (Modernism Week regular). In his spare time, he seeks out restaurants with great food and great design. Craig lives in Maple Leaf with his partner (Interior Designer & Illustrator), their cat (Johnny Cash) and a baby boy expected in February.
David Whittlesey
Office Manager
A Seattle native, David has more than 10 years in managing operations and systems in the real estate sector. He is excited to marry his expertise with Clark | Barnes’ architecture and design work. David is passionate about technology, systems design, and looks forward to leading Clark | Barnes’ efforts around commercial real estate. David enjoys spending time with his family, reading, swimming and working in his yard.
Derek C. Smith
Project Architect
With 7+ years of architectural experience, Derek seeks to leave a lasting positive impact on our built environment. He is passionate about building community and finds joy developing inspired multifamily living spaces that enrich our changing city. In constant pursuit of a new experience, he is the happiest traveling and exploring diverse cultures.
George Schweikart
Project Manager
George has 15+ years of the architectural experience that includes building envelope design, condominium remediation, mixed-use multifamily, work-force housing, senior living, and single family residential. He is passionate about simple and rational solutions to design problems, detailing structures for longevity, and creating an urban environment that engages all users. Originally from Upstate New York, George lives in Magnolia with his wife and young daughter. In his free time, he enjoys reading classic literature, collecting vinyl records, and playing electric guitar.
Jingwen Liu
Designer
Jingwen developed an interest in drawing and crafting which lead her to the architecture major. After receiving her undergrad architecture degree in Beijing, China, she went to University of Washington and earned her Master of Architecture degree and continued her passion for design in Seattle. She believes architecture can make the society better in an environmental and aesthetic sense. In her spare time, she enjoys Art-House movies and film photography.
Johnathon Cave
Interior Designer
Originally from Klamath Falls, Oregon, Johnathon moved to Seattle to attend college at the International Academy of Design and Technology and graduated in 2014 with a BSA in Interior Design. During his 3 ½ years at CDG, Johnathon has been involved in numerous project types ranging from multi-family new construction, historic preservation and rehabilitation, and small to large tenant improvements. Away from the office, Johnathon enjoys rehearsing and playing live shows with his band, A Lien Nation, where he plays the drums.
Karla Gonzalez
Project Designer
Karla has 10+ years of architectural experience. She believes in integrated design from inception to completion of the project and truly enjoys being part of the whole process. She is passionate about design and has worked in a wide range of project types for both, commercial and residential architecture. When not at work, Karla enjoys exploring the Northwest, hiking, running and watching her 2 boys’ soccer games.
Max Hasse
Project Designer
As a lifelong resident of Seattle, Max has an affinity for the Northwestern style of architecture which is deeply rooted in Seattle design vernacular. Though as a recent graduate of WSU, Max is very interested in expanding his horizons and learning as much as he can about various styles and scopes of projects. Outside of the office, he likes to spend time playing tennis, basketball, longboarding, and camping.
Suzanne Salandi
Associate, Interior Designer
Experienced Interior Designer with ten years in the architecture & design industry. Emphases practice in multifamily, workplace, commercial TI’s, hospitality and retail. Suzanne has lived across the country and enjoy traveling. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused in Interior Design from The Art Institute of Tampa. She now lives in West Seattle with her husband and 3 cats.
Vitaly Ogorodnik
Designer
Vitaly was raised in the Seattle area after his family emigrated from Ukraine when he was only 2. He developed a passion for architecture at a young age while helping his father build two single-family houses. He has 8+ years of architecture experience and has worked on a broad range of project types ranging from medical, veterinary, commercial, corporate as well as single and multi-family residences. Vitaly enjoys gaming, the outdoors and is currently contemplating which part of Europe to explore on vacation next.
Xueqing Tong
Interior Designer
Originally from China , Xueqing has lived her life in Philadelphia and Seattle over the past ten years. She studied Interior Architecture at Drexel University, and obtained her Master’s Degree of Building Science and Technology from University of Washington. Different culture and education background bring her a unique perspective that she carries into design work. She is passionate about creating the interior environment that can positively affect the end user’s experience. She has experience on commercial and education projects in the past. She is currently working on multi-family, healthcare, and commercial tenant improvement projects. Outside of the office, she is a dedicated yoga practitioner who can always be found on her yoga mat.
Zack Zimay
Designer
After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Iowa State University, Zack moved to Seattle and joined CLARK | BARNES in 2014. He has worked on a variety of projects from mixed use to hospitality while gaining experience in all phases of project delivery. Zack’s understanding and passion for digital technologies have allowed him to become a resource to others while also helping to implement new firm practices and standards. When not in the office, Zack is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking and backpacking.