CAW Architects, Inc. brings a wealth of expertise to designing and managing complex projects. We devote our talents to people and organizations that change and improve the world. We do good work for people who do good work: educational, cultural, community, and non-profit institutions and groups. It is very important to CAW that our talents are put towards spaces that make a positive impact on the everyday life of our community.
We relish the challenges of finding appropriate and distinctive design responses within established campuses. We design new buildings and give old buildings a new lease on life, infusing them with energy and vitality whether they are historic buildings in need of careful rehabilitation or existing buildings awaiting fresh uses. We understand that each project is unique and must resolve design, function, and budget. We guide our projects through the complicated process of design, entitlement, and construction. Clarity of plan, use of sustainable materials, abundant daylight, energy efficiency, and thoughtful response to site and context are the hallmarks of our projects. Our many repeat clients are a proud testament to our success in creating superbly-designed projects that respond to their needs.
WINNERS OF THE SANTA CLARA VALLEY FIRM AWARD
In October of 2014, CAW was awarded the prestigious Santa Clara Valley American Institute of Architects’ Firm Award. This award recognizes a firm that has consistently produced distinguished architectural design for a period of at least 20 years and that has contributed to the advancement of the profession in at least three of the following areas: architectural design, research, planning, technology, practice, preservation, and innovation. In addition, the award honors a firm that promotes collaboration among individuals; produces work that transcends a specific area of expertise; has a record of community service; and has developed a culture that educates and mentors the next generation of architects.
Now celebrating the firm’s 21st year in business, Chris Wasney and Brent McClure lead the firm of 29 staff members that has evolved into a multifaceted, diverse, grassroots organization with a very energetic team and vibrant office culture. The growing diversity of projects and socially-sustainable portfolio mirrors the evolution of the firm culture from a classic sole practitioner to a collaborative, highly fluid design studio.