Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Walker
Hi Gregory, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started Houser Walker Architecture in 2004 because there were very few architects, especially in Atlanta, that really conducted what I’d call a ‘studio’ based practice, where the work was grounded in a kind of artistic pursuit as much as it was in providing professional services. Within projects that engaged the public realm, this condition was even worse. There was a strong design desire to work alongside clients who appreciated and wanted to help elevate our shared public realm. We been fortunate that we just completed our 20th year being able to work the way wanted on day 1.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running a studio is never easy – as we’ve grown, so do the opportunities and also the internal challenges. There’s 24 talented, ambitious people working together around a shared table – keeping them able to do their best, stay motivated, and help lead our clients is the reason so many business advice books have been written.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We see ourselves as a boutique, generalist, research focused studio, believing that a rich diversity of clients, projects, and open conversations generates more innovative solutions uniquely suited to each client. If you have to know one thing about our core values, it’s this one, which has remained with us since the beginning: We like laughter in the workplace and consider it a gauge for the overall health of the studio.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The last five years, as the studio has grown in both size, ambition, and with the scope of our projects, there’s been numerous people who’ve been incredibly important to me personally and professionally. On the client side, being entrusted by ASHRAE – a global non-profit that develops the standards and codes for how we heat and cool buildings – to successfully lead their net zero energy headquarters was profoundly important to our practice. On the studio side, we’ve had the unusual coincidence to hire on someone who has been a former employer, client, and mentor over the years. We’re excited by where this collaboration could lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.houserwalker.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregory.walker.design/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorywalker/
Image Credits
Jonathan Hillyer, Fredrik Brauer
