Studio
Verner ArchitectsAbout Us
“Form, material, and light are the foundations of a meaningful space.”
Verner Architects is a boutique architecture firm specializing in custom residential and small-scale commercial projects. Based in Oakland, California and working across the country, we offer a complete range of services for both new construction and renovation projects, from basic conceptual ideas to detailed design. We create beautiful, livable spaces that enhance our clients’ lives and the surrounding environment.
Our creative vision is balanced with a sustainable mindset. Our designs combine functionality with artistic flair, giving life to imaginative and meaningful spaces that are light-filled and utilize a rich material palette.
Our Team
- Stephen Verner
Principal - David Swaim
Project Manager - David Chludzinski
Designer - Kimberly Van Houten
Designer - Abigail Campion
Designer - Bethy Ronces
Accountant
Stephen grew up with an affinity for art and architecture. After a brief detour earning an engineering undergraduate degree on the East Coast and driving a nuclear submarine, he found his way to an architecture boot camp at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He earned a Masters of Architecture with a minor in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania then worked on a variety of projects in Philadelphia and New York. He established his own design firm in 2006 and relocated to the Bay Area in 2011.
Amidst these various stints in academia, Stephen spent a few years working as a carpenter and architectural metal worker in addition to renovating a few houses, an activity which continues today.
Stephen lives in Oakland with his supportive wife and their two children. When Stephen can break away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family, the occasional swim, motorcycling and sailing.
David S. grew up in rural San Diego county amid horses and dirt-bikes. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he received a Bachelors of Architecture degree. After graduating, David moved to San Francisco where he worked at an architectural model shop before joining an art/landscape studio. David is inspired by the advances in digital modelling and fabrication along with theory and craft. Much of his work focuses on the technical aspects of design including: 3d modelling and printing, renders, CNC and VR. He enjoys music ( he had a radio show in college), and making furniture by hand. When he has time off, he can be found exploring China Beach with his young son.
“ I like the craft of design and figuring out how materials are shaped and come together. That is fun and powerful stuff.”
David C. grew up in Metro Detroit and attended the University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning graduating with a Masters degree in Architecture. Before joining Verner Arch, David interned at the Elliott Workgroup in Park City, Utah, working primarily on designing multi-family housing developments. He also worked as an architect for a developer/builder in Southeast Michigan, updating and modernizing plan options for tract housing developments. In his free time, David can be found grabbing his sketchbook, disappearing into the city, and finding a nice spot in the sun.
“ My love of architecture is just innate…I’ve always been fascinated by and exploring how things get put together. “
Kimberly grew up in West Michigan and received her Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan. During her time in school, she gained experience from two internships. At her first internship she focused on residential and education projects and at the second, she worked on healthcare and industrial projects. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys hiking, classic black and white movies and is currently learning to play the piano.
“The great thing about architecture is how we get to design at many different scales – from the page to the city. There is always something new to learn and that is exciting.”
Abigail grew up in the Bay Area and received her Bachelors of Architecture at Syracuse University. After completing her degree she moved back to Oakland and gained experience working on single-family homes and commercial projects. Her previous experience also includes working for a color consultant and at a tile showroom. On the weekends she enjoys time with family, reading and exploring new areas.
” I love the details in architecture, some no one will ever see and others that can tie a project together.”
Bethy has had an affinity for numbers since childhood. While pursuing a degree in Economics at UC Berkeley, she also took extracurricular classes in accounting, which eventually became her passion and livelihood. She enjoys trail and road running and loves sharing her Lafayette home with two beautiful rescued German Shepherd dogs and a cute Chihuahua mix. She loves Classical music, with J. S. Bach as her favorite composer.
“Nature, music, babies and doggies make this world beautiful!”
Our Team
Stephen Verner
PRINCIPAL
Stephen grew up with an affinity for art and architecture. After a brief detour earning an engineering undergraduate degree on the East Coast and driving a nuclear submarine, he found his way to an architecture boot camp at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. He earned a Masters of Architecture with a minor in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania then worked on a variety of projects in Philadelphia and New York. He established his own design firm in 2006 and relocated to the Bay Area in 2011.
Amidst these various stints in academia, Stephen spent a few years working as a carpenter and architectural metal worker in addition to renovating a few houses, an activity which continues today.
Stephen lives in Oakland with his supportive wife and their two children. When Stephen can break away from work, he enjoys spending time with his family, the occasional swim, motorcycling and sailing.
Devid Swaim
PROJECT MANAGER
David S. grew up in rural San Diego county amid horses and dirt-bikes. He attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he received a Bachelors of Architecture degree. After graduating, David moved to San Francisco where he worked at an architectural model shop before joining an art/landscape studio. David is inspired by the advances in digital modelling and fabrication along with theory and craft. Much of his work focuses on the technical aspects of design including: 3d modelling and printing, renders, CNC and VR. He enjoys music ( he had a radio show in college), and making furniture by hand. When he has time off, he can be found exploring China Beach with his young son.
“ I like the craft of design and figuring out how materials are shaped and come together. That is fun and powerful stuff.”
David Chludzinski
DESIGNER
David C. grew up in Metro Detroit and attended the University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning graduating with a Masters degree in Architecture. Before joining Verner Arch, David interned at the Elliott Workgroup in Park City, Utah, working primarily on designing multi-family housing developments. He also worked as an architect for a developer/builder in Southeast Michigan, updating and modernizing plan options for tract housing developments. In his free time, David can be found grabbing his sketchbook, disappearing into the city, and finding a nice spot in the sun.
“ My love of architecture is just innate…I’ve always been fascinated by and exploring how things get put together. “
Kate Oroudjeva
DESIGNER
Kate grew up in Santa Barbara and graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo with a degree in Architecture. After graduating she worked on Multifamily Housing and Ecclesiastical Architecture projects before joining Verner Architects. On weekends Kate enjoys drawing, watercolor painting, Hiking and making things out of play-doh with her son.
“Programming of spaces is probably my favorite part of architecture. I also like to see how materials were used historically and find innovative ways we use them now.“
Kimberly Van Houten
DESIGNER
Kimberly grew up in West Michigan and received her Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan. During her time in school, she gained experience from two internships. At her first internship she focused on residential and education projects and at the second, she worked on healthcare and industrial projects. Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys hiking, classic black and white movies and is currently learning to play the piano.
“The great thing about architecture is how we get to design at many different scales – from the page to the city. There is always something new to learn and that is exciting.”
Abigail Campion
DESIGNER
Abigail grew up in the Bay Area and received her Bachelors of Architecture at Syracuse University. After completing her degree she moved back to Oakland and gained experience working on single-family homes and commercial projects. Her previous experience also includes working for a color consultant and at a tile showroom. On the weekends she enjoys time with family, reading and exploring new areas.
” I love the details in architecture, some no one will ever see and others that can tie a project together.”
Bethy Ronces
OUTSOURCED ACCOUNTANT
Bethy has had an affinity for numbers since childhood. While pursuing a degree in Economics at UC Berkeley, she also took extracurricular classes in accounting, which eventually became her passion and livelihood. She enjoys trail and road running and loves sharing her Lafayette home with two beautiful rescued German Shepherd dogs and a cute Chihuahua mix. She loves Classical music, with J. S. Bach as her favorite composer.
“Nature, music, babies and doggies make this world beautiful!”
Join Our Team
While we’re not actively recruiting at the moment, we’re always eager to learn about talented individuals like yourself. Feel free to submit your resume to info@vernerarch.com, and should an opportunity arise that aligns with your skills and experience, we’ll be sure to reach out to you. Thank you for considering us!