After graduating Santa Monica High and before applying to Architecture School, Barry worked for Architecture and General Contracting firms first, to obtain real life experience in the field. This proved to be advantageous and, after sitting for the Entrance Exam, Barry was accepted to the #2 School Of Architecture in the U.S., Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Here he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Architecture, as well as minoring in Construction Engineering; having his son; and constructing apartments during the summers.

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These academic, pragmatic and energetic accomplishments were recognized by Hilton Hotels, whom hired Mr. Shaw for his first job in their architecture department. A few years later Barry worked with a commercial developer, designing offices and apartments. Following this, a CEO of a national restaurant chain consummated an offer with Barry, as Director Of Architecture & Construction in charge of their multi-state expansion plans. Additional experience designing custom homes from 5,000-32,000 sq. ft., was attained with an established General Contractor/Developer. Adjunct to working full-time, he passed multiple State Board exams and obtained his Architect and General Contractor licenses. Barry is a licensed Architect in CA, CO, HI, ID, TX, WY.

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Our varied Custom Home project styles include: Contemporary, Modern, Farmhouse, Mediterranean, Cape Cod, Italian Revival, or simply your choice of design. Our Light Commercial work includes: Multi-Family, Tenant Improvement Offices, Owner Occupied Buildings and Specialty Projects.

 

Throughout the design and engineering processes, Mr. Shaw has a hands-on approach scrutinizing each set of plans for complete, accurate and value-engineered status. Adjunct to the architectural plans, is our close coordination with all Consulting Engineers for the project and integration of their data into our plans, resulting in a cohesive and clear set of construction documents for field distribution.

 

As. well, Barry created a Mentorship program for high school students burgeoning to become Architects (See, Community, Capstone Mentorship); is active in many different Trade Organizations; participates with Habitat For Humanity projects; won mayor sponsored competition for design/construction/landscape project; designed and built a new ground up home for he and his wife and has been a contributing writer to various publications.

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We will strive to exceed your architectural design expectations, project goals and unique considerations reflecting your choice of lifestyle:

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"Bert and I are perfectionists, so you can imagine what a pleasant surprise it was to fine someone even more particular that we.

 

You surveyed our needs without our even knowing it during the meetings prior to drawing the plans, so that your first set of drawings was virtually perfect. You know that we sat with the plans for a week after you presented them, met with you to discuss our extensive list of questions only to find that you had thought things through far beyond our ken. And we were satisfied with your reasoning and opted to change nothing.

 

Barry, we could go on and on, but suffice it to say that we walk around our new house at night and sit in each room, admiring your work and pointing out all the little special touches you did that we love so much.

 

We are quite satisfied, thank you.

Bert Wahlen & Siri Jostad”