Business Details
18 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Tahoe City
Walton Design & Engineering was founded in 2008 with a vision to create innovative, site-specific designs that harmonize with the natural landscape. Our team of licensed architects, interior designers, and engineers collaborates closely with clients to understand their unique needs and translate them into functional, enduring spaces. We prioritize a meticulous design process that begins with client dialogue and site exploration, ensuring every project reflects its environment while enhancing the quality of life for its inhabitants. Our work seamlessly integrates architecture, interior design, and engineering, emphasizing transparency, clean lines, and a deep connection to the surrounding terrain.With decades of collective experience, our professionals bring technical expertise and artistic sensibility to every project, from custom residential structures to complex commercial developments. We are committed to sustainability, structural efficiency, and aesthetic excellence, as evidenced by our award-winning portfolio and recognition in regional and national publications. Based in Tahoe City, California, we serve clients across mountain communities, leveraging local knowledge and global best practices to deliver exceptional results.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Engineering
Custom Residential Structures
Structural Engineering
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer 17+ years of experience in mountain architecture and site-specific design.
- Our team includes licensed architects and engineers in five states with specialized expertise.
- We integrate architecture, interior design, and engineering for seamless project coordination.
- Our iterative design process prioritizes client goals and environmental context.
- We maintain a growth-oriented studio culture with a track record of award-winning projects.
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating innovative, site-specific designs that harmonize with mountain landscapes. We collaborate closely with clients to develop functional spaces that reflect their vision while adhering to environmental constraints. Our team delivers award-winning projects ranging from custom homes to commercial developments, emphasizing durability, aesthetic appeal, and seamless integration with natural surroundings.
Interior Design
We provide comprehensive interior design services that complement our architectural work, ensuring cohesive design language from exterior to interior. Our team specializes in material selection, furniture curation, and spatial optimization while maintaining a strong focus on client lifestyle needs and environmental context. This integrated approach guarantees unified, functional living and working environments.
Engineering
Our engineering services prioritize structural efficiency and aesthetic integration with architectural elements. The team collaborates from initial concept stages to ensure technical feasibility while maintaining design integrity. We deliver durable, code-compliant solutions for residential and commercial projects, specializing in mountain-specific challenges like snow loads and seismic considerations.
Custom Residential Structures
We design bespoke residential structures tailored to client lifestyles and site conditions. Our process emphasizes natural light optimization, indoor-outdoor connectivity, and material selection that complements mountain environments. Each project incorporates energy-efficient systems and sustainable practices while maintaining architectural distinctiveness and long-term value.
Site-Specific Design
Our site-specific design approach prioritizes environmental integration through detailed topographic analysis and climate considerations. We create buildings that appear organically rooted to their location, using local materials and passive design strategies. This methodology ensures each structure enhances its surroundings while meeting functional requirements and aesthetic goals.
People
Clare Walton
Founder | Principal Architect, AIA
Clare Walton founded Walton Design & Engineering in 2008 after working at local design firms. She holds architecture licenses in five states, has won industry awards, and specializes in mountain architecture. Clare combines technical expertise with a passion for outdoor living, leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver site-specific designs.
Jennifer Loving
Senior Project Architect, AIA, NCIDQ
Jennifer Loving joined Walton in 2008, bringing expertise in residential architecture and interior design. She leads project teams from concept to completion, manages construction administration, and holds dual certifications in architecture and interior design. Her work emphasizes functional elegance and environmental integration.
David Scott
Project Architect
David Scott has served as Project Architect since 2011, specializing in technical detailing and multidisciplinary coordination. He contributes expertise from international projects in Chicago, New York, Dubai, and Singapore. David focuses on translating complex design concepts into buildable, efficient solutions while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Jessica Lisagor
Project Architect
Jessica Lisagor joined Walton in 2015, contributing architectural design expertise informed by academic roles at UC Berkeley and California College of the Arts. She specializes in iterative design processes and mountain-specific residential projects, balancing artistic sensibility with technical precision to create contextually responsive spaces.
Heidi Barnes
Senior Interior Designer
Heidi Barnes has been Senior Interior Designer since 2011, guiding projects from conceptual design to furnishing selection. She specializes in 3D modeling for client communication and interior specification development. Heidi ensures interior solutions maintain cohesive design language with architectural elements while prioritizing functional comfort.
Questions
What architectural styles does Walton Architecture specialize in?
We focus on mountain-modern designs that blend rugged natural elements with clean contemporary lines, prioritizing site-specific solutions that respond to local climate and terrain.
How does Walton Architecture approach the design process?
Our process begins with client consultation and site analysis, followed by iterative sketching and client feedback sessions. We emphasize in-person site meetings and maintain continuous collaboration throughout project development.
Do you offer interior design services alongside architecture?
Yes, we provide integrated interior design services that ensure seamless transitions from exterior to interior spaces, handling everything from material selection to complete furnishing packages.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Tahoe City, California, we serve mountain communities across California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado, with project experience in diverse geographic locations.
Can you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes custom residential homes, commercial developments, and mixed-use projects, all approached with the same commitment to quality and environmental integration.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We prioritize passive solar design, local material sourcing, and energy-efficient systems while creating durable structures that minimize environmental impact through thoughtful site planning.
