ABOUT
At Endemic Architecture we are committed to creating distinctive, sensitive, & personalized buildings that artfully synthesize architecture, interiors, and landscape. We see clients as our creative collaborators in our pursuit of tailoring custom designed buildings to various project and contextual demands.The name, endemic, reflects a double meaning for us whereby local conditions - the seasonal environment, history, culture, and contextual nuances - are leveraged to amplify architectural expressions and experiences. Secondly, endemic refers to methodologies, expertise, and discourse inherent to the discipline of architecture, which we engage in order to situate each project within a larger context of references, shared knowledge, and histories.
We are particularly interested in pursuing an architecture that we call almost familiar. This is an architecture within the margins of convention and tradition that we believe fosters curiosity, delight, innovation and memorable experiences. By seeking new expressions for familiar building types, we aim to foster uncanny relationships between buildings and their context, and to celebrate the inherent possibilities that architecture holds in re-shaping our physical and emotional experiences.
“Endemic Architecture’s approach is creative, holistic, precise, yet flexible, responsive, and educational. Clark is the epitome of professionalism. We’ve learned so much from him about architecture, art, permitting, engineering, design and so many other aspects of new home building. He goes out of his way to ensure he understands our perspectives, while leading us to states of creativity that we alone would never have imagined!” -Margaret S. (Residential Client)
“Endemic Architecture created a space with both simplistic freshness and functionality. Each component in the shop has its own purpose - front counter doubles as ample storage, service area layout makes prepping drinks with ease, wash area provides privacy with more storage space and a warm-welcoming lobby area. Thank you Clark and Endemic Architecture! Looking forward to our next business project!” -Mark C. (Commercial Client)
SERVICES
We spend a lot of our time dedicated to client services. Yet, we also believe that architecture works in service of a larger vision; as a source of knowledge and a spatial medium meant to elevate the human experience. Thus, we see each project as being in service of a more inspiring, emotive, and unique built world.Acting as the centerpiece in the design process, we offer a full menu of design services including feasibility studies, conceptual design, technical drawings, material specifications, permit submissions & coordination, consultant coordination, project management, and construction administration. W e are selective about the projects we accept in order to maintain our standards of design and to provide full attention to each project.
PROCESS
We begin each project with three questions about something all buildings do:1) how should the building meet the ground?
2) how should the building meet the sky?
3) And, how might the building turn a corner?
This might sound like an unusal departure point, but for us these are fundamental conceptual and technical questions. By contemplating these questions conceptually in relation to a new site and program we begin to discover ideas about possible architectural form & organization. At the same time, when asked from a technical point of view, these questions offer a lens through which we begin to evaluate architecture in relation to budget, timeline, codes, technical details, and construction.
From here, we follow a four-stage design process:
1. Schematic Design: After we’ve discussed your resources, budget, site, timeline, and aspirations we generate multiple design ideas to discuss options with you.
2. Design Development: Once a schematic design is agreed on, we advance the design by creating technical drawings. During this phase we identify and incorporate material & equipment specifications, begin coordination with our network of engineering consultants, integrate code compliance, and secure preliminary bids from potential contractors. This phase also includes the preliminary interior design and conceptual landscape design, depending on the project scope.
3. Construction Documents: We prepare any remaining architectural details, coordinate the work of all consultants for permit submission(s), prepare the specification /link sets, and conduct design review(s) with the Contractor. During the permitting process we help guide your project through the various regulatory agencies for lawful construction.
4. Construction Administration: During construction we work as your agent, representing your interests in the Project by observing construction and advising you on the progress, the fidelity of the built work to the design intent, and reviewing payments to the contractor.
CURRENT TEAM
(P) 303-548-7806(E) Info@EndemicArchitecture.com
2424 Blanding Ave. Suite 205
Alameda, CA. 94501
Clark Thenhaus
Principal Architect
(E) Clark@endemicarchitecture.com
Clark Thenhaus is a licensed architect (CA. & CO.) with 20+ years of professional experience and is a tenured professor of architecture at the California College of the Arts. Clark has previously taught at UC Berkeley as the 2023 Josheph Esherick Visiting Professor of Practice, the University of Michigan as the 2013-2014 Oberdick Teaching Fellow, the University of Colorado, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and Otis College of Art & Design. He is the recipient of the 2015 Architectural League Prize and often publishes & exhibits work on the topic of architecture. He earned his Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied as the Fideli Fellow, and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Nicolette Zader
Office Coordinator
(E) Nicolette@endemicarchitecture.com
Nicolette Zader assists with contracts, office coordination, & early-stage client communication ... she is also the first critic of all our work in the early design stages.
Kyle Troyer
Lead Designer
(E) Kyle@endemicarchitecture.com
Kyle Troyer is a lead designer at Endemic Architecture as well as an adjunct instructor at RPI. Kyle earned a Master or Architecture graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, where he was the recipient of numerous awards for design excellence including the Dales Travelling Scholarship. Kyle also holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Environmental Design degree from Kent State University.
Daisy Downs
Junior Designer
(E) Daisy@endemicarchitecture.com
Daisy is a junior designer who has been awarded numerous awards for design excellence while earning her Master of ArchitectureDegree at the California College of the Arts.
Curran Thompson
Intern
Sam Avila-Vallejo
Intern
Past Team
Many talented people have contributed to Endemic Architeture, and I am personally grateful for the experiences working with Claire Leffler, Daniela Ibarra, Nate Wesseldyk, Maya Annotti, Rajah Bose, Sofia Anastasi, Brian McKinney, Mitchell Price, Trenton Jewett, Taylor Metcalf, Sarah Herlugson, Gina Bugiada, Nate Oppenheim, Tyler Smith, Alexandra Bernetich, Ryan Doidge, Samantha Okolita, Danielle Tellez, Paul Mitchell, Adam Steinbach & Katie Donahue.