Clerkin & Clerkin

Clerkin & Clerkin Architects is a renowned architectural firm dedicated to creating spaces that enhance the larger social and physical environment. Our team of experts is committed to fusing design, collaboration, possibility, technical expertise, communication, and involvement of the principals to deliver exceptional projects.

Our diverse backgrounds allow us to integrate both the design and technical needs of a project as a totality, not as discreet elements. This approach has been the cornerstone of our firm since its inception, leading to numerous repeat clients such as CSU Northridge, San Jose State University, UCLA, UC Riverside, CSU San Bernardino, CSU Los Angeles, Pomona USD, Norwalk La Mirada USD, and LAUSD.

We believe in maintaining a close working relationship with our clients and users to explore and enhance the uniqueness of each project. Our portfolio showcases a variety of projects, demonstrating our commitment to bringing out the potential of each space. The emphasis on human interaction and integrating technical aspects is the hallmark of our firm.

Awards and Recognition

We are proud to have received several awards for our work, including the C.A.S.H./AIACC Awards of Merit in 2003 for the Pomona Unified School District Technology Production Center, and the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter Merit Award in 2002 for the California State University, San Bernardino, Coyote Drive Information. Additionally, our work on the Hwee Office Building earned us the Alhambra Beautification Award in 1996.

Our Team

Our team is led by Chiao H. Clerkin, the founder of the firm. Chiao is responsible for overall firm design and project administration. She excels in working with individuals and community groups, bringing an innovative and sensitive eye for how users perceive space sequencing in her designs. Her training in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design ensures that the spaces created are both physiologically safe and welcoming.

Sean Clerkin, Partner of the firm since 1992, is responsible for the design lead and management of projects. He ensures that the project's design is carried through to construction, bringing a strong understanding of the interplay of design, detail, and context to each project. His involvement is continuous throughout the project, and his interests in theory and history give him a broader perspective and depth in terms of understanding issues and problem-solving aspects of design.

Services Offered

At Clerkin & Clerkin Architects, we offer a wide range of services including:

• Education: We have extensive experience in designing educational facilities, including universities, colleges, and schools. Our designs focus on creating learning environments that are conducive to growth and development.

• Masterplan: Our team excels in creating master plans that are functional, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing. We work closely with clients to understand their needs and develop plans that meet their goals.

• Healthcare: We design healthcare facilities that prioritize patient comfort, safety, and well-being. Our designs incorporate the latest in medical technology and sustainability practices.

• Residential: Our residential designs focus on creating comfortable, functional, and beautiful living spaces. We work with clients to understand their needs and preferences, delivering homes that reflect their personalities.

• Other Projects: We also offer services in other areas such as commercial buildings, community centers, and more. Our team is versatile and can adapt to any project type.

Project Highlights

Some of our notable projects include the California State University Northridge Eucalyptus Hall and the San Jose State University Spartan Complex Seismic Upgrade. For the Eucalyptus Hall, we worked with the Planning, Design & Construction group and the Departments of Physics and Chemistry to integrate new curricula within the 1959, 3-story cast-in-place concrete building. The project included new general laboratories, research laboratories, classrooms, offices, and roofing replacement.

For the San Jose State University Spartan Complex Seismic Upgrade, we renovated four disparate buildings that make up the Spartan Complex, the center of the university's physical activity programs. Our team worked closely with the university to ensure that the renovation met their needs while maintaining the unique character of each building.