Business Details
Trusted Architects in Pasadena, CA
Clerkin & Clerkin is a dedicated architectural practice committed to enhancing social and physical environments through integrated design solutions. Since our founding, we have prioritized seamless collaboration between design, technical expertise, and client engagement to deliver holistic projects. Our team's diverse backgrounds enable us to address both aesthetic and functional requirements as a unified whole, a philosophy reflected in our long-standing relationships with repeat clients across educational and healthcare sectors.We specialize in creating spaces that balance human interaction with technical precision, ensuring each project responds to its unique context and user needs. Our portfolio spans seismic upgrades, ADA compliance projects, and modernization of historic buildings, demonstrating adaptability to evolving pedagogies and regulatory standards. Through continuous innovation and attention to detail, we have established ourselves as trusted partners in transforming complex challenges into award-winning architectural solutions.
Services
Educational Facility Design
Seismic Upgrades
ADA Compliance Studies
Historic Renovations
Healthcare Architecture
Campus Master Planning
Laboratory Design
Space Optimization
Code Compliance
Sustainable Design
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 30 projects for California State Universities and UC campuses
- Our team integrates Crime Prevention through Environmental Design principles into spatial planning
- We maintain continuous involvement from design through construction for project consistency
- Our work has received multiple AIA and C.A.S.H. architectural awards
- We specialize in modernizing historic buildings while preserving their character
Services
Educational Facility Design
We create innovative learning environments tailored to evolving educational needs. Our designs integrate flexible spaces that support modern pedagogies while maintaining structural integrity. With extensive experience in university and K-12 projects, we specialize in balancing functional requirements with aesthetic excellence across 30+ completed campus buildings.
Seismic Upgrades
Our seismic modernization solutions preserve building functionality while meeting safety standards. Using phased construction approaches, we implement structural reinforcements without disrupting ongoing operations. This expertise is demonstrated through award-winning projects like the San Jose State University Spartan Complex transformation.
ADA Compliance Studies
We conduct comprehensive accessibility assessments for public facilities across California. Our approach combines regulatory expertise with practical implementation strategies, as evidenced by our statewide ADA mitigation projects for educational institutions and healthcare centers.
Historic Renovations
Our team revitalizes historic structures while maintaining their architectural character. This includes the Reath/Saint Oyant Studio renovation in Pasadena's Bungalow Heaven district and multiple mid-century university buildings, blending modern functionality with historical integrity.
Laboratory Design
We create specialized environments for scientific discovery, including chemistry labs at CSU Northridge and nursing simulation labs at CSU San Bernardino. Our designs accommodate advanced equipment while prioritizing safety and adaptability for future technological changes.
People
Chiao H. Clerkin
Founder
Founder and lead designer with expertise in spatial sequencing and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Oversees project administration and maintains direct client relationships for all firm projects.
Sean Clerkin
Partner
Partner since 1992 responsible for design leadership and project management. Brings theoretical knowledge and historical perspective to complex projects, ensuring design continuity from concept through construction.
Questions
What types of projects does Clerkin & Clerkin specialize in?
We focus on educational facilities, healthcare institutions, seismic upgrades, and historic renovations with particular expertise in university campuses and K-12 schools across California.
How does the firm handle complex regulatory requirements?
Our team has extensive experience with ADA compliance, seismic safety standards, and historic preservation guidelines, ensuring projects meet all regulatory requirements while maintaining design integrity.
Can you work with existing buildings that need modernization?
Yes, we specialize in transforming aging structures through phased renovations that preserve architectural character while implementing modern systems and technologies.
What is your approach to client collaboration?
We maintain continuous client engagement throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring design solutions align with user needs and institutional goals through regular communication and feedback loops.
How do you manage projects with tight timelines?
Our phased construction approach and experienced project management team enable us to complete complex renovations within strict deadlines, as demonstrated by our hospital and university projects.
