CWA Studios is an award winning architecture, design, and fabrication firm based in San Luis Obispo, California.

Our Firm

CWA Studios is a San Luis Obispo, CA based design/build studio founded by its principal architect, Christopher Allen, AIA. Specializing in a broad range of project types, both residential and commercial, we aim to balance practical solutions with innovative and elegant contemporary design. Continuous collaboration with our clients and project teams guide our process, with each project being designed around the unique needs of program, client, site, and budget.

Photos by @asiacrosonphotography

Meet the Team

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    Christopher William Allen

    ARCHITECT / FOUNDER

    Principal, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

    Prior to founding CWA Studios, Chris worked as a designer at numerous architecture firms in the Bay Area and San Luis Obispo. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and has a strong background in art & design, which informs his sense of composition and spatial problem solving. He expresses his design intentions through sketches, various digital media, and handcrafted full-size mockups, exploring a variety of materials, textures, colors, patterns, and systems.

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    Bond Allen

    SECRETARY

    At CWA Studios, Bond plays an integral role in maintaining office culture and holding all employees to the highest standards. A master multitasker, Bond effortlessly manages schedules, coordinates meetings, and maintains a smooth workflow. With meticulous attention to detail and a friendly demeanor, Bond is the linchpin that keeps the studio running like clockwork.

  • Kelly Campos

    PRODUCTION MANAGER / DESIGNER

    Kelly is a realist at heart, with practicality as a main driver in her work. As the office fine-tooth comb, nothing gets past Kelly and her attention to detail. From sketch to construction, she ensures that all work is of the highest quality. Kelly recently graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, minoring in Sustainable Environments.

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    Cole VanBuskirk

    PROJECT MANAGER

    Cole is an ambitious and detail-oriented aspiring architect currently serving as our project manager in the firm. With a strong foundation in design principles and a passion for innovative architecture, Cole coordinates project timelines, manages client communications, and ensure seamless collaboration between design and production teams. His dual role allows him to gain hands-on experience while steadily working toward professional licensure and future leadership in the firm. Cole received his Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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    Maura Shernisky

    DESIGNER

    Maura is a dynamic designer with a sharp analytical mind and a passion for crafting meaningful experiences. With a background in interdisciplinary design, she seamlessly blends creativity and strategy to develop solutions that are both innovative and deeply human-centered. Her work is driven by a commitment to detail, storytelling, and the transformative power of design. Maura is in her 4th year of completing her Bachelor of Architecture degree at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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    Eoghan Hege-Cornell

    DESIGNER

    Passionate about pushing boundaries and stepping out of his comfort zone, Eoghan is dedicated to exploring innovative design solutions. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of architecture, Eoghan is eager to contribute fresh perspectives to impactful projects, combining his urban roots with his diverse educational experiences. Eoghan is in his 5th year of completing his Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, minoring in Sustainable Environments.

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    Meredith Granger

    DESIGNER

    Meredith is a recent graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where she earned a Bachelor of Architecture. With a strong foundation in sustainable design, technical drawing, and collaborative project development, Meredith brings fresh ideas and a detail-oriented approach to the firm’s residential and commercial projects. Passionate about creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring, Meredith is excited to grow professionally and contribute to innovative design solutions.

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    Scuppers

    CHIEF BARKING OFFICER (CBO)

    Scuppers is a seasoned professional in the canine corporate world, bringing over 7 years of tail-wagging experience and nap-to-noise ratio optimization. A natural leader in morale-boosting and shoe supervision, Scuppers has never met a belly rub he didn’t approve of.

Firm Culture

At CWA Studios, we believe that community, passion for people, and the drive for a more innovative and sustainable environment are key characteristics of our firm. We strive to take initiative in all endeavors through working with brilliant consultants and craftspeople.

CWA Studios provides a design/build solution with a greater attention to detail than commonly found in the design industry. Our furniture and millwork comprises of rich materials, and are hand-built by our designers, allowing for a clarity of design and integrity of construction.

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Our History

Founded in 2014, CWA Studios continues to be a notable design firm on the Central Coast of California. With almost two decades of extensive exposure to high-end residential and commercial design, our team can provide your project with innovative conceptual design through construction administration services.

Over the years, CWA Studios has been fortunate to collaborate with amazing clients on numerous wonderful projects, but we believe it’s still too early to weigh in on the success of our work. A building exists in time and its usefulness is directly related to how well it continues to perform.

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Sustainability

Modern single-story house with flat and sloped roofs, surrounded by trees and a landscaped yard with outdoor seating area and a stacked firewood pile.

We think of architecture not as a single practice, but as several interwoven ones. Landscapes are inseparable from structures, ecology is inseparable from building requirements, and improving the human experience is the ultimate goal of any project. Aesthetic movements come and go, but we have found these principles to be timeless.

Let’s Work Together

We’re always looking for new opportunities and are comfortable working internationally. Please get in touch and one of our project managers will contact you about beginning the proposal process.

Contact Us
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