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.

Meet the Team

  • 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.

  • 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

    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.

  • Alex Lipker

    DESIGNER

    As an aspiring architect, Alex aims to design with functionality and design simplicity as a priority. With design principal parallel to those of Dieter Rams’ “10 Principals of Good Design,” he believes that minimalism is part of the solution to a more innovative and sustainable future in the built environment. Alex is in his 5th year of completing his Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, minoring in Sustainable Environments and Real Property Development.

  • Lola Cinco

    DESIGNER

    Originally from the Bay Area, Lola is a passionate creative problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail. She crafts thoughtful, innovative solutions that seamlessly blend digital visualization with experiential design principles, ensuring each project is both immersive and impactful. Lola is in her 5th year of completing her Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

  • 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 4th year of completing his Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, minoring in Sustainable Environments.

  • Kendall Segress

    DESIGNER

    Kendall 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. Kendall is in her 2nd of completing her Bachelor of Architecture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

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.

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.

Sustainability

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.