Designing Spokane since 1991

Bob Wills and Gary Bernardo’s desire to provide clients with exceptional service based on principal involvement led to the founding of Bernardo|Wills Architects in 1991. This balanced approach and the firm-wide commitment to providing value-added service is the catalyst for the organization’s excellent reputation and continued successful growth.

Contact us to design your dream

Architecture

  • Mike Stanicar, AIA

    Principal | Managing Director of Architecture

    Mike is energized by the complexities of development and land use planning, and uses his knowledge of design and construction to develop sites’ highest and best uses. The intricacies of land-use planning can be a tough hurdle, but Mike enjoys the challenge and what comes after – a successful and complete project. Mike is Bernardo Wills’ Managing Director of Architecture which includes supporting the architectural sector leaders in their work, removing roadblocks, and driving the firm’s strategy into the future.

  • Gary Bernardo, AIA, NCARB

    Founding Principal | Real Estate Development Sector Manager

    Gary is considered an expert in retail and private development planning and design by regional developers, who value his expertise in entitlements, code review, feasibility studies, and community presentations. His skill culminates into enduring and profitable projects for his clients. If he isn’t pouring over zoning requirements or sketching, he’s probably thinking about the next season of USC football. Go Trojans!

  • Steve Goodmansen, AIA

    Associate | Multi-Family Housing Sector Manager

    For Steve, quality architecture is found in the balance between the structure’s functional requirements and aesthetic possibilities. As our Multi-Family Housing Sector Leader, Steve works with clients and developers to create neighborhoods and communities for people to live, work, and play. And if you’re preparing for a backpacking trip, Steve is your guy for local route and gear recommendations.

  • Licia LeGrant, AIA

    Associate | Commercial Architecture Sector Manager

    A diehard WSU Cougar fan, Licia views the architect’s role as similar to a good quarterback: an architect must have a thorough understanding of the overall project as well as its various aspects to successfully lead the team and execute the mission. Licia is the Commercial Sector Leader, working with a wide range of clients and managing one of our busiest sectors efficiently and masterfully. Go Cougs!

  • J. Ryan Zane, AIA, LEED AP BD + C

    Principal | Design Director

    Ryan finds it immensely rewarding to partner with clients on the front end of the planning and design process – exploring options and refining details. He skillfully addresses the myriad big-picture issues that drive the overall function and aesthetic of a building to achieve a holistic solution that hits all the marks. As our Design Director, Ryan works with his colleagues to push design boundaries and ensure the very best result for our clients.

  • Zack Bullock

    Emerging Architectural Professional

    Zack credits his passion for architecture to his childhood spent building all kinds of things with his dad. He always knew his vocation would involve design and construction, and now Zack is a member of the Commercial Architecture sector, working in Revit and Sketchup to bring designs to life. Our clients will find that Zack is easy to talk to and that he enjoys working with others, making him a great part of every design team. He is currently working toward earning his architectural license.

  • Kimberly Erzen

    BIM Technician

    Kim is an essential member of the Industrial Architecture team, and has grown into designing and supporting the project effort from schematic design to construction administration. She relishes code application, equating the task to locating the perfect pieces necessary to complete the design puzzle.

  • Grant Evans

    Project Manager

    An enthusiastic advocate of the client, Grant works closely with the general contractor during the construction phase to quickly resolve any issues that arise in the field to maintain quality, budget, and schedule adherence. Grant is famous for helping his colleagues with any mechanical issues – from their home furnace, to their car in the parking lot – he is generous with his time and know-how.

  • Scott Farkas, NCARB

    Architect

    Scott brings over 30 years of experience in architecture and construction management to Bernardo Wills. He is a born problem-solver, treating every project like his dream project and a puzzle to be solved. You might catch Scott on a job site, meticulously inspecting every detail to ensure everything is up to par.

  • Matt Halstead

    BIM Technician

    After studying visual arts, industrial design, architecture, and construction, Matthew realized architecture is the culmination of these things and his path. He has a flair for historic renovation and preservation, supported by his hands-on experience in construction, and his background in Passive House design aids our clients’ sustainability goals.

  • Danielle Harlan

    Emerging Architectural Professional

    Danielle’s fine arts background led her to architecture for the combination of artistic and technical work. She loves working with new people and the collaboration and problem-solving required to make a project successful. A vital part of the multi-family housing studio, Danielle loves designing thoughtful living spaces and thinking of the needs of future residents of her projects.

  • Chuck Horgan, AIA, LEED AP BD + C

    Principal

    Chuck has been at Bernardo Wills since 1995, and has been as asset to both public- and private-sector architecture teams. Chuck is a relationship builder and is thoughtful in his communications with clients and design team members. He is a proud University of Idaho Alum and is active in his support of the Spokane Arts Commission. Go Vandals!

  • Kyle Madsen, AIA

    Architect

    Kyle admits he’s, “obsessed with Spokane.” He wants to partner with our clients to make Spokane stronger, happier, healthier, and more resilient by making the built environment better for those who live here. As an infill and middle-housing expert, Kyle works with our clients to meet their business goals, making himself an expert in the code required to make these projects a reality.

  • Dan Phelps

    Senior Architectural Technician

    Dan Phelps has an extensive career in architecture spanning many studios. He has been involved in projects ranging from medical facilities, K-12 schools, higher education facilities, and tenant improvements. His project responsibilities have involved project management, technical design, project administration, production, and providing guidance for junior staff. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work in virtually all areas of the architectural process. Dan's strongest talents lie in the technical aspects of project development and document preparation.

  • Dillon Reese

    Emerging Architectural Professional

    Dillon is always leading the team to find new technologies and applications that improve our services. He enjoys tinkering with a problem long enough to find at least one solution and is always available to jump in to help a teammate. Dillon currently works with the Commercial Architecture and Development sectors, with an emerging specialty in site plans and yield studies.

  • Pat Schwartzkopf

    BIM Manager

    Pat sees room for improvement wherever he goes, and he always makes things better on a project. Since joining Bernardo Wills, he has worked with our standards team to develop Revit and BIM standards, providing additional support to technical staff as they learn new software and processes. In 2022, he was our Christmas Party Trivia Master, and it was the most difficult round yet – we should get studying for next year!

  • Luke Shiras

    Architect

    When there’s a new challenge to be solved, Luke is on the case. He is a skillful architect who enjoys honing his craft and sharing that knowledge with the rest of the Bernardo Wills team. You can find him sharing technology tips in our all-staff meetings.

  • Gregg Soares, LEED Green Associate

    BIM Technician

    Gregg has worn many hats in his professional career: military intelligence operative, CAD designer, kitchen manager, underground mining technician; the common thread is that he loves to solve problems – oh and he’s tough as heck. His expertise with 3D modeling and rendering, project management, construction documents, and construction materials and methods helps make the whole team stronger. To top it all off, he makes a mean breakfast.

  • Sarina R. Spatola, AIA, NCARB

    Architect

    Sarina began her career in the architectural and construction industries in 1996 in Las Vegas after graduating from the University of Idaho. She now supports the Multi-Family Housing Architecture Sector, designing unit plans and making spaces work to fit their needs. In her free time, her talents include playing several music instruments and planning her next hot rod project.

  • Kristin Williams

    Emerging Architectural Professional

    A talented sketch artist, Kristin loves the early process of every project, when form meets function and anything is possible. She has joined our commercial architecture group, and will be supporting on a variety of projects. Fun fact about Kristin? She was a collegiate volleyball player at the University of Idaho!

Landscape Architecture

  • Dell Hatch, ASLA

    Principal | Managing Director of Landscape Architecture

    Principal and Director of Landscape Architecture, Dell and his department colleagues positively impact how the built environment transitions to the landscape. In his 35-year career, Dell has designed nearly every kind of project, and has most recently worked with City governments on parks and recreation master planning efforts, higher education institutions on pedestrian and right-of-way improvements, and private developers to master plan large sites. Dell’s outstanding graphics capabilities allow clients to clearly envision proposed designs.

  • Bill LaRue, ASLA

    Principal | Landscape Architect

    Bill specializes in master planning and the design of public spaces, parks and recreation, and outdoor sports facilities. He has been instrumental in our most recent sports complex project for Mead, East Valley, and Central Valley School Districts. Bill’s early site concept ideas set the stage for a thoughtful plan, promoting a positive experience for the user. Catch Bill at University of Idaho alumni events in Moscow, ID – go Vandals!

  • James Davis, ASLA

    Associate | Landscape Architect

    With a background in construction and project estimating, landscape architect James Davis makes practical design decisions that follow trade-specific installation methods and budget adherence. James has a passion for trees, biodiversity, overall tree health, and responsible urban tree canopies. Want to see more of James? Catch him in his stage crew role in our 2022 Christmas Video.

  • Helen Casey

    Landscape Designer

    Drawn to a career where art and nature meet, Helen loves working in the physical realm and revisiting her designs when they’re complete. Feeling ‘at home’ in the outdoors and feeling a sense of place is important to Helen and it shows in her technical approach. She recently spent a summer at Heyburn State Park in Idaho where she developed a native plant palette for the Park to use in future projects.

Operations

  • Gretchen Renz, CDFA

    Managing Director, Operations & Finance

    Gretchen Renz has been an essential part of Bernardo Wills since the very beginning in 1991. Throughout her career, she has supported the growth of Bernardo Wills through oversight of all corporate administration, and now leads the Operations team as a Managing Director. She is a leader in the industry, serving on the Executive Committee of SDA – the Society for Design Administration. Her love of learning sets an example of excellence for her colleagues and creates a culture of growth and development.

  • Matthew Berkery

    IT Support Specialist

    After learning his trade while serving in the United State Marine Corp, Matthew continued to build that experience and uses these skills to support our technology-dependent firm. Since Matt joined Bernardo Wills, he has rebuilt and reconfigured our servers and is a huge asset to the team. In the age of remote work, virtual meetings, and cloud-based design software, we rest easy knowing that Matthew has us well taken care of.

  • Emily Moline Meyer, CDFA, CPSM

    Client Engagement Manager

    Emily’s infectious enthusiasm creates a dynamic and creative marketing department for Bernardo Wills. Emily loves supporting our clients and provides them with an additional line of communication to the firm for feedback and problem-solving. She is the champion of the Bernardo Wills brand, website, and marketing materials, and drives strategy for firm-wide business development efforts.

  • Chantelle Patchin

    Human Resources and Finance Generalist

    Chantelle is drawn to the ever-changing nature of human resources and loves learning more about people, their story, and what makes them tick. In professional services, our most valuable resource is our people, and Chantelle takes role supporting them seriously. Since joining Bernardo Wills, she has created a new performance review process, an incentive plan, and performed individual stay interviews to get feedback on our current benefits and collect suggestions for the future.

  • Samantha Sawyer

    Graphic Designer & Brand Photographer

    Joining Bernardo Wills in 2022, Samantha quickly made her mark on the firm’s visual identity. Her contemporary perspective brings new and fresh designs, keeping our strategies competitive, relevant, and fresh. Samantha provides support to technical staff to ensure our presentation materials and graphics meet a high standard and clearly communicate to our clients. As our in-house brand photographer, Sam captures our team and our projects, and if she isn’t at her desk, she’s likely on the jobsite capturing construction progress or the finished project.

  • Beckie Selby

    Proposal Coordinator & Venue Manager

    Beckie supports our Marketing team with comprehensive proposal writing. Partnering with consultants, builders, and other marketing staff, she knows all there is to know about Bernardo Wills’ experience and how to show it off! Beckie also manages our corporate event venue, the Bissinger Room, and approaches her work how she leads her life: with grit, grace, and gratitude.

Join the team

Bernardo Wills offers a dynamic environment with exciting opportunities for staff along the career continuum. We promote the open exchange of ideas to foster collaboration and produce exceptional results for our clients. Our team is always interested in hearing from gifted individuals who share our passion for outstanding design.

Learn more about employment opportunities