Meet Our Team
Carlos Delgado, Principal Architect and Owner
Licensed both in the state of Oregon and California and with over 18 years
of experience in architecture and construction, Carlos has made a name
for himself as a collaborative, innovative and ecologically-minded member
of the building community. In 2001 he started his own firm in Southern
Oregon, specializing in residential and commercial architecture. Since
then, Carlos has distinguished himself as a leader in versatile design
and the appropriate integration of sustainable building techniques.
Carlos has always promoted the progressive, responsible and sustainable design of buildings – even before these issues became mainstream. Carlos also brings a practical approach to sustainable practices and works within realistic budgets providing intelligent, cost-effective solutions without risking the use of costly and trendy “green” marketed products on his clients. Carlos actively participates in continuing educational opportunities throughout the West with a particular interest in sustainability. He regularly attends conferences including West Coast Green, Net Zero Energy home tours and study sessions, Forest Stewardship Council updates, The Natural Step implementation workshops, and International Code Council code update seminars.
Carlos received his Masters of Architecture in 1990 from the Graduate School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania, having earned a BA in Exercise Physiology and Physical Education from the University of California, Berkeley in 1985. Upon graduation from Penn, he was immediately hired by an interior design firm in San Francisco that specialized in interior retail projects and included clients such as Gymboree, Boudin Bakery, Macy’s, Cost Plus, and Musician’s Friend. In 1993, Carlos was commissioned to design and oversee a large project in Costa Rica which led to several years working overseas doing projects including residences, small resort hotels, and bed and breakfasts.
Carlos lived and worked in Costa Rica for the better part of the next three years and it was during this time that he launched his own practice and a design/build partnership. During his years in Costa Rica, the limited resources and remote locations inspired Carlos to be adaptive and creative in design and construction—this was the beginning of his passion for sustainable architecture. He quickly learned to use local materials and to rely on the skills and craftsmanship of the local workforce to complete his projects. Working in pristine and fragile environments where development had the potential to either enhance or corrupt local communities, Carlos became an advocate for architecture and development to consider the many factors and weigh possible negative outcomes before moving ahead. Working in this environment over several years developed his capacity for collaboration, innovation and flexibility as well as a strong respect for the power of environment over human will power. The most significant personal development during Carlos’ time in Costa Rica was meeting his wife Alexis who was a grade school teacher in a nearby coastal town. In 1997 Carlos, Alexis and their young son Laney relocated to the Rogue Valley, in Southern Oregon, to be in an area where people enjoy the outdoors, value education, and have a strong sense of community. They quickly made it their home.
Carlos is an athlete and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys cycling, hiking, swimming, soccer, yoga, pilates, and surfing. He also enjoys cooking, gardening, playing with 3D graphic software, photography, and working on bicycles. Alexis also has many hobbies and is an avid cyclist. She works as a social worker in the public sector serving families and children in the Rogue Valley, and has private counseling practice. Their son, Laney, is an active teenager at Ashland High who enjoys soccer, tennis, mountain biking and reading.
Carlos has been involved with many local groups including Living on the Edge of Evolution, The Mankind Project, Harvest Built Homes (a straw bale advocacy group), Boys-to-Men a teen mentoring program. He was the co-founder of The Rogue Valley Natural Step Focus Group, and is a member of Architects, Designers, and Planners for Social Responsibility. He has offered pro-bono work to several non-profits including the Siskiyou School, Rogue Valley Community Development Center, and Kagyu Sukha Choling Meditation Center and is active in a peer driven business group under the direction of Thrive – a local non-profit that cultivates a vital and local economy.Tom Sager, Senior Designer & Project Captain
Tom
has been a key component of Carlos Delgado Architect since 2003. With
over 16 years of combined architectural and construction experience, Tom
blends the right mixture of design sensibility and structural practicality
into each project. Carlos relies on Tom for sound, practical advice when
it comes to implementing their collaborative designs. Their team approach
has greatly enhanced their effectiveness and ability to work well with
both homeowners and contractors.
Tom graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Latin American History and a minor in Geology. While at the U of O Tom took numerous classes in architecture and has always had a passion for design and construction. After college, Tom went on to work for the largest residential contractor in Oregon, and eventually became a licensed contractor. He specialized in residential design and construction.
After five years in construction and a move to Santa Barbara, Tom became inspired to develop his skill in architecture and design, he taught himself AutoCAD and began working with Anthony Spann Architect. Three years later Tom moved to the Bay area for a year where he went to work with Colleen Mahoney Architect. In 2002, Tom moved back to his native hometown of Ashland, and after one year working with a residential designer in the Valley, he began working with Carlos.
Tom enjoys Alpine skiing, backpacking, and diving. He is an avid and creative photographer and a skilled carpenter.