About Us
Otto/Walker Architects was founded on the dual principles of designing structures which fulfill the aesthetic as well as practical desires of its clients while utilizing all the attributes a building site has to offer. These natural gifts often include expansive views, generous solar exposure, mature vegetation and topography which can help to enhance a design. To be successful in a mountain environment such as Park City, Utah, these two key goals must be achieved while also providing a beautiful project which endures the test of time.
Otto/Walker Architects operates emphasizing client involvement throughout the project while providing the vision, creativity and thorough beginning to end service that our years of experience can provide.
Otto/Walker Founding Partners
Richard S. Otto
Rick graduated from The Ohio State University with his Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture in 1974. Having worked in Columbus, Ohio for five years, he moved to Park City, Utah in 1979 and in 1987 he founded Otto/Walker Architects in conjunction with Mark Walker. Over 44 years of total experience and 36 years as Principal with Otto/Walker, he has designed and seen the completion of numerous Single-Family homes, Commercial Projects, Multi-Family Projects and many Remodelings. His work for Otto/Walker been published in Salt Lake City Magazine, Mountain Living Magazine, and Western Home Journal.
Mark A. Walker
A Utah native, Mark graduated with his Masters Degree in Architecture from the University of Utah in 1977 and worked in Salt Lake City until he began practice in Park City in 1981. He joined forces with Rick Otto in 1987 to form Otto/Walker Architects and during his tenure as Principal at Otto/Walker, he completed the design and oversaw the construction of 11 high end Multi-Family projects, a multitude of custom Single-Family homes and many Commercial Buildings. His work for Otto/Walker has been featured in Salt Lake City Magazine as well as Mountain Living Magazine. Mark passed away in August 2022, his legacy lives on with all here at Otto/Walker.
Otto/Walker Future Forward
Andrew Foster
From suburban home builds and in-town renovations to slinging concrete on budget-less projects in major metroplexes to creatively completing off-grid home builds with and for the Navajo Nation (Design Build Bluff), Andrew has learned and perfected his craft by wearing many hats and getting his hands dirty in the process.
Although he (sometimes) design from a desk behind glass in a proper, stationary office, more often than not he’s out in it. He needs to touch, feel, see, and listen to a landscape to learn it, learn from it and ultimately, understand it so that the appropriate design can emerge and take shape. If he’s not actively designing, he can be found riding, hiking, skiing or doing whatever he can with his wife, Erin (PC Local), to keep up with his ever-curious daughter, Kula and flock of animals. It's here, over sand, in forests, off road, on trail, and atop mountains where his creative side is fed.
Andrew has a B.S. from Vanderbilt University and a March from Arizona State University.
Bryan Markkanen
Bryan is a long-time Westerner who started life in Colorado, soaking up the mountains and the frontier spirit.
His passion for sustainability and high-performance design drives undercurrents in the design process which result in cohesive, comfortable and remarkable spaces that are gentle on the planet. His green credentials include LEED AP, Certified Passive House Consultant and current Chair of the Committee on the Environment for the Utah Chapter of the AIA. He has extensive experience in all aspects of commercial and residential design and strives to tread lightly while providing the best service and end user experience for all involved.
Bryan has a Bachelor’s of Environmental Design from CU Boulder and a Master’s of Architecture from the University of Utah.
Ben Walker
Ben Walker’s passion for Architecture began at a young age here in the mountains idealizing his Dad, who was a long-time Architect here in Park City. “My Dad would take my brother and I on jobsites, we would look at the big views of the mountains and ski runs, smell the lumber and dirt, and see the lines on paper come to life… it sold me.” Ben was fortunate enough to grow up here in Park City and in Scottsdale AZ, which has developed his love for the mountains and desert landscapes.
Having worked on multiple project types and scale, ranging from high-rise buildings in San Francisco to restaurants and bars in Scottsdale AZ, Ben brings a versed skill set and adaptable attitude to each project. His passion for the mountain lifestyle and desire to design custom homes has brought him back home to Park City. Ben has a knack for making clients feel like lifelong friends and is always up for a powder day with clients. If you see him around town, give him a shout as he always welcomes a chat.
Ben holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in architecture from Arizona State University.
Ben Jaworski
Ben Jaworski believes that exceptional architecture begins with a genuine understanding of both the people who will live in it and the place where it is built. Ben has built his career around designing luxury custom homes throughout the Mountain West, including projects in Park City's premier communities in Colorado and Montana.
He also contributed to the design and construction of a remote research station on Livingston Island, Antarctica, completed in 2023 as part of the University of Colorado's graduate design-build program.
As a Principal, Ben approaches every project as a partnership with his clients, bringing together each client's vision with the unique character of the site and its surrounding landscape. He enjoys working closely with clients, creating homes that feel authentic to their setting and thoughtfully reflect the way each family lives.
Ben has his Master's of Architecture from the University of Colorado