David O'Brien Wagner, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Enhancing the lives of clients and communities through sustainable and contextual architecture is David’s goal for each project. Through a process of observation, research, and dialogue, David creates places that reflect the unique attributes specific to each client and landscape. By paying special attention to elements of climate, terrain, and culture, David incorporates organic design principles to bring regionally influenced shape and form to his work; echoing local traditions, harmonizing with the environment, and meeting the needs of today’s modern lifestyles.
David’s broad architectural experience includes urban and rural residential design, commercial and institutional projects, as well as art installations. His work has appeared in numerous books and magazines including Lakeside Living, The Distinctive Home, Mpls/St.Paul Magazine, Cottage Living Magazine, and Architecture MN.
Prior to joining SALA Architects in 2000, David worked for several Seattle area firms noted for their regionally sensitive design work including James Cutler Architects, The Henry Klein Partnership, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen, and NBBJ. David received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington State University in 1993. David is a member of the American Institute of Architects, is NCARB certified, and is a registered architect in Minnesota and Washington State.
Awards
- Pine/Cone, National AIA Small Project Award, 2008
- Pine/Cone, AIA Minnesota Honor Award, 2008
- Bungalow Oasis, Midwest Regional COTY Award, 2008
- Loon’s Nest, National AIA Small Projects Award, 2007
- Loon’s Nest, AIA Minnesota Honor Award, 2007
- Loon’s Nest, AIA Minnesota/Mpls.St.Paul Magazine RAVE Award, 2006
- Rural Pepin Residence, AIA Minnesota /Mpls.St.Paul Magazine RAVE Award, 2005
- Rural Pepin Residence, AIA Minnesota/StarTribune Home Of The Month Award, 2005
- Arrowpoint Cabin, AIA Minnesota/Mpls.St.Paul Magazine RAVE Award, 2004
- Arrowpoint Cabin, AIA Minnesota/StarTribune Home Of The Month Award, 2004
- Schmidt Residence, AIA Western Home Awards, 2002
Lectures, Publications, and Teaching
- “Metropolitan Home Panel Discussion” (panelist), IMS Fall Design Show, September 2007
- “Designing For the Land” (lecture), Lake Home and Cabin Show, May 2005
- “Wood Design In Architecture” (lecture), Wisconsin Wood Products Association, December 2005
- “Regional Design in the Midwest” (lecture), IMS Home Show, 2004, and Phipps Center for the Arts, 2004
- “On the Edge of the Prairie” (article), Residential Architect magazine, July 2006.
- Augsburg College, MN (Architecture Instructor), 2005-2006.
- University of Minnesota, School of Design (Guest Design Critic), 2001-present.