At his core, Shaunt believes that architecture can be truly inspirational.
When the unique attributes of the site, client, and design come together successfully, meaningful design is the result, and he consistently strives to create, interpret, and infuse meaning into the PHA design process. Because architecture and the design process can cover a broad range of scales, he finds the process is more interesting than the scale or type of project. This focus on the process requires equal energy and rigor to be applied in the development of design concepts, as well as to the constructability and building detailing budgetary considerations.
With over fifteen years of professional experience, the projects which Shaunt has worked on match the broad range of scales which he is interested in—from art installations to multi-story university structures. Creative thinking is not unique among architects, but Shaunt’s commitment to clients and their budgets allows the client to participate and add value to the design process, leading to their shared vision becoming a reality.
Education & Certifications
Shaunt studied architecture at Fresno City College, earned his undergraduate degree in urban planning and design from Cal-Poly Pomona, and earned his graduate degree in architecture at the Southern California Institute of Architecture. However, he likes to say his education continues every day as he reads, designs, and writes to further explore the vast discipline of architecture, find interesting ways to resolve space, and embrace advanced digital design software. Shaunt is a lifelong member of AIA, NCARB Certified, a LEED AP, and an AIA Knowledge Scholar Recipient. He won First Prize in the California High-Speed Rail Downtown Station Design Competition, and First Prize in the MAK Center Vertical Garden Competition. He was named Business Street 40 Under 40 in 2019.
Community Engagement
Shaunt volunteers annually for the San Joaquin Parkway Trust for Architectural Tours. He also volunteers and does pro-bono work for the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School. He is adjunct faculty in architecture at Fresno City College, teaching digital design and theory courses and where he mentors students seeking to transfer into architecture programs and earn their degree. He has also been a volunteer critic for the Northern California Community Loan Fund’s Community Vision project for Fresno State students, which brings together architecture, interior design, and construction management students to develop a semester-long project for a community organization that is in need of a new facility.
Described as
“Passionate, weird, crazy, dedicated.”
Favorite PHA project
“It may sound cliché, but honestly, my favorite project is always the one I am working on. I push myself and our team to give our best to each client who has entrusted us to bring their spaces, buildings, and campuses to life. I have had the great fortune of collaborating with Paul and Jamie on some awesome projects, like the Fresno State Aquatic Complex and the Fresno State Physical Therapy & Intercollegiate Athletics Building. Paul and I worked very closely in design on the Armenian Genocide Monument. Stephanie and I did a modest but fun project for Henry’s House of Coffee in San Francisco. Paul, Stephanie, and I have been working closely for the past couple of years with Bitwise on an exciting adaptive re-use to a historic building overlooking the Downtown Fresno skyline, called the Bitwise State Center Warehouse. We are working on two really cool multi-story affordable housing projects in Downtown Madera at the moment. Without exception, the project and the client I am working within the present moment is the one I am the most passionate about.”
One food forever
“Sarma—ground beef and rice stuffed grape leaves—with yogurt. Super delightful, can have it every day, no problem.”
Working tunes
“If I am doing something technical or reading code, then it’s classical romantics. If I am doing something creative, it’s hip-hop, jazz, or Armenian.”