Kyle Madsen Named Associate at Bernardo Wills
At Bernardo Wills, becoming an Associate means more than a title change. It represents leadership, ownership, and a deeper commitment to shaping the future of our firm and the communities we serve. For Kyle Madsen, this next chapter is both an honor and a responsibility.
“Instead of simply being an employee at a great company, I have an opportunity and responsibility to promote, build up, and influence Bernardo Wills — and hopefully inspire others to do the same.”
That mindset perfectly reflects what we look for in our Associates: people who don’t just design buildings, but who actively invest in the culture, mission, and long-term impact of our work.
Designing for Community
Ask Kyle what kinds of projects energize him most, and his answer is immediate: projects that strengthen community in Spokane and the greater Inland Northwest. He’s particularly drawn to early concept development — that pivotal moment when clients see a physical representation of their vision for the first time. There’s something powerful about translating ideas into drawings, models, and renderings that suddenly make a dream tangible. But he’s equally inspired by construction.
“Concept is exciting,” Kyle says, “but construction is where you see that vision become reality.”
For him, architecture is a full-circle process — from imagination to physical place — and he finds meaning in every step.
Quality Isn’t About Budget
One principle consistently shapes Kyle’s work: thoughtful design produces high-quality outcomes at every scale. He’s especially proud of demonstrating that great design isn’t reserved for large budgets or high-profile projects. Careful listening, strategic planning, and a focus on the end user elevate projects of all types.
“I strive to always focus on the end users and community members who will experience the building daily — even if they aren’t stakeholders in the project.”
That people-first perspective is foundational to Bernardo Wills. We don’t just design for owners; we design for the broader community that will live, work, and gather in these spaces for decades.
Growing Into Leadership
Over the past several years, Kyle has intentionally developed his project management skills; and he credits the support of the Bernardo Wills team for that growth. As an Associate, he’s excited to take that leadership even further, particularly by building relationships with community partners who align with our firm’s mission and values. He also has his sights set on something bigger: helping strengthen Bernardo Wills’ role in expanding housing options throughout the region and improving neighborhood walkability and livability.
Influenced by thinkers like Sara Susanka (The Not So Big House), Chuck Marohn (Strong Towns), Jeff Speck (Walkable City), and Daniel Parolek (Missing Middle Housing), Kyle is passionate about designing communities that are practical, sustainable, and deeply human.
His vision aligns closely with an ongoing regional conversation: how do we create more attainable housing, vibrant neighborhoods, and connected communities in Spokane and beyond?
Kyle wants to help lead that charge.
A Love for Place: Past and Present
If you run into Kyle at 3:00 PM on a weekday, you’ll likely find him walking down Riverside Avenue. It’s his daily ritual; a breath of fresh air, a reset moment, and an opportunity to admire Spokane’s historic architecture.
“It never gets old,” he says.
That appreciation for history runs deep. If he had a superpower for a day, it would be time travel. He’d wander downtown Spokane during its boomtown era, camp near Spokane Falls before settlement, explore 1930s New York, 1920s Paris, Victorian London, ancient Rome… it would be a packed 24 hours. Understanding how cities evolved, and how people lived within them, fuels his curiosity and informs how he thinks about the built environment today.
Beyond the Drawing Board
When he’s not designing buildings, Kyle is chasing his kids, trying to keep his house from “falling down,” paddling on local rivers and lakes, playing piano, or eating huckleberries on remote mountainsides. He also plays the organ. A skill he picked up at age twelve, even before he could reach the pedals. And on long project days? He’s fully embraced what he calls his “dad era” with a preference for high-quality black licorice.
Looking Ahead
Kyle’s promotion to Associate reflects not just his technical skills, but his commitment to thoughtful design, community impact, and firm leadership. At Bernardo Wills, we believe architecture should respond to context, culture, and community. Kyle embodies that belief — in his work, his leadership, and his vision for the future of our region. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone and excited for the influence he will continue to have on our firm and the communities we serve.
Congratulations, Kyle!
