Principal | Managing Director of Architecture

Mike is energized by the complexities of development and land use planning, and uses his knowledge of design and construction to develop sites’ highest and best uses. The intricacies of land-use planning can be a tough hurdle, but Mike enjoys the challenge and what comes after – a successful and complete project. Mike is Bernardo Wills’ Managing Director of Architecture which includes supporting the architectural sector leaders in their work, removing roadblocks, and driving the firm’s strategy into the future.

Founding Principal | Real Estate Development Sector Manager

Gary is considered an expert in retail and private development planning and design by regional developers, who value his expertise in entitlements, code review, feasibility studies, and community presentations. His skill culminates into enduring and profitable projects for his clients. If he isn’t pouring over zoning requirements or sketching, he’s probably thinking about the next season of USC football. Go Trojans!

Principal | Multi-Family Housing Sector Manager

For Steve, quality architecture is found in the balance between the structure’s functional requirements and aesthetic possibilities. As our Multi-Family Housing Sector Leader, Steve works with clients and developers to create neighborhoods and communities for people to live, work, and play. And if you’re preparing for a backpacking trip, Steve is your guy for local route and gear recommendations.

Principal | Design Director

Ryan finds it immensely rewarding to partner with clients on the front end of the planning and design process – exploring options and refining details. He skillfully addresses the myriad big-picture issues that drive the overall function and aesthetic of a building to achieve a holistic solution that hits all the marks. As our Design Director, Ryan works with his colleagues to push design boundaries and ensure the very best result for our clients.

Emerging Architectural Professional

Zack credits his passion for architecture to his childhood spent building all kinds of things with his dad. He always knew his vocation would involve design and construction, and now Zack is a member of the Commercial Architecture sector, working in Revit and Sketchup to bring designs to life. Our clients will find that Zack is easy to talk to and that he enjoys working with others, making him a great part of every design team. He is currently working toward earning his architectural license.

Emerging Architecture Professional

Fernando is an emerging architecture professional driven by a lifelong love of drawing and problem-solving. Inspired early on by a math-loving great aunt, he developed a dual passion for architecture and computer science. He earned both his B.S. in Architectural Studies (2010) and Master of Architecture (2016) from Washington State University. Extremely skilled in architectural visualizations, Fernando adds clarity and flair to projects—helping clients vividly understand and engage with design outcomes. He brings a strong belief that attitude determines outcome, fueling his creative and resilient approach to every challenge.

BIM Technician

Kim is an essential member of the Industrial Architecture team, and has grown into designing and supporting the project effort from schematic design to construction administration. She relishes code application, equating the task to locating the perfect pieces necessary to complete the design puzzle.

Project Manager

An enthusiastic advocate of the client, Grant works closely with the general contractor during the construction phase to quickly resolve any issues that arise in the field to maintain quality, budget, and schedule adherence. Grant is famous for helping his colleagues with any mechanical issues – from their home furnace, to their car in the parking lot – he is generous with his time and know-how.

Emerging Architectural Professional

Danielle’s fine arts background led her to architecture for the combination of artistic and technical work. She loves working with new people and the collaboration and problem-solving required to make a project successful. A vital part of the multi-family housing studio, Danielle loves designing thoughtful living spaces and thinking of the needs of future residents of her projects.

Principal

Chuck has been at Bernardo Wills since 1995, and has been as asset to both public- and private-sector architecture teams. Chuck is a relationship builder and is thoughtful in his communications with clients and design team members. He is a proud University of Idaho Alum and is active in his support of the Spokane Arts Commission. Go Vandals!

Architect

Kyle admits he’s, “obsessed with Spokane.” He wants to partner with our clients to make Spokane stronger, happier, healthier, and more resilient by making the built environment better for those who live here. As an infill and middle-housing expert, Kyle works with our clients to meet their business goals, making himself an expert in the code required to make these projects a reality.

Senior Architectural Technician

Kathryn brings 10 years of architectural experience to our Multi-Family Housing team, with a strong background in custom residential and mixed-use projects. She loves designing spaces that truly support the needs of those living there, believing that everyone deserves a comfortable and welcoming home. When she’s not at work, Kathryn enjoys being outside, gardening, cooking, and baking—activities that, much like her work, are all about creating something beautiful and functional.

Senior Architectural Technician

Dan Phelps has an extensive career in architecture spanning many studios. He has been involved in projects ranging from medical facilities, K-12 schools, higher education facilities, and tenant improvements. His project responsibilities have involved project management, technical design, project administration, production, and providing guidance for junior staff. Throughout his career, he has had the opportunity to work in virtually all areas of the architectural process. Dan's strongest talents lie in the technical aspects of project development and document preparation.

Emerging Architectural Professional

Dillon is always leading the team to find new technologies and applications that improve our services. He enjoys tinkering with a problem long enough to find at least one solution and is always available to jump in to help a teammate. Dillon currently works with the Commercial Architecture and Development sectors, with an emerging specialty in site plans and yield studies.

BIM Manager

Pat sees room for improvement wherever he goes, and he always makes things better on a project. Since joining Bernardo Wills, he has worked with our standards team to develop Revit and BIM standards, providing additional support to technical staff as they learn new software and processes. In 2022, he was our Christmas Party Trivia Master, and it was the most difficult round yet – we should get studying for next year!

Project Manager

Gregg has worn many hats in his professional career: military intelligence operative, CAD designer, kitchen manager, underground mining technician; the common thread is that he loves to solve problems – oh and he’s tough as heck. His expertise with 3D modeling and rendering, project management, construction documents, and construction materials and methods helps make the whole team stronger. To top it all off, he makes a mean breakfast.

Architectural Technician

Beau Tanner joins our team as an Architectural Technician and is a proud University of Idaho graduate. His passion for architecture sparked back in the 7th grade, and he’s been hooked ever since. Known for his ability to find solutions, Beau’s diverse project experience makes him an invaluable asset. Outside of work, Beau holds his values close, with church, family, veterans, and the Marine Corps being especially important to him.

Principal | Managing Director of Landscape Architecture

Bill specializes in master planning and the design of public spaces, parks and recreation, and outdoor sports facilities. He has been instrumental in our most recent sports complex project for Mead, East Valley, and Central Valley School Districts. Bill’s early site concept ideas set the stage for a thoughtful plan, promoting a positive experience for the user. Catch Bill at University of Idaho alumni events in Moscow, ID – go Vandals!

Landscape Designer

Kylee spent time after her undergraduate degree working with her dad, visiting job sites and learning to draft. Always finding purpose in creative expression, she began pursuing her Master’s in Landscape Architecture at the University of Idaho. Since then, she has received multiple awards in her field, including the Idaho-Montana ASLA Student Merit Award, and is currently a Laf Olmsted Scholar. Outside the office, you can find Kylee hiking, mountain biking, and fly-fishing; enjoying all the Inland Northwest has to offer.

Landscape Architect & Land Use Planner

A creative and considerate collaborator, Wil has a passion for designing artful, warm spaces for people to enjoy. His education and experience as a land use planner makes him a great asset to our landscape architecture and architecture studios, as we assist our clients with master planning for both public and private sector projects.

Managing Director, Operations & Finance

Gretchen Renz has been an essential part of Bernardo Wills since the very beginning in 1991. Throughout her career, she has supported the growth of Bernardo Wills through oversight of all corporate administration, and now leads the Operations team as a Managing Director. She is a leader in the industry, serving on the Executive Committee of SDA – the Society for Design Administration. Her love of learning sets an example of excellence for her colleagues and creates a culture of growth and development.

IT Support Specialist

After learning his trade while serving in the United State Marine Corp, Matthew continued to build that experience and uses these skills to support our technology-dependent firm. Since Matt joined Bernardo Wills, he has rebuilt and reconfigured our servers and is a huge asset to the team. In the age of remote work, virtual meetings, and cloud-based design software, we rest easy knowing that Matthew has us well taken care of.

Administrative Assistant

Patty is the wonderful welcome to Bernardo Wills. With experience in both design and construction, she supports the entire office with archiving, directing communication, and whatever is needed to keep our projects on track. You will meet Patty on the phone and as your first impression of our warm and welcoming office.

Director of Client Services

Emily’s infectious enthusiasm creates a dynamic and creative marketing department for Bernardo Wills. Emily loves supporting our clients and provides them with an additional line of communication to the firm for feedback and problem-solving. She is the champion of the Bernardo Wills brand, website, and marketing materials, and drives strategy for firm-wide business development efforts.

Director of Talent & Culture

Chantelle is drawn to the ever-changing nature of human resources and loves learning more about people, their story, and what makes them tick. In professional services, our most valuable resource is our people, and Chantelle takes role supporting them seriously. Since joining Bernardo Wills, she has created a new performance review process, an incentive plan, and performed individual stay interviews to get feedback on our current benefits and collect suggestions for the future.

Graphic Designer & Brand Photographer

Joining Bernardo Wills in 2022, Samantha quickly made her mark on the firm’s visual identity. Her contemporary perspective brings new and fresh designs, keeping our strategies competitive, relevant, and fresh. Samantha provides support to technical staff to ensure our presentation materials and graphics meet a high standard and clearly communicate to our clients. As our in-house brand photographer, Sam captures our team and our projects, and if she isn’t at her desk, she’s likely on the jobsite capturing construction progress or the finished project.

Executive Assistant - Architecture

Heather Storlie is our new Project Executive Assistant, bringing exceptional organization and expertise to our team. With a sharp eye for detail and a proactive approach, Heather is a true organizational powerhouse. As part of our team, Heather supports studio leaders by seamlessly managing project tasks, coordinating deadlines, and making sure action items are checked off with precision. From agendas to execution, she’s our go-to for keeping projects on track, leaving nothing to chance. With 10 years of multi-family housing experience, Heather brings industry knowledge and a fresh perspective. Plus, with a background that includes culinary school and studies at Eastern Washington University, she’s no stranger to diverse skills and passions.

Chief Cuddle Officer | Workplace Wellness Strategist | Barkitect-in-Training

Alby joined the firm in 2025 as the official morale booster, design critic, and nap enthusiast. With a strong foundation in fetch and an eye for good linework (especially when it comes to ball trajectories), Alby has quickly become a central figure in the office’s collaborative culture. He is dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming studio culture through strategic tail wags, well-timed cuddles, and regular walk breaks. Alby is passionate about biophilic design (especially grassy courtyards), soft textures (dog beds AND textiles), and the importance of paws-on collaboration.