Alan Clark Architects, LLC

I was interviewed by Decatur Living and discussed running a small design business, the role of architecture in our world today, and the nature of our work recently.

https://decaturliving.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTE3AtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJJZ0Vmcm5PTjc2Q2Y0eDZOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgE9rkli4xYx2Fd2HpnKlagAq9OXXogChgYO0v4Db8x9H3DdjSoSmFMuBSch_aem_anCp02SkMGqltrbQS4O-lg

Here's the article in full if you dont want to click!

One of the things I love most about architecture is that every project begins the same way—with a conversation. Before we sketch a single line or think about materials, we spend time listening. Every client has a vision for how they want to live. Every property has its own history, character and opportunities. My job is to bring these stories together.

That’s what inspired Wendie and I to start Alan Clark Architects in 2011. After spending years as a project architect with several respected residential firms in Atlanta, it was time...and I realized we wanted a more personal relationship with clients. I wanted to be involved from the first conversation through the final details, helping families create homes that reflect who they are while fitting naturally into the neighborhoods they call home.

That hands-on approach continues to inspire me every day. I’ve been fortunate to experience architecture from different perspectives. Growing up in Texas and spending the past 25 years in Georgia gave me a deep appreciation for Southern architecture. There is something timeless about front porches, natural light and homes that encourage people to move easily between indoor and outdoor spaces.

One of the reasons I enjoy working in Decatur is because design matters here. People care about their homes, but they also care about their neighborhoods. They understand that every renovation, addition or new home becomes part of a larger story.

Whether it’s a historic bungalow, a Craftsman home or a new residence, there’s a shared appreciation for preserving the character that makes Decatur such a special place.

This creates wonderful conversations throughout the design process. I often tell clients that architecture is really about finding balance. We want to honor the history and architectural language of a neighborhood while creating spaces that support modern living. Those goals don’t compete with one another—they complement each other when approached thoughtfully.

For me, timelessness is always the objective.

Design trends come and go, but homes that are carefully planned, well-proportioned and responsive to their surroundings never feel outdated. They simply continue to work.

That’s what architecture means to me. It’s not simply about designing beautiful buildings, but shaping the way people experience their everyday lives. It’s about creating places where families gather around the dinner table, children grow up, neighbors stop to talk on the front porch and memories are made over decades.

As an architect, I can’t imagine a better place to practice than Atlanta and Decatur. Every project offers an opportunity to contribute something meaningful—not just to one family, but to the community as a whole.