Carlos Delgado, Principal Architect and Owner

Carlos has been the principal of Carlos Delgado Architect LLC in Southern Oregon since 2001. Licensed to practice architecture in Oregon and California with over 30 years of experience he has made himself known as a versatile, innovative, and collaborative member of the design and building community. Carlos has distinguished himself as a leader in residential and light commercial architecture integrating appropriate sustainable building strategies. He actively researches, teaches, and participates in the latest building science discussion groups and provides a wealth of knowledge from a multitude of built projects he has designed throughout his career.

Carlos has always implemented progressive, responsible, and sustainable design with healthy and non-toxic construction techniques as an imperative. Under his leadership, the firm brings personal and practical approaches to realistic sustainable solutions within client’s budgets by providing intelligent and cost-effective solutions without promoting the use of costly and trendy “green” products. He regularly attends conferences and classes including EEBA (the Energy and Environmental Building Alliance), IBE (International Institute of Building Baubiology & Ecology), Passivehaus seminars, Northwest Energy Star roundtables, West Coast Green, Solar and Net Zero Energy home tours.

Carlos received his Masters of Architecture degree in 1990 from the Graduate School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania after earning his Bachelor’s degree from U.C. Berkeley.

Architectural experience includes interior retail design and project management in San Francisco for 6 years with clients such as Gymboree, Macy’s, Cost Plus World Market, Boudin Bakery and Musician’s Friend. Carlos lived and worked in Costa Rica for 3 years launching his architecture practice and a design/build partnership to design and project manage the construction of small resort hotels and residences. Working in remote locations inspired him to embrace and utilize local craftsmanship, skill and appropriate use of local materials as an authentic sustainable approach to construction. He successfully advocated this resource within the complexity of construction and was recognized as adaptive and creative. He lead collaboration and teamwork with the challenging social blend of foreigners and effectively implemented his clients’ design and development goals.

In 1997 Carlos relocated his family from Costa Rica to the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon to be involved in a strong community where people protect and enjoy the natural environment and value education. Carlos has been active in coaching youth soccer, participating and leading in The Mankind Project and Boys-to-Men a teen mentoring program. He was the co-founder of The Rogue Valley Natural Step Focus Group, a member of Architects, Designers, and Planners for Social Responsibility, and Architecture for Humanity. He is involved in pro-bono work for several non-profits including Comunidad Connect (a humanitarian work collaborative in Nicaragua), The Siskiyou School, Rogue Valley Community Development Center, and Kagyu Sukha Choling Meditation Center.

Carlos continues to thrive in the Rogue Valley as a proud husband and father with his wife, Alexis, and his children, Lily and Laney. He enjoys cooking, gardening, photography, and geeking out with 3D design software. He is also an athlete and outdoor enthusiast who enjoys cycling, hiking, swimming, soccer, yoga, meditation, and surfing.

Tom Sager, Senior Designer & Project Captain

Tom has been a key partner of Carlos Delgado Architect (CDA) since 2003 and the Lead Architectural Designer for the firm since 2010. Tom has been designing homes for over 30 years after graduating from the University of Oregon and working on residential framing crews to learn the construction industry inside and out. This extensive history defines Tom’s Architectural acumen and creates a balance of ingenuity and in-depth experience in all of the firm’s projects.

Tom designs each project from inception resulting in logical and beautiful floor plans catalyze each residence’s dynamic form. CDA’s elegant award-winning residences through their facades and street frontage contribute to the public’s appreciation of architecture. It is Tom’s talent and skill that critically provide the basis for the function, form and livability of the home – his steadfast belief and execution of each design is what makes each house a home for our clients.

Tom & Carlos share an excellent team approach with each project which greatly enhances their effectiveness and ability to work with both Homeowners and Contractors to create the dream home clients have reported they have loved to live in. Tom has been a critical member of CDA so much so as to call each “Carlos” design a “Carlos and Tom” design.

Tom remains current on advanced building practices and maintains the belief that building ‘green’ is best accomplished by not simply using ‘green’ building methods and materials but more importantly by only designing and building the size home you really need.

An Ashland Native, Tom in his spare time, has personally built a remote family cabin and has remodeled three homes in the last 20 years continuing his interest and skill in Carpentry. Tom finds inspiration through nature, enjoying many multi day raft trips, mountain biking, hiking, skiing and photography.