Darden Architects

06/04/2026

👋 Meet Our Summer Intern: Karly!
We're excited to welcome Karly to Darden Architects this summer as an Architecture Intern!

Originally from Fresno and currently studying Architecture at UC Berkeley, Karly brings a passion for creativity, sustainability, and problem-solving to our team. Her interest in architecture grew while learning about housing challenges faced by fellow students in the Bay Area, inspiring her to explore how thoughtful design can positively impact communities.

This summer, Karly is most excited to learn about the behind-the-scenes process of bringing projects to life, from planning and coordination to the many details that happen before construction begins.

When she's not studying architecture, you'll likely find her roller skating, hiking, or enjoying outdoor sports. One of her biggest design inspirations comes from a trip to Europe after high school, where she was captivated by the Palace of Versailles and the beauty of historic European architecture.

We're thrilled to have Karly on board and look forward to being part of her professional journey. Welcome to the Darden team! 🎉

06/03/2026

✂️ Cutting Room Floor ✂️

Not every great design makes it to construction — but some are just too good not to share.

This concept was developed for a new chapel at Cross City Church in Fresno. While the project ultimately never moved forward for a variety of reasons, our team loved the vision and thoughtful design behind it.

The chapel was imagined as a warm, welcoming, and modern gathering space designed to foster community, reflection, and connection. Though it remained unbuilt, projects like this are an important reminder that design exploration is a valuable part of the creative process.

Sometimes the ideas that stay on the drawing board still inspire us the most.

05/30/2026

🎉 Meet one of our Summer Interns at Darden Architects — Jeff!
Jeff joins us from California Polytechnic Pomona, where he is studying Architecture after growing up right here in Fresno 📐

What inspired him to pursue architecture? In Jeff’s words, engineering had “too much math” 😄 but architecture offered the perfect balance of problem-solving and creative expression.

Jeff was introduced to Darden through his dad, who is a client of the firm and encouraged him to explore the internship program. This summer, he’s especially excited to learn more about creating human-centric spaces that not only look great but truly enhance the experience of the people using them.

One of Jeff’s favorite design inspirations is the Robert Day Sciences Center at Claremont McKenna College for its ability to feel both warm and welcoming while still delivering high-level design ✨

Outside of architecture, Jeff loves mountain biking and spending time in the Sierras 🚵 His toughest ride so far? A challenging trail adventure in San Luis Obispo.

We’re excited to have Jeff on the team this summer! Welcome to Darden Jeff!

05/29/2026

🎉 Meet one of our Summer Interns at Darden Architects — Sabin!
Sabin joins us from Purdue University in Indiana, where he is studying Architecture after recently completing his freshman year 📐

Originally from Los Angeles, Sabin was inspired to pursue architecture through his family’s creative background and his curiosity about the field. While fashion and animation were part of the conversation at home, architecture ultimately sparked his interest as a way to combine creativity, design, and problem-solving.

What drew him to Darden? Family connection. His aunt is a designer here at Darden, making this the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn more about the profession.

This summer, Sabin is excited to learn “everything” and doing a deeper dive into all aspects of architecture and design as he begins his journey in the field.

One of his biggest design inspirations is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles for its flow and use of simple shapes ✨ He also appreciates traditional Asian design, especially the use of wood and tile elements.

Outside of design, Sabin is a volleyball player and competes on the Purdue club volleyball team. 🏐

We’re excited to have him on the team this summer! Welcome, Sabin!

05/29/2026

🚨 NOW HIRING: Experienced Licensed Architect 🚨

Darden Architects is looking for a talented, collaborative, and design-minded licensed Architect to join our growing team in Fresno, California.

We’re seeking someone with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a passion for creating meaningful spaces that positively impact communities throughout California. Our work spans educational, civic, healthcare, and public-sector projects, offering opportunities to contribute to impactful and rewarding design work.

At Darden, you’ll work alongside a creative and experienced team that values thoughtful design, collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and portfolio.

📍 Fresno, CA
📧 [email protected]

05/28/2026

✨ Meet Maryn, one of our summer interns in the Darden Interiors Studio! ✨

Originally from Visalia, CA 🌿, Maryn is currently studying Interior Design at Baylor University in Texas 🤎💚. Her passion for design began with encouragement from her mom, who originally dreamed of pursuing interior design herself.

Maryn was drawn to Darden because of our successful Interiors Studio right here in the Central Valley and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in educational design 🏫✏️. This summer, she’s especially excited to learn more about designing spaces within the education industry.

Outside of design, Maryn enjoys watercolor painting 🎨 and creating art with colored pencils, a natural extension of her creative background as an art minor. She also finds inspiration through travel ✈️ and recently visited Austria, including the convent featured in The Sound of Music 🎶!

We’re excited to have Maryn on the team this summer and look forward to seeing her creativity and passion for design continue to grow! 👏

05/26/2026

🚴‍♂️ May is National Bike Month! 🚴‍♂️

This month we wanted to give a special shoutout to Darden’s very own Bike to Work ambassador, Brandon Hernandez 👏

Brandon’s dedication to biking to work not only helps him stay active and healthy, but also supports sustainability and smart commuting 🌎💪 Saving money, reducing emissions, and getting a workout in before the workday even starts… now that’s commitment!

We commend and celebrate all of your hard-pedaling dedication, Brandon! 🚲🔥

05/25/2026

05/22/2026

Congratulations to Araya Jones, senior at Sierra High School and one of this year’s recipients of the Darden Architects Student Scholarship! 👏🎓

Darden Architects Partner Leslie Rau, herself a proud Sierra High School alumna, had the special opportunity to present Araya with one of the three scholarships awarded this year as she prepares to begin architectural school this fall. Supporting and encouraging the next generation of designers and future architects is something we’re incredibly passionate about.

Congratulations, Araya! We can’t wait to see all you accomplish! ✨📐

05/22/2026

⛪✨

A look back to 1965 when Darden Architects designed St. Anthony of Padua Church here in Fresno. It’s always special to reflect on projects that have continued serving the community for generations and remain meaningful gathering spaces decades later.

Architecture has the unique ability to become woven into the everyday lives, traditions, and memories of a community, and we’re proud to have played a role in shaping spaces like this throughout the Central Valley for more than 65 years.