William O. Merriman, principal

William O. Merriman, principal and owner, has practiced architecture for 20 years across the United States, focusing on traditional and historic residential architecture. William is a graduate with honors from Carnegie Mellon University with a Bachelor of Architecture, including a semester abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. Before moving his family to Alaska, William was a project architect in Philadelphia, PA for a well-known historic architecture firm and the Southeastern Division Planning Manager for Sherwin Williams in Atlanta, GA.

William is intensively involved on every project from start to finish, carefully guiding the process from his own hand-sketches to final construction completion.

William’s knowledge has been carefully honed as an architect on numerous homes, master plans, vacation homes, equestrian facilities, restaurants, and farms throughout the United States.  The breadth of projects spans from Maine to Florida, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Washington and Alaska.   William brings this unique and deep knowledge of traditional architecture practice, historic rehabilitation and craft to Alaska.

Professional Architect Registration in Alaska, Washington and Pennsylvania

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA Bachelor of Architecture

AIA Member, NCARB, LEED

William previously served as a U.S. Naval Officer in the Civil Engineering Corps, assigned to Reserve Naval Mobile Construction Battalions. Prior to moving to Alaska William was a Volunteer Firefighter and EMT for the Berwyn Fire Company outside Philadelphia.

William and his wife live in Anchorage with their two children.

outside the studio

I balance the demands of the Architecture profession and business ownership by escaping from the office to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer. I am an avid downhill skier, an aspiring skate skier and enjoy hiking and camping with my family throughout Alaska.  I follow a passion for craft in my garage workshop, building furniture and restoring classic vehicles and enjoy riding my vintage motorcycle on long Alaska summer days. I have a particular love of old barns, and all spaces that lend themselves to creativity, inspiration and engagement.

From the principal

I am often asked why our family chose to move to Alaska- we were fortunate enough to follow our dreams to a state with unlimited potential, a wonderful place to raise children to have a unique worldview, and a challenging, but beautiful place to practice architecture.  For those of us who grew up outside of Alaska, there is a mystique to this state. When our family had a chance to pick a permanent home, we visited and fell in love. I'm happy and proud to say that Alaska is our home.

My sincere hope is that I can share my vision of an Alaska home with you.

Best Regards,