Business Details
21 Years
experience
Innovative Architecture Solutions by Mork Ulnes Design
Mork Ulnes Design is an internationally recognized architecture practice founded in 2005 by Casper Mork-Ulnes. With offices in San Francisco and Oslo, we combine Scandinavian practicality with Californian innovation to create concept-driven designs that emphasize economy of means and materials. Our portfolio spans three continents and includes residential, commercial, and cultural projects, from ground-up homes to large-scale mixed-use developments. Our work has been honored with prestigious awards, including the Architectural League of New York's Emerging Voices Award and Architectural Record's Design Vanguard.We prioritize sustainability, cultural context, and material innovation, as evidenced by projects like the fire-resistant Frame House in Sonoma and the CLT-based Octothorpe House in Oregon. Our team of experienced architects and designers brings rigorous attention to detail and a commitment to client collaboration, ensuring each project reflects both functional needs and artistic vision.
Services
Residential Architecture
Commercial Design
Sustainable Design
Mountain Retreats
Urban Renovation
Prefabricated Structures
Cultural Projects
Mixed-Use Development
Interior Architecture
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer 18+ years of international architectural experience across three continents
- Our designs merge Scandinavian practicality with Californian creative innovation
- We specialize in sustainable solutions using fire-resistant and locally sourced materials
- Our firm has received 10+ AIA design awards and global recognition in Architectural Record
- We maintain direct client collaboration from concept through construction completion
What people say
Award-winning designs
Innovative material use
Sustainable solutions
Cultural sensitivity
Award-winning projects
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that blend with natural landscapes while meeting modern living needs. Our expertise includes tropical residences like the Kailua House in Hawaii and mountain retreats in Norway. Each project emphasizes material authenticity and environmental integration. Our residential work has received multiple AIA awards for innovative design solutions.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable approach incorporates fire-resistant materials and climate-adaptive strategies, exemplified by the Frame House in wildfire-prone Sonoma. We prioritize locally sourced timber and energy-efficient systems while maintaining aesthetic integrity across all project scales.
Mountain Retreats
We specialize in mountain retreats like the Troll Hus in California and Skigard Hytte in Norway. Our designs address extreme weather conditions while maximizing natural light and views. These projects combine traditional Norwegian building techniques with modern Californian design principles for unique alpine living spaces.
Prefabricated Structures
Our Cabana series demonstrates expertise in prefabricated accessory dwelling units. These modular designs offer flexible configurations from 100-1,000+ sq ft, combining affordability with contemporary aesthetics while maintaining high construction standards through factory-controlled processes.
Urban Renovation
We transform urban spaces like the Creston House in Berkeley, updating midcentury structures for modern living. Our approach preserves architectural heritage while enhancing spatial flow and indoor-outdoor connectivity through strategic wall removal and custom cabinetry solutions.
People
Casper Mork-Ulnes
Founder & Principal
Norwegian-born Casper Mork-Ulnes founded the firm in 2005 after studying architecture in Italy, Scotland, and the US. Recognized as one of California's finest emerging talents by AIA California Council, he brings a global perspective to residential and commercial design.
Lexie Mork-Ulnes
Interior Designer
A fifth-generation Californian, Lexie specializes in interior design for residential projects. With a background in sculpture and furniture design from UC Berkeley, she focuses on creating functional spaces that reflect clients' creative identities.
Robert Scott
Senior Architect
Robert holds a Master of Architecture from Yale and brings extensive residential design experience. His work emphasizes material expression and cultural context, contributing to projects like the award-winning Frame House in Sonoma.
Kaoru Lovett
Project Architect
Hawaii-born Kaoru graduated from Harvard GSD and has worked internationally. His expertise in environmental design contributes to climate-responsive projects, including the fire-resistant Frame House and the LEED-certified Meier Road studio.
Colin Griffin
Architect
Colin received his Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley and has worked on diverse projects across Northern California. His focus on sustainable materials and construction techniques supports the firm's commitment to environmentally responsible design.
Questions
What architectural services does MORK-ULNES specialize in?
We specialize in residential architecture, commercial design, sustainable building solutions, and mountain retreats, with expertise in both urban renovation and prefabricated structures.
Where does MORK-ULNES operate?
We work internationally with primary locations in San Francisco, California and Oslo, Norway, serving clients across North America, Europe, and Hawaii.
What sustainability practices does the firm employ?
We prioritize fire-resistant materials, locally sourced timber, and energy-efficient designs, as seen in projects like the wildfire-resistant Frame House in Sonoma.
How experienced is the MORK-ULNES team?
Our team includes architects with experience at Pritzker Prize-winning firms, holding degrees from Yale, Harvard, and NTNU, with 10+ AIA award recognitions.
What notable awards has the firm received?
We've received the Architectural League of New York's Emerging Voices Award, multiple AIA honors, and were featured in Architectural Record's Design Vanguard.
