With 30+ years of experience as a distinguished figure in the design industry, Carl Hampson boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing influential work across sectors including health care, education, and civic architecture. His groundbreaking designs have garnered him multiple accolades, including two National AIA Design Awards and a host of regional AIA and industry honors. Carl’s designs, celebrated for their simplicity and innovation, include a vibrant selection of masonry materials throughout. 

“There’s this fascinating thing about the scale of a brick or a CMU and how it all comes together through craftsmanship,” says Carl. “It’s this historic material that, with a bit of creativity, can be transformed into something contemporary and modern, and that’s what really captures my interest.”

Keep reading to uncover Carl’s unconventional path into architecture, his insights into innovative masonry techniques and advice to young architects ready to explore the limitless potential of traditional materials in contemporary designs.

Tell us about your background. What inspired you to specialize in design and architecture?

I’ve known what I wanted to do since I was young. I spent endless hours drawing and building with Legos, and it all led me toward a fascination with architecture. Surprisingly, no one else in my family shared this interest — it was a completely new thing for us. I stayed on the architecture path for a while, but there was a point where I veered off course a bit. I had this strong urge to become a maritime engineer — a big departure from architecture. So, I enrolled in the California Maritime Academy to study marine engineering. But just when I was supposed to embark on a three-month trip for my studies, something pulled me back. I found myself returning to architecture school, and I’ve been dedicated to it ever since. It’s been quite a journey, with a few unexpected turns, but I’m grateful to be following my passion.

Did your time studying marine engineering influence your design work?

Interestingly, I led the design of the project at a maritime school while at my previous firm, SRG, where I was a partner. Clatsop College’s MERTS Maritime Science Building, in Astoria, OR, shared a lot of functions with the school I attended. When we were brainstorming the building’s design, I wanted to capture the essence of a ship without making it too literal. We went for this concept where the lower level housed all the engineering stuff — engines, pumps, machines — all made with sturdy masonry. It gave that solid, industrial feel you’d find on a ship. The upper level was where the navigation classes and simulators were and was about balancing that functional ship vibe with a modern, educational space.

What are some early experiences or influences that shaped your preference for masonry materials?

Of course, it all starts with Legos. But, brick, especially, carries this historical weight, but it’s also a canvas where you can let your creativity run wild. You can take something so inherently tied to the past and infuse it with a modern, expressive twist. That balance between honoring its history and pushing boundaries to modernize. That’s where the magic happens.

I’m quite the purist when it comes to using materials based on their innate nature. Heavy blocks have this unique quality, and I’ve also worked with CMU veneers. I like to express them in a way that doesn’t try to mimic something they’re not. For instance, with CMU veneer, I play around with its appearance, making it clear that it’s not intended to look exactly like brick — it’s more like a distinct tile with added dimension. Finding interesting ways to incorporate these materials, especially when they’re not just at ground level, is a challenge I enjoy. 

How you like to integrate masonry into your designs. What are some of your projects that have featured masonry in interesting ways?

CMU has been a go-to product for many of my projects, often because of its cost-effectiveness. A big part of my work revolves around finding that balance between project costs and elevating design quality with materials. Take ground phase block, for instance. It gives off this stone-like vibe and comes at considerably lower costs. It’s been incredibly useful, especially in projects like maintenance facilities for cities and even a hospital aiming for a healing environment for psychiatric patients. 

One trick was using a 12×12 block integrated with foam insulation, both inside and outside the walls. It not only brought down costs significantly but also ensured durability and safety for patients, with surfaces hard enough to prevent any punctures.

Working on three outpatient clinics for the VA — in Monterey, San Jose and Eugene, OR — was slightly different in terms of budget compared to the maintenance facility. Using CMU at the base of the buildings provided durability and security. By employing concrete block at ground level, especially where outpatient surgery happens, we ensured opacity for safety concerns while maintaining an economical approach. Despite different designs, the foundation and mindset remained consistent across all three projects.

Then there’s the UC Riverside Student Recreation Center on a campus known for its contemporary architecture and specific design standards. They require a standard brick for all buildings, which posed an interesting challenge. The students wanted great views, so we placed most functions on the upper level, wrapping the circular locker room with the campus brick. The big gymnasium inside was encased in the same brick, creating this modern, lightweight feel with brick as a striking accent. The heavier materials grounded the structure while the lighter ones floated above, giving it a unique and contemporary aesthetic.

What are some innovative techniques or technologies in masonry that excite you right now?

I’m deeply invested in sustainable design and particularly curious about the developments in masonry and how we’re steering toward more responsible practices. One interesting avenue is exploring hemp-based masonry units. It’s intriguing to think of them not just as foundational but also as design elements. I heard about this stadium project in Australia using hemp cladding panels, almost like veneer masonry units. The beauty of it is that it’s low in carbon and has this fantastic ability to absorb carbon, contributing to the whole decarbonization movement. It’s these innovations that excite me — the merging of sustainability and design in such impactful ways.

We’re reaching a point where materials have to step up and address their carbon footprint during production. That shift will push architects towards selecting more sustainable options. We’ve got to showcase the ‘carbon-kind’ materials — emphasize their impact and how they’re paving the way towards a more sustainable future. It’s about making these choices more visible and accessible to drive that change in the industry.

How do masonry materials contribute to the aesthetics of a project? 

Authenticity in buildings is key for me — it’s about honoring what they’re made of and how they’re clad. Over time, there’s been this shift from masonry being just a bare wall to now, where everything seems like a surface, almost inconsequential. It’s like frosting on a cake. But for me, the real power lies in the authenticity of brick. Brick carries this understanding of how it’s assembled, its origins, and the craftsmanship behind its fabrication. 

Historically, it functioned as a bearing system, but now you can express its qualities as a cladding, which I find fascinating. I love it when the exterior materials seamlessly flow into the interior. The UC Riverside project does this exceptionally well. There’s this beautiful lack of separation between the indoor and outdoor environments. Everything seems clad in brick, creating this continuity throughout the entire site. It’s a brilliant utilization of the entire space, blurring the lines between inside and outside.

What advice would you give to young architects interested in working with masonry?

I’ve always had this pull toward modern architecture, and there’s this common association of brick with historical buildings. I mean, it’s pretty typical, right? You see brick in a lot of older structures. Here’s my advice — don’t let that limit you. Get creative and think about how you can leverage this material. It has this unique beauty and authenticity that not many other materials possess. 

Brick doesn’t confine you to the past. You can use it in modern and contemporary architecture. It’s earthy, raw, and that’s what’s so striking about it. The imperfections it carries? That’s what makes it especially appealing. It’s like each brick has its own story, its own character, and weaving that into sleek, modern designs can create something truly remarkable.

Carl Hampson is a Principal and Regional Design Director at HKS. Based in Seattle, Carl brings distinctive design influence to physical and mental health care, science and technology, higher education, and civic architecture. He adds value to society through simple, innovative ideas and his work has earned numerous AIA design awards and industry accolades. His work has been showcased in leading publications such as Architectural Record, Architect Magazine, and Healthcare Global. Hampson received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California and Master of Architecture degree from the University of California at Los Angeles.

 

 

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