AIA, NCARB, ASID, CID – Principal Architect and Partner
Marvin Clawson's Linkedin profile
Marvin listens….closely. His natural inquisitiveness and ability to thoughtfully connect with clients – and their homes – are at the core of Clawson Architects’ work. He asks clients what they most desire from their home and intuitively “reads” the history, hurdles, potential, and context of the existing space.
Marvin sketches….and that might seem old-school, or even ordinary, until you experience it. Marvin sketches design options in real time with clients – faster than you can imagine, in scale and perspective, and sometimes even upside down. Clients are engaged, the give-and-take of the design process is more fruitful, and the design is better for it.
Marvin designs….with deep appreciation for art, vast knowledge of architecture, history, preservation, construction, and the practical needs of modern lifestyles. These attributes, as well as his professionalism, unpretentious nature and wit all contribute to design experiences and constructed spaces that bring clients joy.
“Marvin lives and breathes art and design. His work reflects a passion and innate vision for timeless, smart, stunning design – created with a seemingly effortless artistic ability and a graceful and personable/down-to-earth/authentic/modest demeanor,” noted one admiring client, articulating the comments of many who have worked with Marvin.
Marvin also teaches…at the Fashion Institute of Technology and The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Staff, students, clients and distinguished colleagues alike note his understated ability to impart the relevance of a design detail, cite its connection to history, and teach them a new thing or two. He has been invited to present his work in faculty design shows and to colleagues at AIA events. He has been the guest speaker at events from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA. Most recently, Marvin was awarded the State of New York’s Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct teaching 2020.
Marvin services the community…Marvin is quick to say yes when it comes to helping in the community. He has been a sounding board and consultant to the local community offering planning, technical assistance and perspective to parent groups working to develop an outdoor learning center, zoning and new development within his town, as well as elementary school legacy projects, Eagle Scout projects, space planning and professional guidance to the Family Connections. group, a local food pantry and soup kitchen. He has given talks to middle school classes on applied math in the profession and provided his jury skills to judge the local science fair projects.
Marvin’s career spans from projects at the Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate to the J. Paul Getty Museum, to over 600 elegant, one-of-a-kind residential projects throughout the Northeast. The firm’s work, with Marvin as design lead, has garnered awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and other esteemed organizations and has been featured in books and national design publications. His passion and knowledge of Classical Architecture as well as his complete fluency in both period and modern detailing are what sets him and the work of the firm apart.
Marvin is an NCARB-Certified Architect and a Certified Interior Designer in New Jersey. He was elected by his peers to serve as the New Jersey American Institute of Architects Treasurer for the 2019-2021 term and in 2022, Marvin was asked to join the board of trustees for the American Institute of Architects Newark and Suburban chapter and to bring his knowledge of the intersection between education and the profession to the education committee. After taking on the role as Vice President in 2025, Marvin was inducted as the President Elect of the AIA Newark and Suburban Chapter in 2026, and will ascend to AIA Newark and Suburban Chapter President in 2027. Marvin has been an active member of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art since its inception serving as President of the Fellows and now enjoys his Fellow Emeritus Status. Current Licenses in NY, NJ, PA, VT, MD and FL
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