Sonja Navin

Sonja’s interest in architecture grew from an early instinct to make, transform, and reimagine the objects and spaces around her. That curiosity developed into a deeper fascination with how people inhabit their homes and how thoughtful design can shape the everyday experience of family life.
 
She earned both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan before heading west to California. Along the way, she worked on a broad range of projects, including schools, airports, and hospitals, but was continually drawn back to residential architecture and the opportunity to create thoughtful, highly personal spaces. 
 
At Butler Armsden, Sonja brings a creative and highly detail-oriented approach to her work. For her, one of the most rewarding parts of architecture is seeing something first imagined and drawn on paper become a built reality. 
 
Outside of the office, Sonja is an artist and painter. Her architectural influences span generations, from Louis Kahn, Luis Barragán, Eileen Gray, Julia Morgan, and Le Corbusier to contemporary architects including Tadao Ando, Renzo Piano, Tod Williams Billie Tsien, and Annabelle Selldorf. She is particularly drawn to architecture that feels timeless, functional, and deeply connected to its materials and surroundings.