Meet the Team

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BERG Design Architects, based in Park City, was founded in 2018 and has expanded to include an international contingent of 28 highly specialized and talented professionals focused on designing luxury, bespoke residences in Park City and the Wasatch back in Utah. Cobus Van Den Berg aspires to integrate his structures into nature so flawlessly that they seem to disappear and blend into the landscape, similar to how a natural organism becomes one with the forces of geology and nature.   

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Founder & Design Principal

Born and raised in South Africa, Cobus van den Berg’s lifelong fascination with nature, art, and design was shaped by the dramatic landscapes of Kwa-Zulu Natal and parents who nurtured both creative and physical pursuits. His early foundations in art, music, and observation evolved into a passion for architecture—a discipline he pursued after completing national service in the South African Navy. 

Cobus van den Berg

  • Cobus graduated Cum Laude with a Master’s degree in architecture from the University of Port Elizabeth and launched his career in Cape Town before expanding internationally. His work has spanned continents—from large-scale commercial and resort developments in the Middle East to high-end custom mountain homes in California’s Sierra Nevada. His professional journey includes leading roles at WS Atkins (Abu Dhabi) and Robinson Mills & Williams (San Francisco), with major projects for clients such as ADNOC, Hewlett-Packard, and Google. 

    Discovering Lake Tahoe in the late 1990s was transformative, reconnecting him to the natural world that fuels his creative vision. He co-founded Sandbox Design in Tahoe City, where he became known for sculptural, context-driven mountain architecture that balances precision and poetry. 

    In 2018, after years of international work, Cobus and his wife Caitlin established BERG Design Architects in Park City, Utah. Today, BERG is an interdisciplinary studio of elite designers driven by a shared ethos: design with passion, stay grounded, and let the work speak for itself. 

    An endurance athlete, artist, and lifelong explorer, Cobus finds inspiration in nature’s balance and rhythm. Whether running mountain ultramarathons, sketching by hand, or diving in open waters, he approaches life and design with the same belief: 

    “Depletion and exhaustion distill truth. They let us experience the world the way our ancient ancestors did—pure and real.” – Cobus van den Berg

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Studio Manager & CEO

Caitlin leads the creative and operational heart of BERG alongside her husband, Cobus. Raised in a family of South African artists, she brings deep artistic intuition and emotional intelligence to the firm’s culture and process. When not immersed in design, she finds inspiration in ultramarathon running and time spent in nature—reflecting the same clarity and purpose that guides BERG’s ethos.

Caitlin van den Berg

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Senior Associate Architect

A Park City native, Murray pairs a background in construction with a refined eye for design. Educated at the University of Oregon, he’s worked in studios across the West Coast, Mexico and South Africa. Since joining BERG in 2019, he’s conceptualized, designed and detailed multiple luxury homes rooted in context and place.

Murray Hawker

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Managing Director

With over 40 years in design, branding, and communication, Victor has led creative initiatives for global organizations. Having attained success in the corporate world, Victor joined Quor Resorts where he designed the masterplan and schematic architectural designs for their 700-acre themed resort development in Ventura California. At BERG, he channels his lifelong passion for storytelling and leadership to shape the firm’s strategic vision. 

Victor Dominguez

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Senior Architect

Registered Architect in Nevada, Utah, and Washington, Matthew Grunert brings over a decade of experience spanning custom residential, mixed-use, and industrial design. With roles at Amazon, Katerra, Sustainable Living Innovations, and CollinsWoerman, he blends innovation and technical depth to design finely crafted homes rooted in precision and trust. 

Matthew Grunert

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Architectural Designer

Ryan’s globally informed design approach stems from his studies at the University of Oregon and research in Kyoto and Barcelona. His work spans residential and urban projects across the Pacific Northwest, Spain, Latin America and Utah. He’s inspired by sustainable design, skiing, and fly fishing.

Ryan Kiesler

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Project Manager

With eight years of experience in project management and coordination, Mafe supports BERG through strong organization and leadership. Originally from Colombia, she holds a degree in International Business and studied administration at UNAM, Mexico. She enjoys family, hiking, and dance.

Mafe Pérez 

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Senior Architect

An architect with an international trajectory, Humzahi began his career in Mexico City, where he founded his own design-build studio. Since relocating to the United States in 2020, his work has centered on luxury residential architecture distinguished by refined craftsmanship, a deep sensitivity to materials, and acute attention to detail—resulting in enduring elegance.

Humzahi Paulin

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Project Manager

Chris joined BERG in 2023, bringing expertise in conceptual design and model-making. Skilled in hand drawing, 3D printing, and laser cut models, he brings early ideas to life. A former collegiate golfer, he fills his downtime skiing and traveling in search of fresh snow.

Christopher Bratcher

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Director of Operations & Partnerships

With a 25 year career in global marketing and partnerships in technology, Emily brings strategic leadership and people driven insight to BERG. After roles at Intel and Ingenix and running her own executive search and coaching firm, she now leads operations, client and partner relationships, and business development for BERG. Based in Park City, Emily loves mountain adventures and time with family. 

Emily Ayre

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Steve Long

Senior Architect

Based in Cape Town, Steve Long brings over 20 years of experience across residential and commercial projects. A graduate of the University of Port Elizabeth, he built his career through roles at Edge Harper Hook and his own firm, Freespace Architects, before joining BERG in 2020. Steve’s work is defined by detail, balance, and collaboration.

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Ryan van der Vyver

Senior Architect

Ryan van der Vyver is a registered architect with over a decade of experience working across South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town, he has led projects ranging from luxury residential and retirement living to commercial developments and award-winning adaptive-reuse work. His experience includes acting as lead architect on internationally recognized, award-winning landmark projects in the United Kingdom, as well as the revitalization of a Grade II listed church, recognized for excellence in heritage conservation and architectural renewal. His design approach is rooted in modern regionalism, with a focus on context, climate, and material expression. Outside of practice, Ryan enjoys time with his young family, along with a lifelong love of art, sport, and the outdoors.

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Vernon Head

Senior Architect

Trained at the University of Cape Town (BAS, BArch Hons [First Class in Design], MA degree, and PhD candidate in creative thinking), Vernon’s student work was exhibited at MoMA after winning the Merit Award at the Willem van Alen Competition in New York; early career awards include the COROBRICK and Cape Province Institute of Architects prizes. His built work — including House Kovensky, named among South Africa’s 10 Best Houses of the Decade — has been the subject of an international documentary. A committed, award-winning conservationist and award-winning and best-selling non-fiction and fiction writer and poet, Vernon has served as Chair of BirdLife South Africa, and brings a lifelong interest in the natural world to his architectural work. 

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Lezanne van der Vyver

Senior Architect

Lezanne is a Professional Architect with over a decade of experience delivering refined, contemporary architecture across South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Europe. With a Master of Architecture from the University of Cape Town, she has worked on high‑end private homes, residential developments, hospitality spaces, educational buildings, and heritage projects, with expertise in large contemporary family residences. Guided by a modern regionalist approach, she focuses on architecture shaped by context, climate, and place, prioritizing timeless, honest design. Outside of practice, she enjoys time with her family, being in nature, and running. 

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Senior Architectural Technologist

Nate brings strong technical expertise and over eight years of Revit experience to BERG. With a background in commercial and high-end residential projects, he translates complex design intent into precise, buildable solutions—balancing creativity and craft. 

Nate Walker

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Director of Technology 

Alan leads digital innovation at BERG, advancing design technology and workflow integration across the studio. With expertise in architectural modeling and systems design, he ensures precision and efficiency underpin every project—bridging creativity and technical excellence. 

Alan Shipley

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Architectural Visualizer

With a background in architecture, Alex shifted toward visualization to focus on the creative, visual side of design. He combines design insight with strong technical skills to produce clear, compelling imagery. He spends his free time hiking, exploring new tech and drawing.

Alex Ivashchenko

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3D Artist

Kate began her career in architecture, but her passion for drawing naturally led her into 3D visualization. She brings spaces to life with a blend of technical skill and artistic intuition. Outside of work, she finds inspiration in nature and enjoys writing character‑driven stories and creating her own manga. 

Katie Ivaschenko

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Berto Palm

Architectural Visualizer

Berto is a senior architectural visualizer with nearly 25 years’ experience creating immersive 3D representations of design. Trained in animation and now also designing architectural plans, he blends creative storytelling with technical precision. A former South African Action Netball representative, he’s based in the Western Cape and draws inspiration from trail running, yoga and the coast. 

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Emma Francis

Graphic Designer

Emma is a Melbourne‑based graphic designer specializing in branding, packaging, and visual communication. She works with a wide range of clients, creating thoughtful, cohesive design solutions that elevate their identities. Outside the studio, she enjoys strength training, ocean swims, long walks, soaking up the sun when Melbourne allows it, and traveling whenever she can.