History & Heritage

With 60+ years of rich history, Stafford King Wiese ARCHITECTS (SKW) has evolved from a sole practioner in 1945 to a 40+ person professional organization today. The firm was founded by Gordon Stafford shortly after the World War Π. Gordon Stafford, Architect, started with the usual mix of residential and small commercial projects. This combination proved frustrating to Gordon because clients could not make decisions fast enough to suit him and seemed to be forever changing their minds. It is unclear how he happened to stumble onto his first school client, but the work suited him immediately. A coincidental boom in school construction in the early 1950's helped him to succeed in the flourishing area of school construction. As the practice grew, Gordon needed help, so he convinced a University of Pennsylvania classmate. Who had returned to his home in Tennessee, to relocate to Sacramento. Ed Peckinpaugh, licensed as an Architect in Tennessee, joined Gordon but refused to submit to the California requirement to show proficiency in seismic design, so he remained unlicensed until late in his career. He finally bowed to the inevitable and satisfied California's requirements to become a California licensed architect. In 1966 the firm became Stafford & Peckinpaugh. Gordon Stafford, AIA, slowly withdrew from active practice, but he continued to visit the office he founded and offered his counsel well into his 80's.

Gordon King, FAIA, graduated from the College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Gordon loves the design and planning of schools and has made a significant contribution to the education system with numerous successful projects such as many of the Elk Grove schools, JFK High School in Sacramento, and Sacramento City College. Gordon became an Associate in the firm in 1962 and a Partner in 1968. Upon Ed Peckinpaugh's retirement in 1969, the firm became Stafford King and Associates, Architects. Gordon was named a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects in 1993, primarily in recognition of his contribution to educational facilities design. He retired from an active role in the firm in 1999.

John Stafford, AIA, Gordon Stafford's son, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and served his apprenticeship in Bay Area offices. He joined the firm in 1970. John became a Partner in 1976 and was the firm's President from 1980 through 1996. He retired in 2001, and remains involved in The Gordon Stafford Scholarship in Architecture and the annual golf tournament to benefit the scholarship fund.

Brian Wiese, AIA, obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1968 and a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1971, from the University of Minnesota. Brian worked with John and Gordon from 1975 to 1979. In June 1979, he left Stafford King & Associates, Architects to open his own practice. In 1994 Brian Wiese Architects, AIA, merged with Stafford King & Associates, Architects to form Stafford King Wiese ARCHITECTS, with Brian becoming President of the firm in 1996. Brian also currently oversees a portion of the Education Sector.

Kelly Reynolds, AIA, graduated with honors from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1975, where he received a Bachelor of Architecture. Kelly joined SKW in 1995, adding great experience in commercial architecture. He became a Principal in 1996. Kelly is presently Director of Architecture. Kelly also oversees the Civic and Higher Education sectors of the firm.

Pat Derickson, AIA, graduated from the University of Oregon, Eugene in 1980 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Pat joined SKW in 1992, Pat became a principal in 2003 and currently oversees the Healthcare Sector.

Kip Grubb, Architect graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1982 with a Bachelor of Architecture. Kip joined SKW in 1998 bringing an extensive amount of K-12 experience. Kip became a principal of the firm in 2003 and currently oversees a portion of the Education Sector in the firm.

Gregg Rock, Gregg Rock joined SKW in 2003 as Director of Operations with 30 years experience in architecture and construction management. His responsibilities include directing the firm's business services including marketing and business development, administration, finance, technology and human resources. In 2005 Gregg was elevated to an Associate and in 2006 became a Principal. His focus remains overseeing business services.