Claës has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and planning. He is particularly interested in design communication, which he describes as the way architects relay concepts to clients and permitting agencies. To support this process, Claës focuses on visualization and graphics, ensuring that stakeholders fully understand key ideas.
Before joining SGA, Claës served as a senior associate at Arrowstreet for 15 years. There he developed expertise in a wide range of sectors, including retail, commercial, life sciences, and both K-12 and higher education. He prefers a holistic approach to architecture, where the entire structure – exterior, interior, building systems, and sustainability – are considered together throughout the design process.
Claës earned a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design, with minors in art history and electronic design. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys being outside in the woods, cycling to work, decorating the home he shares with his girlfriend, and spending time with his children, both of whom are teenagers. Born to a Danish father and French mother, Claës travels to his second homes in Denmark and France as often as possible.