Group of volunteers wearing matching red T-shirts with 'Volunteer' printed on them, standing outdoors in front of a stage with sound equipment, in front of a modern building with large glass windows.

THE TALL TAIL OF BARKITECTURE™

Our Barkitecture™ brand began in 2018 with a vision to promote and support local pet rescues by using custom pet architecture to help raise awareness for local rescues while promoting the quality of local architecture and design, all while reaching new and bigger audiences. Barkitecture™ is a custom pet architecture competition that challenges local architects, designers, and creative minds to design and build custom pet architecture to be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting local pet rescue organizations. It is a celebration of a love for design and pets.

A person holding a small, light-colored puppy in their hands.
A modern orange wooden cat tree with three platforms, each with a triangular opening, and a cat sitting on the middle platform.
A small black dog with star-shaped sunglasses sits inside a wooden dog house on a green blanket at an outdoor event.

In 2019 the first Triangle Barkitecture™ competition brought together local architects, designers, and creative minds all over North Carolina to design and build custom pet architecture to be showcased in a one-day feature event. Each design was auctioned off, with all proceeds going to support local rescue organizations. Since its inception, Barkitecture™ has held 5 total events and has raised over $110,000 to support the pets and rescues who need it the most. More than just its final donation total, Barkitecture™ is a place to showcase adoptable pets and give them a real chance at finding their forever homes.

A TRUE TESTAMENT TO THE
POWER OF DESIGN AND COMMUNITY

A woman holding a black puppy in front of a booth for PEAK Lab Rescue, with a table displaying donation signs, a large water jar, and rescue info, all under a canopy.
A wooden hexagonal bench with a slatted design and a gray cushion, located outdoors under a green tree, with people and red umbrellas in the background.
Two women smiling with a dog on a platform at an outdoor event, with a red food truck and stuffed animals on display in the background.
Pattern of various line-drawn animals and objects on a blue background, including fishbowl with fish, rabbits, fish, dogs, rats, crabs, mice, and snakes.
Man with dark hair and beard wearing glasses, a blue shirt, and a brown blazer, smiling in front of a dark background.

Joshua Thomasson

  • Joshua Thomasson is an architect, pet enthusiast, and the creative spark behind Barkitecture™. A proud Virginia Tech alum and past President of AIA Triangle, Joshua has spent his career blending design, community, and compassion. What started as a love for both architecture and animals has grown into Barkitecture Events, tiincluding Triangle Barktiecture, the nation’s largest Barkitecture event, raising over $110,000 for local rescues.

    Whether he’s designing buildings, championing rescue pets, or rallying architects to think outside the doghouse, Joshua believes great design can change lives—for people and pets alike.

PRESIDENT 

A woman with long wavy blonde hair smiling and holding a small, fluffy dog with a mix of black, gray, and light brown fur, sitting on a beige couch in a living room.

Shawna Varichak

  • Dr. Shawna Varichak is a practicing veterinarian and director at Barkitecture Events. Passionate about keeping pets healthy and happy, she shares practical advice, tips, and recommendations on her social media to help pet parents feel more confident and connected in caring for their animals. Whether she’s guiding families through everyday pet care or championing the mission of Barkitecture™, Shawna brings expertise, compassion, and a love for animals to everything she does.

DIRECTOR 

A young man smiling in front of a cloudy sky and metal wall.

Scott Krabath

  • Scott Krabath is an architect and director at Barkitecture™ Events. Dedicated to community service and innovative design, he helps lead projects that raise funds for local rescues and celebrate the bond between people and pets. He lives with two beloved grey cats who inspire his approach to design — bringing comfort, practicality, and play into focus. Whether through his professional work or his role at Barkitecture™, Scott blends creativity and compassion to make a positive impact in his community.  

DIRECTOR 

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

  • Vivian Chiang

  • Lindsay Elliot

  • Dharshyani Jackson

  • Jon Jackson

  • Megan Kaufmann

  • Yasmin Zayas

  • Rachael Kelley

  • Alex Krabath

  • Anne Lebo

  • Brittany Larsen

  • Blaine Neu

A happy Siberian Husky with blue eyes, black and white fur, standing on green grass, looking up at the camera.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

By hosting a Barkitecture™ event, you’re helping to give a voice to those unable to speak for themselves. Barkitecture™ gives adoptable pets the opportunity to model award-winning designs from some of the best local designers and have their stories told one event at a time.

host an event
A dog wearing a red vest and blue bandana standing under a wooden and glass structure at an event. A sign reads "BARKITECTURE BRANDING GUIDE."

GET THE GUIDE

READY TO HOST YOUR EVENT AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

This branding guide serves as an introduction to our event, but the true success of Barkitecture™ relies on its volunteers and their excitement to make a difference in our communities through pet rescue.

HOST AN EVENT
Group of people celebrating outdoors with a high five, standing under a red canopy, wearing matching blue T-shirts.