THE PEOPLE OF BARKITECTURE
President and Founder of Barkitecture Events
Joshua Thomasson is an architect, designer, author, and community engagement advocate whose work explores how thoughtful design can improve lives—for people and pets alike.
He is the President and Founder of Barkitecture Events, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that challenges architects and designers to create custom pet architecture in support of local animal rescues. What started as a grassroots design competition in Triangle Barkitecture grew into the nation’s largest Barkitecture event, laying the foundation for Barkitecture Events and its mission to expand this model of design, generosity, and community engagement nationwide.
Joshua is the author of Barkitecture: Explore the World of Innovative and Sustainable Pet Architecture, which documents the story of Triangle Barkitecture through more than 50 inventive designs, highlighting both the designers behind the work and the rescue partners who inspire it.
Professionally, Joshua’s architectural career includes work across education, healthcare, and commercial projects throughout North Carolina. His approach to design is informed by travel, collaboration, and a belief that architecture plays a meaningful role in shaping communities and everyday experiences.
In addition to Barkitecture, Joshua has served in leadership roles with AIA Triangle, spoken on design and community engagement, and continues to advocate for architecture as a tool for compassion, creativity, and positive impact.
Joshua Thomasson, AIA
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Lets just say I have a few pets, and they are big fans of exploring the Barkitecture we’ve brought home over the years, especially the cats!
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I really wanted to design my own pet architecture but through a series of events I ended up running the first competition instead as a way to support rescues through design.
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I didn’t own my first cat until my mid-30’s, and I like to think I’m making up lost time with the cats we have and foster now. I still very much love the pups too!
THE BARKITECTURE™ MOVEMENT
UNLEASHING CREATIVITY FOR ANIMAL RESCUE
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 that would 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 6 total events and has raised over $158,000 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.
