Growing up in San Francisco, Brooks was exposed to interesting architecture from a young age. He distinctly remembers spending quality time in relatives’ homes commissioned by William Wurster, Joseph Esherick, and Frank Lloyd Wright. By the time Brooks was 12, he knew architecture was his passion and calling. He followed his dream and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Oregon in 1983. Upon graduation, Brooks worked with his uncle Sandy Walker for five years where he enhanced his landscape and architecture skills. Brooks also spent several years as a sole practitioner, expanding his architectural experience to include construction and real estate development, before opening Walker Warner Architects with Greg Warner in 1989.
Brooks draws inspiration from many styles and architects, but he is most influenced by William Wurster for the simplicity and precision of his works. He spent many holidays in one of Wurster’s ranch-style homes, which was evocative of those found in a John Steinbeck countryside. During this time, Brooks developed a strong appreciation for architecture that is well integrated into the landscape.
Brooks is very involved in community service and currently serves on the boards and/or committees of the Wild Salmon Center, Shasta Forest Timberlands LLC, Sugar Bowl Ski Corporation, and Ploughshares Fund Investment Committee. He has previously served on the boards and/or committees of SPUR, Aim High, Walker Art Center and SFMOMA Department of Architecture and Design Accessions Committee. Outside of architecture, Brooks leads an active lifestyle that includes fly-fishing, skiing, hiking, tennis, squash, biking and hunting. He is also a certified private pilot and is passionate about and supportive of the arts. Brooks lives with his wife and three children in San Francisco.