Over two decades ago, a couple purchased two side by side lots. On one lot sat a modest one story plus basement house which they made their home for their family. On the neighboring lot sat a carriage house with a basement and many ideas of what their dream home could be. The lot was curious with several constraints. It is smaller than most SF lots in width (23’) and depth (60’), the land on the lot sits a full nine feet below the sidewalk level, and the lot is bounded on all three sides by property line buildings. The owners (architect colleagues, one turned game designer) have amassed a wonderful collection of books, music, figurines and artwork. The design solution creates two units, and fills the site to its Planning allowed limits. To provide light in the center of the building, an oversized light well is accompanied by an open stair. Along the stair at the property line is a monumental wall of shelving housing their collectibles. The stair is crowned by an operable glass roof giving access to a roof garden with sweeping views to the Golden Gate. The front, south facing facade is an homage to the ubiquitous security gate so often seen throughout San Francisco. The gate is composed of decorative aluminum in a tartan pattern of the owners Scottish family. The homage of the silver gate continues to cover three stories of the facade, providing depth to the facade while screening the sun and providing privacy at the interior.

A house for a family located in a converted neighborhood corner store. We embraced adapting and reusing the architecture rather than demolishing the existing, celebrating the building’s history and location. Our reimagining of the building doesn’t obliterate the past, but it isn’t subservient to it either. Creative solutions for living optimized the existing structure. Space in the open plan is demarcated inside and outside of a free-standing flower shaped tower.

A "gut to the studs" renovation of a 1,000 sq ft two bedroom condo with stunning 300º views of the Bay. This is the ultimate modern, industrial art and craft focused urban refuge. The owner not only wanted to live amongst is art, he wanted to live in art. The solution was to remove virtually all interior walls, replaced with a collection of steel objects and sliding panel, mill work and glass to create a very open pan space that can be adapted to private or public functions. The project was completed with a DesignBuild delivery, the architect designed and built the project, and was responsible for the custom fabrication of al the components.

This project centers on the remodel of a two-unit, owner-occupied building in San Francisco, embodying a smart and pragmatic approach to the city's complex planning requirements and neighborhood sensitivities. While not a grand luxury development, this renovation stands as a testament to resourceful design within urban constraints. Following a neighborhood historic evaluation, the remodel advanced with success, showcasing a quintessential San Francisco aesthetic. It offers accessible inspiration for the everyday homeowner, prioritizing the maximization of outdoor spaces and accommodating modern living needs, including flexible work-from-home environments. The design adapts to post-pandemic lifestyles, offering versatile, multi-functional living areas tailored to meet the dynamic needs of contemporary families.

Wedged between two tall Edwardians on Potrero Hill, this single-family home was converted into a duplex. Commissioned by an interior designer to accommodate her growing family, it also gave opportunity to add an additional family-sized unit in this dense neighborhood.

The result is a new, four-story, two-unit home. The original two-story building form was gutted and modernized, the uppermost level set back, and the single entrance kept intact masking the duplex conversion. Each unit is accessed via the common hallway with the upper unit serviced by an elevator. Both units are approximately 2,000 square feet and feature a bedroom-level and an open great room floor, with the lower unit having a surprising one-and-a-half story garden view.

The upper unit is a reverse plan with the great room located on the top floor, bookended by decks that afford City and Bay views. This floor is punctuated with a yellow box that cleverly contains the service core while providing a natural separation between dining and living spaces. The downstairs accommodates the 3-bedrooms and study. And oak-framed windows, along with a carefully curated collection of vintage Italian and California Craft furniture, amongst contemporary pieces, conveys a unique California Modernism vibe. Inspired by Frank Stella, the main staircase snakes its way from the penthouse, manifesting itself as sculptural arc in the lower unit.

The curve repeats itself at the entrance, which is clad in shou sugi ban and white cement plaster, culminating in a yellow front door that creates a visual connection from the exterior through to the interior.