Filter by Metro

2,115 San Francisco Architects & Designers

Is the scope of your home design project more involved than replacing your kitchen countertops or bathroom flooring? It is the responsibility of an architect to transform human needs and desires into visual concepts and entire habitable structures. When you hire an architect, you are not only hiring someone to design and build your home, but you are also hiring the person who will manage all of your budgetary limitations and site constraints, as well as coordinate the relationships of all parties involved in the project.

It is best to hire an architect who will be involved in all phases of the design process beginning with initial concepts to the completion of construction. It is often that the architect is the first person you will hire for your project. If necessary, your architect may help you select and hire your sub-contractors, which can include the builders, engineers, landscape architects, etc. Architects are also involved in negotiating contracts for all involved participants. It is for these reasons that it is extremely important for you to have a good relationship with the architect you hire. They can be the tie-breaking vote between you and the general contractor, and they can be your biggest advocate along the way of construction. Depending on the office that you hire, the scope of their work can span from pre-design environmental impact studies to selecting furniture and interior finishes. As far as production, the architecture office that you hire will start with concept drawings and finish with construction drawings and documents. Some firms even design with 3-D renderings and videos, but that should not be assumed. One of the most important duties of an architect is the fact that they serve as managers and supervise most aspects of construction as well facilitate communication between all other contractors.

It is very important to hire the right architect for the job that you need. Remember that the most well known or established designer may not be the best architect for you. It all comes down to the individual project. Research and ask around from people whose work you like. Browse portfolios online so you can get a sense of the aesthetic of the designer. It's important to have somewhat of an idea of what you would like to do and how much you would like to spend. Architects are natural problem solvers. They will assess the entire situation and help you to solve your problems too. Don't settle for a single architect too early. Call and interview a few. Make sure that you feel like your personalities will mesh well and that you like their professional perspective.

Questions to ask a prospective architect:
  • What is your fee structure?
  • What does the cost include?
  • Do you have professional liability insurance?
  • Make sure you bring up any special requests you would like as soon as possible. (ADA, LEED)
  • What types of renderings will you produce? (3D, video, illustrative)
  • What is your experience with similar projects?
  • When do you expect to start and be finished with the project by?
  • What do your services include? (It's best that the services are until construction completion)
  • What happens when the cost exceeds the budget?
  • Can you provide me with references?
  • Would you say your work has a defining style? (This is important in case the the architect's personal style will interfere with what you envision)
  • Will you help with hiring contractor and subs?
  • What do you estimate the cost will be?
  • What will I need to provide?
  • Are there any complications you foresee with this project?
Find an Architect on Houzz. Narrow your search in the Professionals section of the website to Architect, then choose the metro area in which you'd like to find an architect. You may also look through photos by style, like Traditional, Asian, Contemporary, Modern, Eclectic, Mediterranean or Tropical, to first find a room you like then contact the architect that included product.

  1 review
San Francisco, CA, US 94133 · 341 photos
Mark English AIA and his associates at Mark English Architects create beautiful modern architecture, exploring the power of simple forms and spaces specific to place and client desire. Since its founding in 1992, Mark English Architects has designed...
  1 review
San Francisco, CA, US 94110 · 297 photos
John Lum Architecture is an 10-person firm located in a converted laundry machine factory in the Mission District of San Francisco. Established in 1994, we have successfully completed over 500 architectural projects, ranging from high-end commercial...
San Francisco / Burlingame, CA, US 94010 · 223 photos
experts in modernist custom homes as well as remodel of existing mid-century homes and buildings Curt has been practicing architecture for the past 22 years. In that time he has proven to be one of the finest modern architects. His work has been ...
San Francisco, CA, US 94109 · 399 photos
For 30 years House + House Architects have crafted intimate, personal architecture. Through careful analysis, Steven and Cathi House mold each project into a unique, magical and harmonious environment. Deeply sensitive to elements of form, color, nat...
San Francisco, CA, US 94107 · 58 photos
Michael Tauber Architecture designs private dwellings, work and play environments throughout Northern California that are timeless in their appeal, that improve the quality of life for the inhabitants, and are gentle on the environment. Established i...
Oakland, CA, US 94618 · 123 photos
Cathy Schwabe Architecture is a solo residential practice whose work is rooted in the special blend of the Craftsman and Modernist, linked with a clear response to site and climate that has resulted in the Bay Area Modern Tradition. The designs are ...
  1 review
REDWOOD CITY, CA, US 94063 · 170 photos
Established in 1988 by principal architect Steve Simpson, AIA, SDG Architects has completed over 400 projects throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. We pride ourselves on our outstanding service, attention to detail, and a creative approach committed...
San Francisco, CA, US 94123 · 151 photos
The focus of my architecture practice is to satisfy the needs of demanding clients looking for pleasing and cost effective design solutions to their domestic or business problems. My client list includes individual Bay Area homeowners as well as ...
San Francisco, US 94110 · 278 photos
Rossington Architecture is an award-winning, full-service architectural firm dedicated to excellence in design and design management. Founded in 1999, the firm's work focuses on residential projects, including additions, renovations, new homes, multi...
Berkeley, CA, US 94710 · 406 photos
WA design is an architecture firm established in 1985 by David Stark Wilson, AIA. Our design philosophy emphasizes the inter-relationship of building and site. Each design begins as a considered response to a set of criteria dictated by the site and ...
Are You a Remodeling Professional?
Get Listed Here for Free
Architects, Designers, Contractors - Learn More About Houzz
"Houzz is one of my favorite websites, and I've used it for inspiration as well as to market our firm."
Susan Davis of Spectrum Fine Homes, Inc. - CGBP, GPR, GCP, CKBR, CAPS, Allied ASID, Mountain View, CA, USA
"What a wonderful site, a great source for everyone interested in space and design. Thank you!"
Mark Squeo of squeo Architecture PC - AIA cPM, LEED AP, New York, NY, USA
Follow us on: