---
title: "Essential Habitat Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/essential-habitat-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1200047812
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1200047812.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Essential Habitat Architecture"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f003fac40695541e_7455-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, California 94960, United States"
latitude: 37.9846
longitude: -122.5711
phone: "(415) 258-4501"
website: http://www.essentialhabitat.com
rating: 5
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 43
last_updated: 2026-08-18
---

# Essential Habitat Architecture

Original Houzz profile: [Essential Habitat Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/essential-habitat-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1200047812)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** San Anselmo, CA
- **Serves:** San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Santa Venetia, Marin City, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Black Point-Green Point, Woodacre, Bolinas, Alto, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Nicasio, Belvedere Tiburon, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas, Olema, San Quentin
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2022), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Recommended on Houzz
- 500 Ideabook Saves

Essential Habitat Architecture is a Northern California based architecture firm dedicated to sustainable construction implemented through the Passive House standard. Our focus is efficient, healthy, comfortable, successful and beautiful buildings. Our skill set spans technical aspects of building science and construction to the art of design.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- 3D Rendering
- Green Building
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Home Restoration
- Custom Homes
- Passive House

### Areas Served

- San Rafael
- Novato
- Mill Valley
- Larkspur
- San Anselmo
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Corte Madera
- Tiburon
- Kentfield
- Sausalito
- Lucas Valley-Marinwood
- Santa Venetia
- Marin City
- Sleepy Hollow
- Ross
- Belvedere
- Fairfax
- Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
- Black Point-Green Point
- Woodacre
- Bolinas
- Alto
- Stinson Beach
- Muir Beach
- San Geronimo
- Nicasio
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Forest Knolls
- Greenbrae
- Lagunitas
- Olema
- San Quentin

### Typical Job Cost

$1 million - 5 million

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Essential Habitat Architecture |
| Address | 249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, California 94960, United States |
| Phone | (415) 258-4501 |
| Website | http://www.essentialhabitat.com |
| License Number | C35003 |
| Followers on Houzz | 43 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Essential Habitat Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/essential-habitat-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1200047812)
- **Website:** http://www.essentialhabitat.com
- **Phone:** (415) 258-4501

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Certified Passive House Consultant

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2022), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — Adrienne, Oct. 2021**

> Very pleased we chose Essential Habitat Architecture in designing our new Passive House. Thanks to Graham we have been enjoying the comfort and efficiency of the house very much. Graham was very easy to work with and is so knowledgeable and passionate about Passive Houses. He had wonderful suggestions and was always available if we had any questions. Highly recommend for all Passive House projects.

**Comment from Essential Habitat Architecture:**

> Thank you, Adrienne, I hope you enjoy your new home for years to come!

**★★★★★ — Gregor Stewart, March 2018**

> When trying to create a beautiful design that works with, and compliments the surrounding environment, all the while meeting the different challenges associated with local building codes, you'll find none better than Graham and his team at Essential Habitat.  We were blessed to have Graham on our project, he is very professional, patient and extremely knowledgeable in sustainable design, construction and the various Building Codes.  Graham Irwin is an amazing designer and someone you want on your project.

**Comment from Essential Habitat Architecture:**

> Thank you, Gregor, it was a pleasure working with you!

**★★★★★ — deskofjk, Jan. 2016**

> What happens when you combine physics, architecture and design, pragmatism, building experience and passion for low-energy buildings?  Graham Irwin is what happens!  Graham has done a terrific job helping us design and build a Passive House in San Francisco, wearing many hats along the way.  He is probably unique in the field in that he has both extensive expertise in energy modeling, but is also an experienced builder and designer.  Graham is certainly a thought leader in the green building movement and is a nationally recognized authority on Passive House design and building techniques.

**Comment from Essential Habitat Architecture:**

> Wow, is there an emoticon for blushing? Thank you for the kind words, I really enjoyed working with you on your home.

**★★★★★ — bwv1064, Jan. 2016**

> Essential Habitat provided design and Passive House consultation on our deep energy retrofit of a 90 year-old bungalow.  The focus and expert attention to detail really shows through in the outstanding aesthetics, comfort, and energy performance of the remodeled structure. Communication was thorough and consistent during the entire project. Essential Habitat reliably met deadlines and helped achieve excellent project cost-performance. We continue to be amazed how correct our designer’s intuition was in the design outcomes.

**Comment from Essential Habitat Architecture:**

> Thank you for the kind words, I hope your home continues to offer you comfort, health and joy long into the future.

**★★★★★ — mariahcalarco, Jan. 2016**

> Graham is smart, thorough, easy to work with, has a great eye and is very creative.  He did an amazing job in the house not to mention an amazing backyard and redwood deck beyond my dreams.

**Comment from Essential Habitat Architecture:**

> Thanks Maria, it was a pleasure to work with you as well. I am glad your enjoying your house!

## Selected projects

- [Santa Cruz  Craftsman Passive House Rehab/Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-cruz-craftsman-passive-house-rehab-retrofit-pj-vj~1499194)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [San Anselmo Cozy Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-anselmo-cozy-cottage-pj-vj~6574964)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- ["The Mendocino" - A Pocket Production Passive House  Edit ProjectAdd Content](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-mendocino-a-pocket-production-passive-house-edit-projectadd-content-pj-vj~6574952)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- ["The Healdsburg" - A Pocket Production Passive House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-healdsburg-a-pocket-production-passive-house-pj-vj~6574950)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [San Francisco Modern Passive House Remodel/Retrofit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-modern-passive-house-remodel-retrofit-pj-vj~6574893)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [Fairfax Hillside Master Suite, Pool & Landscape Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairfax-hillside-master-suite-pool-and-landscape-remodel-pj-vj~1499191)
  - Location: Sleepy Hollow, CA
  - Photos: 3
- [San Rafael Kitchen, Great Room & Porch Addition/Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-kitchen-great-room-and-porch-addition-remodel-pj-vj~1499204)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [San Francisco Victorian Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-victorian-remodel-pj-vj~6574877)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Fairfax Guest Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fairfax-guest-cottage-pj-vj~1499207)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8

[See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/essential-habitat-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1200047812)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147537358/list/wish-list) — 6 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/grahamirwin)

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-18.*