--- title: "Thompson Studio Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/thompson-studio-architects-pfvwus-pf~1258384414 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1258384414.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Thompson Studio Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0b9396140d24eaff_0535-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1290 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, California 94901, United States" latitude: 37.9691 longitude: -122.5105 phone: "(415) 944-0543" website: http://www.thompsonstudio.com rating: 5 review_count: 26 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 153 last_updated: 2026-09-14 --- # Thompson Studio Architects Original Houzz profile: [Thompson Studio Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/thompson-studio-architects-pfvwus-pf~1258384414) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Rafael, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Napa, San Rafael, Petaluma, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Healdsburg, The Sea Ranch, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sebastopol, Kentfield, Sausalito, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Saint Helena, Santa Venetia, Yountville, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Belvedere, Fairfax, Graton, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Woodacre, Bolinas, Bodega Bay, Occidental, Glen Ellen, Alto, Stinson Beach, Fulton, Muir Beach, San Geronimo, Rutherford, Belvedere Tiburon, California, Callistoga, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Gualala, Northern California, Oakville, Pope Valley, San Quentin - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (26 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2020), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Thompson Studio Architects, located in San Rafael & The Sea Ranch, is a partnership led by Doug & David Thompson. The partners work closely with our clients, nurturing the design process, exploring new ways to live and work, while creating wonderful buildings. The studio environment establishes a collaborative approach to design. The exploration of a project becomes a journey of discovery from which the building evolves as an expression of the efforts & insights of the whole project team. Thompson Studio Architects believes that buildings are living entities where daily activity, seasonal change, & evolving uses coexist with the values & ideas held by the owner. Thompson Studio Architects aspires to build a legacy of exemplary projects and happy clients. The studio was established in 1987 as an outlet for the creative talents of the partners, brothers Doug & David Thompson. Working together for more than thirty years, the brothers provide design services ranging from custom home design & residential renovations to commercial projects while holding positions with two of San Francisco’s more prestigious architecture firms. Doug spent 9 years as a project architect & designer with William Turnbull Associates, and David was an associate & principal designer with House + House Architects for over 11 years. In 1994 the studio evolved into a full-service business with a more recent focus on custom residential, mixed-use commercial and commercial roll-out. Recently relocating the office from San Francisco to San Rafael & The Sea Ranch, the firm provides a full range of services that include: •Master planning •Feasibility studies •Site analysis •Building design & traditional full architectural services •Interior design, custom furniture, and lighting design •Specialty material & equipment procurement •Close-of-construction coordination •Post construction and user services Thompson Studio Architects finds that successful projects are derived from high-quality design, as well as from the knowledge and integration of the technical aspects of the project. Attending to these aspects of the work begins with the programming stage and is carried through to every detail. From inception, detailed, hands-on management determines the success of the project. Doug & David take on active management roles, utilizing highly refined management and quality control techniques. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Rooftop Deck Installation - Construction Drawings - Custom Home Design - Property acquisition ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Santa Rosa - Napa - San Rafael - Petaluma - Novato - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Healdsburg - The Sea Ranch - Sonoma - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Sebastopol - Kentfield - Sausalito - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Saint Helena - Santa Venetia - Yountville - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Belvedere - Fairfax - Graton - Lagunitas-Forest Knolls - Woodacre - Bolinas - Bodega Bay - Occidental - Glen Ellen - Alto - Stinson Beach - Fulton - Muir Beach - San Geronimo - Rutherford - Belvedere Tiburon - California - Callistoga - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Gualala - Northern California - Oakville - Pope Valley - San Quentin ### Typical Job Cost $400,000 - 10 million Construction project costs range is vast depending on scope, project challenges and finish expectations. In Northern California per-square-foot, new-construction costs range from $600/SF to over $1000/SF. Generally, the project soft costs (fees & permits, design & engineering services) are an additional 15% to 20% on our projects. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Thompson Studio Architects | | Address | 1290 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael, California 94901, United States | | Phone | (415) 944-0543 | | Website | http://www.thompsonstudio.com | | License Number | C17672 | | Followers on Houzz | 153 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thompsonstudioarchitects - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/thompson-studio-architects - Blog — http://www.thompsonstudio.com/portfolio.html ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Thompson Studio Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/thompson-studio-architects-pfvwus-pf~1258384414) - **Website:** http://www.thompsonstudio.com - **Phone:** (415) 944-0543 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - • LEED Green Associate - • Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2014–2020), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 26 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-344914607, Nov. 2019** > Doug is the best. Super communication. Efficient with time. Helped us with barn projects! And set us up with really great workers. Thanks! **★★★★★ — Bruce Anderson, April 2019** > Doug and David designed a hillside Tiburon Home for us. We gave them input on the features that we would like in the house such as maximizing the view, high ceilings and spaces which looked down on other spaces. In the end we got everything we asked for. **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Bruce, thanks for the 5-star review. David and I really enjoyed working with you and Farrah. Happy that you guys are still in the house so many years later. **★★★★★ — Constructa Inc., April 2019** > Thompson Studio has been a pleasure to work with! They are easy to communicate with and make sure to prioritize quality and workmanship! **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > We are always happy to see New Marble on the job site. **★★★★★ — Martha Irmer, April 2019** > I worked with Thompson Studio Architects on an extensive remodel of our home, including the kitchen and bathrooms. They were most professional, responsive to deadlines and budgets, good communicators with creative ideas and problem solving skills and they were a pleasure to work with. I would definitely use them again should the occasion arise. **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Martha, thank you for the review. We also enjoyed working with you on the project. So glad the project was such a success. **★★★★★ — martinkommor, April 2019** > My builder, Michael Corlis, and I worked with Doug over 30 years ago to build an energy efficient, modern home in Charleston, WV. It was a long distance task. Doug was an artist, a technician, a communicator and a fine human being. He provided all I wanted and more. He often told me what kind of visual experiences the home would offer over the day, the seasons and the years. His predictions were so on. The home never fails to delight. > Martin Kommor, MD **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Marty, thanks for posting some photos. House must be full of oxygen with all the plants. **★★★★★ — Antonio Castellucci, April 2019** > I've worked with David/Thompson Studio Architects on several projects, one being my full time residence. I hired him to design and complete our modern home in Marin. It was a pleasure to work with David from inception to completion. I highly recommend his firm for any of your projects, big or small! **★★★★★ — Generation Rework, April 2019** > We had a fantastic experience working with Doug and David on a major remodel & addition for our home. From helping us understand what was possible given area building codes to navigating the permit process to drawing up the plans, identifying/recommending a fantastic contractor, and helping with countless other questions along the way...they have truly done it all for us. Professional, honest, responsive...they have all the qualities you want when going through what for most people is a very stressful process. And to top it off, they are just really nice guys who are fun to be around. Highly, highly recommended! **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Jonathan, thank you for the great review. We are also very happy with how your project turned out. I can imagine that the spaces and indoor-outdoor are working perfectly for you and family. **★★★★★ — Tony Fields, April 2019** > David designed our major home remodel and helped manage the contractor. He was fantastic to work with, had strong design suggestions but was very flexible in working with our desires and goal. We had a tight budget at the time, and he was happy to work within our financial constraints, and helped us to find the right contractor for the job. We have been very happy with the outcome, and the house has stood the test of time as we have really not changed a thing in over 20 years of living in the house. Thanks David! **★★★★★ — CALDER CUSTOM BUILDING, April 2019** > Doug Thompson is an excellent architect. He responds quickly to any questions that I had and he comes up with practical solutions to problems. He coordinated the project well and his estimate for when we would get a permit was accurate. He does what he says he's going to do. > Doug is a pleasure to work with and I look forward to building future projects together. **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Thank you for the review, Nick. We too are very happy with the project and felt that your contribution was essential in realizing everyone's goals. We are looking forward to the next project too. **★★★★★ — Alice Vellanikaran, April 2019** > Excellent architect. Did great work.Easy to work with. Always available.I highly recommend > Excellent architect. Did great work.Easy to work with. Always available.I highly recommend David Thompson. > ...... ..... ..... ...... ........ **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Thank you, Alice. We are really enjoying seeing the building rising in SF. **★★★★★ — Corlis Design & Construction Inc., April 2019** > We are a high end design / build company focused on a high level of detail and quality. Thompson Studio Architects were one of only two Architectural firms we have worked with over 40 years who provided full details allowing both accurate estimating as well as realistic drawings for challenging projects. I recommend them without reservation. To see the project we worked with them on, see Fine Homebuilding \#75. **Comment from Thompson Studio Architects:** > Thank you for the 5-star review, Mike. Coming from a builder of your caliber and experience this means a lot. **★★★★★ — HU-65730570, April 2019** > Thompson Studio folks are a great team to work with. Solution oriented, reliable, creative, professional and above all really pleasant to work with. David & Doug are tops in my book. ## Selected projects - [Hill Side Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-side-home-pj-vj~8394) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 60 - Description: New 3450 SF 4 bedroom home on a very steep Mill Valley lot. The house is designed to take advantage of SF bay views and a morning to mid-day south east exposure. All rooms have views and open out onto cantilevered decks. - [Danaher Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/danaher-residence-pj-vj~8384) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 18 - [Sausalito House with a View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-house-with-a-view-pj-vj~5533086) - Location: Sausalito, CA - Photos: 23 - [Las Ovejas Eichler Reconstruction + Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/las-ovejas-eichler-reconstruction-addition-pj-vj~5533069) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 24 - Description: Eichler re-build and addition. The project maintained the qualities and characteristics that make Eichler homes so awesome to live in while reconstructing all of the building systems and bring the house up to current building standards. Creative use of new assemblies allowed new building systems to be installed concealed. - [Peterson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peterson-residence-pj-vj~8399) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 12 - [Ocean Beach Phase II](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ocean-beach-phase-ii-pj-vj~2224275) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: Reconstruction of a pair of historic dwellings on a lot one block from the Pacific Ocean in San Francisco. The understory of both structures was dug out with new basement and foundations installed. Buildings were rebuilt to current codes, all new systems installed. - [Argov Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/argov-residence-pj-vj~8385) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 9 - [Taheri Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/taheri-residence-pj-vj~8397) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 5 - [Fallah Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fallah-residence-pj-vj~8388) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 9 - [San Francisco Residential Conversion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-residential-conversion-pj-vj~5690782) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 20 - [Peterson Oakland Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peterson-oakland-residence-pj-vj~5690789) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 24 - [Chan Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chan-residence-pj-vj~8383) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 17 - [O'Haren Dry Creek Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/o-haren-dry-creek-guest-house-pj-vj~5673792) - Location: Healdsburg, CA - Photos: 6 - [Kommor Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kommor-residence-pj-vj~8391) - Location: Kanawha County, WV - Photos: 7 - [Coastal Overlook Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-overlook-residence-pj-vj~5690777) - Location: Woodside, CA - Photos: 6 - [Pelican Point Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pelican-point-residence-pj-vj~5690785) - Location: Belvedere, CA - Photos: 7 - [Anderson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/anderson-residence-pj-vj~5690779) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 5 - [Goodman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodman-residence-pj-vj~5690780) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 14 - [Okuhn Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/okuhn-residence-pj-vj~8393) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 15 - [Feiger Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/feiger-residence-pj-vj~8389) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 17 [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/thompson-studio-architects-pfvwus-pf~1258384414) ## Ideabooks - [Fly Cloud](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/163167645/list/fly-cloud) — 24 ideas - [Atwood](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49115881/list/atwood) — 10 ideas - [Walk In Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121384239/list/walk-in-cabin) — 5 ideas - [Navajo](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121199542/list/navajo) — 7 ideas - [FORD](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/49803319/list/ford) — 2 ideas - [facade & parapet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47727836/list/facade-parapet) — 5 ideas - [Wainscot](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46768568/list/wainscot) — 12 ideas - [Dry Creek](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34320953/list/dry-creek) — 25 ideas - [Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34321646/list/kitchen) — 7 ideas - [Beach House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32840243/list/beach-house) — 94 ideas - [Small family rooms etc](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32631266/list/small-family-rooms-etc) — 13 ideas - [Guardrails & Decking](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30188945/list/guardrails-decking) — 21 ideas - [floating stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29361769/list/floating-stairs) — 10 ideas - [Halling](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18209670/list/halling) — 18 ideas - [Jamaica St](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27656744/list/jamaica-st) — 20 ideas - [Estelle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2542013/list/estelle) — 22 ideas [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dntarch) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the wood in your kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wood in your kitchen? Thanks A: The cabinetry and the floors are cherry. The cut was plain sawn rather than rift to get a more rustic look. **Q: Can you please tell me the brand and color name of paint on walls** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The paint manufacturer was either Sherwin-Williams or Dunn-Edwards. The wall color was a color custom matched to a piece of plaster we had. **Q: What color/brand is the flooring?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Wide plank plain sawn cherry. Clear finish **Q: What are the countertops?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The countertops are a limestone slab. Limestone isn't as durable in the kitchen as other counter materials. If used, be prepared to have them sealed regularly and resurfaced/polished occaisionally. If there are kids still in the house, I would advise using a more durable stone or product like Ceasarstone **Q: Love this pergola** *(in Photo Questions)* Are plans available for this wonderful pergola? where and what is the cost? thx. A: Custom design and detailing is available. I can be reached at dntarch@ thompsonstudio.com **Q: What is the make and color of the stain? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The cabinetry is custom. They are a rustic cherry (meaning boards were selected to have wider - more expressive graining) and were clear coated with a spray lacquer. Are you in the SF bay area? If so I can suggest several really fine cabinet shops to contact. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*