--- title: "Craig O'Connell Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/craig-o-connell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1510178042 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1510178042.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Craig O'Connell Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2603211e0ff1ca81_6622-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1592 Union Street Suite 133, San Francisco, California 94123, United States" latitude: 37.7999 longitude: -122.4342 phone: "(415) 710-3450" website: http://www.craig-oconnell.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 32 best_of_houzz_awards: 11 followers: 366 last_updated: 2026-08-26 --- # Craig O'Connell Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Craig O'Connell Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/craig-o-connell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1510178042) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Daly City, Napa, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Rafael, El Cerrito, Albany, Mill Valley, Larkspur, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Sonoma, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Calistoga, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Fairfax, Colma, Woodacre, Alto, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon, San Quentin, Wine Country - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (32 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Family owned - Published nationally Craig O’Connell Architecture will skillfully guide your vision from design to build. Our goal is to strike the right balance between your aesthetic, your functional needs and the natural environment. The true reward is creating a space that improves your life. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, we believe architecture and construction must work together harmoniously. We have strong relationships with builders, structural engineers, interior designers, permit expeditors and more and can help curate a whole team to ensure your architectural dreams come to life. Celebrating over ten years in business, we bring a sustainable, modern approach to elevate every remodel, renovation, commercial building and new construction project. We have been named Best of Houzz every year since 2014. Apartment Therapy, Marin Magazine and Luxe have featured our work. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Landscape Plans - Home Gym Design & Construction - Prefab Houses - Rooftop Deck Installation - 3D Home Design - New Construction - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Richmond - Daly City - Napa - Alameda - South San Francisco - San Rafael - El Cerrito - Albany - Mill Valley - Larkspur - Emeryville - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Sonoma - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Sausalito - Calistoga - Brisbane - Broadmoor - Marin City - Belvedere - Fairfax - Colma - Woodacre - Alto - Muir Beach - Belvedere Tiburon - San Quentin - Wine Country ### Typical Job Cost $500,000 - 3 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Craig O'Connell Architecture | | Address | 1592 Union Street Suite 133, San Francisco, California 94123, United States | | Phone | (415) 710-3450 | | Website | http://www.craig-oconnell.com | | License Number | C-31771 | | Followers on Houzz | 366 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/craigoconnellarchitecture - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/craig-o-connell-architecture/ - Blog — www.craig-oconnell.com - Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/craigoconnellarchitecture/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Craig O'Connell Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/craig-o-connell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1510178042) - **Website:** http://www.craig-oconnell.com - **Phone:** (415) 710-3450 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed architect with the state of California, AIA member, Best of Houzz 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. - **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 32 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 48.0 - Communication: 48.0 - Value: 48.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Gramberg, Sept. 2023** > Craig and his team are such a treat to work with! We hired Craig as our architect for an extensive renovation and addition on our personal home in Orange County, CA. As owners of a landscape architecture firm, we wanted someone who would be collaborative, detail oriented, and share our vision for our home. Craig was incredibly methodical throughout the whole process and was able to design a space that is both functional for our family and beautiful. The architecture perfectly married the indoors and the outdoors, which really showcases his ability to have a shared vision. He put a ton of effort into getting to know us and our living patterns so he could design a space that fit our lifestyle. We hope to be able to work with Craig again on many projects in the future! **★★★★★ — seaturtlela, April 2023** > We hired Craig to remodel our woefully dated 1960s kitchen. To think about what we started with and to look at the kitchen now, is nothing short of remarkable! Craig has great vision and ideas, he's very responsive, and we are delighted with the final outcome. > > Craig is also well versed in construction, detail oriented, diligent and easy / fun to be with. > > Thank you so much for everything—we couldn't be happier with our kitchen! **Comment from Craig O'Connell Architecture:** > Thank you so much for the wonderful review. It was a true pleasure working with you on this project and I'm so proud of the result! **★★★★ — Davina Baum, April 2023** > Craig and Alex brought light and openness into our 1920s San Francisco house. We came to them with a need to connect two previously disconnected floors and remodel our dark, dated kitchen. We ended up with a home we love to live in and entertain in. They heard our vision for the space and came back with multiple options -- all optimizing for an easy, comfortable flow. We chose to bring down internal walls and fully open up the entrance way, living room, and kitchen. They put a lot of thought into small details and quelled anxiety along the way. **Comment from Craig O'Connell Architecture:** > Thank you for the wonderful review, Davina. Alex and I enjoyed working with you and we are thrilled you love your reimagined home. **★★★★★ — Scott Pluta, Dec. 2020** > I would unequivocally recommend Craig to anyone looking for an innovative, hard working, and collaborative architect and thought-partner on any residential project in the Bay Area. Last year I interviewed 17 architects before selecting Craig. Craig has been absolutely lights out working with me on a first of its kind housing project I’ve proposed to the city - a small scale, infill mixed affordable housing project in Corona Heights, SF (including a new four story, three unit building in SF) - that is currently working its way through the entitlement and permitting process. Craig is super responsive, great at problem solving through design (in response to City and neighbor feedback), considerate in communicating architecture to those like myself that are new to thinking about these issues, and just a plain ‘ole great guy to interact and do business with. I can’t recommend Craig highly enough. **Comment from Craig O'Connell Architecture:** > Thank you for the review Scott. It has been a pleasure working with you on this project. Looking forward to continued collaboration! **★★★★★ — HU-677562617, Nov. 2020** > We had an all-around positive experience working with Craig to bring to life a home we rebuilt after loosing the original in the Tubbs Northern CA fire of 2017. We approached him with our vision for the look and feel of the completely new rebuild and he skillfully incorporated all of it into his designs. After that he honed each space within to make sure it was beautiful, functional and flowed well as a whole. He continued to collaborate with us and our contractor on architectural elements throughout the build and what we ended up with was a home that far surpassed our expectations, each and every detail feeling intentional and custom. I hope to one day have another opportunity to work with Craig again! **Comment from Craig O'Connell Architecture:** > Thank you so much. It was a true pleasure to collaborate with you on this inspiring project. Looking forward to the next one. ;) **★★★★★ — Paul Smith, June 2020** > We purchased our first home in Fairfax, CA in 2018. It was built in the 1950s and was dated with small spaces, dark wood paneling, not much indoor/outdoor flow or practical function for a family with small children. We had a vision for how this could be our dream home but weren’t sure how to execute it. Craig O’Connell helped realize our vision and dramatically transform the house into the home of our dreams. Craig designed a remodel that started by bringing it down to the studs and we couldn’t be happier with the results. We now have a bright and airy stylish, modern home featuring lots of functional space, light and indoor/outdoor flow. Our favorite room in the house is our new open kitchen and dining room with beautiful custom cabinets and a sliding 4 foot door system that completely opens onto our backyard patio. Craig’s easy going demeanor made the project low stress, even when we hit the inevitable bumps and delays. He handled all the details and used his network to find and manage the general contractor, engineer, cabinet maker, and other key subcontractors on the project. He also worked with the town to secure the building permits in a timely manner. We are so happy in our new home! **★★★★★ — Gillian Pontes, Sept. 2018** > Craig is excellent! We hired him to help us with a remodel that turned into a complete rebuild of a home originally built in 1912. He worked with us as the project evolved and was able to calmly help steer us through some of the bumps along that way. As a realtor, I had a vision of what I wanted and his expertise sharpened the details and helped bring the ideas to reality. I would hire him again and highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — Scott Murano, Sept. 2018** > We hired Craig because we loved the way his finished projects looked - totally on-point design wise, consistent with our style. We had no idea, however, how to get from where we were (a house in much need of a gut job remodel) to a finished project. Thankfully, Craig did. We are probably about 90% of the way to project completion, but we are thrilled with the way it is all coming together and it is due in HUGE part to Craig's original vision and design and also, his ability to adjust and problem solve along the way. He has all the intangibles too - organized, responsive, detail-oriented and just a great guy. We would not hesitate to choose him again for any other project, no question. **★★★★★ — Arielle Giusto, Oct. 2017** > We are huge fans of COA. Craig's demeanor is calm and collected, making us feel that we had the opportunity to weigh all options of every decision. He fully supported our decisions and contributed many design elements that really put our project over the top. We would not hesitate to work with COA again. Our remodeled kitchen and living space is so breathtakingly beautiful...thank you Craig! **★★★★★ — samfarns2, Dec. 2016** > Craig was efficient and timely in completing a filing set of drawings to remodel the downstairs of our Fairfax home. Personable and easy to work with. Definitely recommended. **★★★★★ — Charles LaBrecque, Dec. 2016** > As an interior designer, I've worked with Craig on a few residential projects. He's really dedicated to selecting the right elements to achieve a complete and finished design for the client. It's a thorough understanding of how all of the parts should communicate with one another - both interior AND exterior. I've appreciated his professionalism and genuine attitude in working together, and this results in a quality project which is really what it's all about. **★★★★★ — RE Union Creative, Dec. 2016** > I've known Craig and Jess personally for over ten years, and have had the pleasure of working with Craig O'Connell Architecture several times, in design and construction. Spanning architectural styles, Craig has a strong sense of good design, and brings a personal touch into all of his projects. He has knack for hearing his client's needs and transforming those into their beautiful reality. I most recently worked with Craig as his fabricator for a custom concrete countertop in his own home. Craig created this project as a showpiece of top notch architecture, to be used as prototype, portfolio, and most importantly living space, to be shared with his clients, contractors, friends and family. Craig understands the link between design concept and constructed reality, and is a skilled professional at bringing these two together. ## Selected projects - [Calistoga Modern Farmhouse Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calistoga-modern-farmhouse-retreat-pj-vj~6831655) - Location: Calistoga, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: After the devastating Tubbs fire, Craig reimagined this Calistoga property into a wine country retreat for the owners' family as well as corporate/wellness guests. He approached the design by studying the natural elements of the site including trees, views and light, the vernacular design of the area and the clients’ personality. Craig designed a barn and the house – made up of a one-story and a two-story building – connected by a stunning 20-foot steel and glass breezeway. Expansive doors and w… - [Mill Valley Cottage in the Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-cottage-in-the-woods-pj-vj~7868316) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 28 - Description: Originally built at the turn of the century, this Mill Valley cottage was full of character but felt dark and closed in. The clients, a family of four, wanted to preserve the home's warmth and history while creating a light-filled, functional environment that supports the everyday rhythms of life. The redesign focused on opening up the layout, improving circulation, and bringing natural light deep into the interiors. Thoughtfully placed windows and doors strengthen the connection between the hom… - [Indoor-Outdoor Family Oasis in Costa Mesa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/indoor-outdoor-family-oasis-in-costa-mesa-pj-vj~7284358) - Location: Costa Mesa, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: We transformed this formerly dated 1960s ranch home into an indoor-outdoor oasis for a young family with a luxurious primary suite addition and down-to-the-studs remodel. A glass breezeway - which can be completely open on either side – connects the new addition to the main living areas and provides seamless flow to the yard and edible garden. With vaulted ceilings and a new light-filled and open floor plan, the home meets the functional and lifestyle needs of the family, including cohesive ente… - [Refreshingly Unique and Stylish Victorian Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/refreshingly-unique-and-stylish-victorian-remodel-pj-vj~5869456) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 29 - Description: This remodel of a three-story San Francisco Victorian honors the timeless design while breathing fresh, modern life into the home. The clients’ new favorite room - the kitchen - is now bathed in light due to a skylight and floor-to-ceiling bi-folding steel framed doors. Beautiful custom wood cabinets and wood details add warmth, gorgeous tiles insert rich color and personality while the handcrafted concrete counters and sink bring a modern and functional touch. A new a arch opening into the kitc… - [West Marin Organic Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/west-marin-organic-remodel-pj-vj~5596506) - Location: Woodacre, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: The clients—a chef and a baker—desired a light-filled space with stylish function allowing them to cook, bake and entertain. Craig expanded the kitchen by removing a wall, vaulted the ceiling and enlarged the windows. The living room was also remodeled and expanded. The gorgeous bathroom is a unique extension on the design. Photos: Helynn Ospina - [Stunning Fairfax, CA Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stunning-fairfax-ca-remodel-pj-vj~6182428) - Location: Fairfax, CA - Photos: 27 - Description: Craig O'Connell Architecture designed a dramatic "down to the studs" remodel of this 1950s Fairfax, California home. The newly remodeled home now features clean, modern lines and warm and stylish midcentury modern touches. The floor plan was opened up to bring in more light and create more spacious and functional living areas for a young family of four. We designed a new open plan kitchen (with gorgeous custom cabinetry) and dining room featuring a large glass door system opening up to a remodel… - [Georgian Kitchen for 19th Century San Francisco Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/georgian-kitchen-for-19th-century-san-francisco-home-pj-vj~7222373) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Traditional English Georgian design inspired this handcrafted and bespoke kitchen for a 19th century San Francisco home. The space now exudes old world charm, married with modern conveniences. We transformed the existing “falling apart” kitchen into a timeless, elegant and symmetrical space with tall paneled cabinets awash in a deep and dramatic Hague Blue (from Farrow and Ball), and adorned with brass fixtures. Classic details include a mantle shelf with a brass rail and a corner hutch, designe… - [Custom Mill Valley Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-mill-valley-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~2203426) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This custom modern farmhouse was built from the ground up on a lot in Mill Valley, CA. The design process was a true collaboration with the client. The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, plus office/guest room home features an indoor outdoor layout, designer finishes and thoughtful craftsmanship throughout. - [Inner Richmond Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inner-richmond-remodel-pj-vj~706224) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: COA transformed this San Francisco home into a more beautiful, spacious, light-filled and comfortable space by redesigning the back of the house to create an open format kitchen/dining area with modern amenities. The project included various design improvements throughout the house, including adding a new powder room. General Contractor: Vonnegut Thoreou Construction Interior Design: Lilia Fulton of Narrative Interiors - [Noe Street Victorian Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/noe-street-victorian-remodel-pj-vj~149704) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: This project is a unique Danish-functional inspired remodel of a Victorian home (built 1900) in San Francisco. The owner wanted to transform three separate rooms - kitchen, dining and sunroom - into an open space that would be more suited to his frequent dinner parties. In turn, Craig O’Connell designed a clean, light-filled and casual “open floor plan” that cohesively blends the original Victorian details, vintage and new appliances and Danish-functional design. The process was a smooth design/… - [Comfortable Rustic Modern Family Home in Woodacre](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/comfortable-rustic-modern-family-home-in-woodacre-pj-vj~2031336) - Location: Woodacre, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: Craig O’Connell remodeled his newly purchased home to open up the living areas, add character and modern touches to match his style, and better accommodate his family of four. Craig was on-site often during constructing allowing for a creative and efficient design-build process. The result is a light-filled, clean, balanced and comfortable open-living home with an approachable rustic modern design. Photos: http://www.helynnospina.com/ Interior design consulting: Charles LaBrecque - [Eichler Summit Deluxe Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eichler-summit-deluxe-remodel-pj-vj~309065) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This 2,000 square foot condo in San Francisco’s Eichler Summit Building underwent a complete remodel designed by Craig O’Connell Architecture (COA). The result is a modern, light-filled and glamorous living space. The client desired an updated, open space with Japanese design elements in which to live comfortably, entertain and showcase his art collection. COA added a Japanese wood soaking tub and transom window in the new luxurious master bathroom and knocked down numerous walls to create an op… - [Glass Art Studio Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glass-art-studio-addition-pj-vj~149888) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Victorian Facade Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorian-facade-restoration-pj-vj~497813) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Facade improvement to replace 1950s stucco with traditional exterior, details and paint. - [Eichler Summit I](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eichler-summit-i-pj-vj~84071) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: This mid-century apartment in the Eichler Summit Building underwent a full renovation into a contemporary space. Detailed construction administration by COA was key to the exquisite outcome - [Sacramento Street Art Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sacramento-street-art-studio-pj-vj~291086) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Mill Valley Custom Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-custom-bar-pj-vj~493996) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Custom bar for unique craftsman-style Mill Valley home. Integrates seamlessly with the existing design and features modern amenities. Design included removing interior walls and columns to showcase expansive views and adding new 20-foot long steel beam for support. - [Liberty Hill Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/liberty-hill-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~779413) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [19th Street Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/19th-street-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~229781) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: COA remodeled this kitchen into a beautiful, modern design that integrates seamlessly with the 1908 Victorian. - [Haight Street Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haight-street-remodel-pj-vj~294705) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 [See all 22 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/craig-o-connell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1510178042) ## Ideabooks - [Dining - Cressica](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/134899988/list/dining-cressica) — 10 ideas - [Calistoga Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102760200/list/calistoga-inspiration) — 2 ideas - [ADU](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/144598918/list/adu) — 1 idea - [deck and yard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111680870/list/deck-and-yard) — 3 ideas - [houzz coverage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/120109091/list/houzz-coverage) — 1 idea - [master bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89125339/list/master-bathroom) — 1 idea - [Giusto Remodel - 1](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74078339/list/giusto-remodel-1) — 19 ideas - [Woodacre house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54167407/list/woodacre-house) — 51 ideas - [Alabama Loft](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15173419/list/alabama-loft) — 8 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/craigo99) ## Community Q&A **Q: table and chairs** *(in Photo Questions)* Where are the table and chairs from? A: Believe Restoration **Q: beautiful work!** *(in Photo Questions)* Love this! Where did you get the outdoor sectional? A: I’d have to ask owners **Q: Love the face pot on patio. Where can I find it?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: its by Jonathan Adler! **Q: exterior color??** *(in Photo Questions)* What’s the exterior color? A: Restoration Hardware's signature cool grey. **Q: love the flooring, looks like bamboo** *(in Photo Questions)* ...but the article mentions it’s engineered flooring? Looks real. Can you provide the brand or source? It light, fresh and lovely. A: Hi it’s Owens wood flooring - check out their site Owens-flooring.com **Q: Impressive cabinetry work** *(in Photo Questions)* Rarely see large panels with wood grains matching up so beautifully any more. Amazing! A: Credit goes to @Cemil Hope Cemil is Amazing! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*