--- title: "Aardvark Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aardvark-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1513852586 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1513852586.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Aardvark Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/768376640eaf23e9_9306-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Palo Alto, California 94301, United States" latitude: 37.4443 longitude: -122.1497 phone: "(408) 478-7174" website: http://aardvarkarchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 31 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 8 last_updated: 2026-09-04 --- # Aardvark Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Aardvark Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aardvark-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1513852586) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Palo Alto, CA - **Serves:** San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Redwood City, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Newark, Morgan Hill, Campbell, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Saratoga, San Carlos, Stanford, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, San Martin, Woodside, Portola Valley, Monte Sereno, Bay Area, Peninsula - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (31 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2021–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Locally owned - High-end - Offers Custom Work "4 Times Best of Houzz Winner" Sean Rinde founded Aardvark Architecture on the principle that the most enjoyed homes are designed by dedicated architects that truly know their clients and love seeing the process thru from start to finish. It can take some time to get to know a family's personal habits, life styles, and preferences, but that is time well spent. Because only then do clients get to live in homes perfectly tailored to fit their current and future needs (home office anyone?) Aardvark Architecture stands by the General Contractors in their competitive bid pool, and works proactively with them to make sure you actually get what we've designed together. Once permits are in hand and construction begins, Aardvark remains dedicated to making sure the design is built to the highest standards. Attending collaborative meetings during construction helps keep everyone in the chain on task and keeps the momentum (and fun!) going. Are you thinking about building a new home, extensive addition, or an ADU? Aardvark Architecture would love to help, give us a call: 408 478 7174 ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - 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 - Home Restoration - Drafting - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Structural Engineering - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - Landscape Plans - Modular Home Additions - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - Prefab Houses - Dock Design & Construction - Land Surveying - Custom Furniture - Custom Home ### Areas Served - San Jose - Sunnyvale - Santa Clara - San Mateo - Redwood City - Mountain View - Palo Alto - Cupertino - Newark - Morgan Hill - Campbell - Menlo Park - Los Altos - Saratoga - San Carlos - Stanford - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - San Martin - Woodside - Portola Valley - Monte Sereno - Bay Area - Peninsula ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - 10 million Nov 2025: The above range represents the construction costs for a small addition or remodel to the cost for a new 5,000+ square foot home. I'd be more than happy to talk to you more about your expected projects costs and budget to provide more insight to this ever-changing construction market. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Aardvark Architecture | | Address | Palo Alto, California 94301, United States | | Phone | (408) 478-7174 | | Website | http://aardvarkarchitecture.com | | License Number | C35023 | | Followers on Houzz | 8 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.instagram.com/aardvarkarchitecture/ - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-rinde/ - Blog — https://www.aardvarkarchitecture.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Aardvark Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aardvark-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1513852586) - **Website:** http://aardvarkarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (408) 478-7174 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED AP - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2021–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 31 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Gaurav Chaturvedi, March 2026** > It's been awesome working with Sean this past year for our new home construction project. Sean brought an amazing vision for a unique Spanish / Mission styled home. He cared deeply for our own design needs and thoughts, and I think a really spectacular addition he had was an awesome looking formal dining room which I truly appreciate having grown up in the east coast. I'm continually amazed at just how much he deeply knows about architecture, design, all the rules, the sheer quality of his technical skills, not to mention he's licensed as well. The YouTube videos were very helpful walkthroughs for both the 2D floor plan as well as the 3D model. We were able to listen to these multiple times and share them with friends/family to follow along for our project. Dealing with so many different consultants was also quite a bit of work and Sean did the heavy lifting and took the burden off of us aside from just a simple contract or payment that was required. I've had little to no interaction with the city as well besides paying permit fees, because Sean was so on top of things and getting us to approvals both for the design and building permits. We had literally no hiccups in approvals, pretty much every estimate Sean set for us in terms of timelines was met at every phase. There were no issues during our neighborhood notice periods or any sort of public hearing issues, we literally sailed past all this, probably because the house is just so well designed. > > Lastly, I just want to say that Sean is extremely professional but also just fun to work with. I've genuinely enjoyed some of our conversations and jokes aside from just the house project. Totally recommend Sean for your next home project! **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Wowow! Thank you for sharing this huge win for me Guarav! You were such an amazing client. You knew exactly what you wanted and it was so much fun designing your home for you and your family! I can't wait to see your one-of-a-kind dining room come to life soon! **★★★★★ — Victory Construction, Inc, Dec. 2025** > I’ve worked with Aardvark Architecture on multiple projects, and each experience has been excellent. They consistently deliver thoughtful, well-planned home layouts that are both functional and visually appealing. Just as important, they remain engaged and supportive throughout the construction phase, helping address questions and challenges as they arise. Their professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail make them a great firm to work with, and I would confidently recommend them for residential projects. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you so much Victor! Here's to a long happy career serving clients together! **★★★★★ — Frank, Dec. 2025** > We’ve had a fantastic experience working with Sean. He brings a real passion for designing homes that are both highly functional and genuinely beautiful. He thinks deeply about the details that matter, from natural light and spatial flow to a nuanced understanding of materials and current building standards. > > Sean is exacting in his plan deliverables and runs a very tight, professional process. He also has strong relationships with high-quality consultants and builders, which shows in the clarity and coordination of the work. We especially appreciated that he doesn’t nickel-and-dime. His payment structure is refreshingly milestone- and outcome-based rather than charging for every minute or minor tweak, which made the collaboration feel fair and aligned. > > Overall, he’s a joy to work with and someone we would hire again in a heartbeat for future projects. Highly recommend. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you Frank! I'm forever grateful that you trusted me with your family's new home design! Fingers crossed Saratoga approves our plans for construction soon! **★★★★★ — Sergio Rodriguez, Dec. 2025** > We had an excellent experience working with Sean. They were thoughtful, responsive, and truly listened to our goals while also guiding us through the technical and regulatory aspects of the project. > > Their designs were well-considered, buildable, and balanced creativity with practicality — which made a big difference once we moved into construction. Communication was clear throughout the process, timelines were respected, and any questions or revisions were handled promptly. > > We appreciated their attention to detail and their ability to collaborate smoothly with engineers and the builder, which helped keep everything moving efficiently. We would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for a professional, knowledgeable architect who delivers high-quality work. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you Sergio, I appreciate your kind words. Here's hoping our first project in San Jose comes together without a hitch **★★★★★ — Matthew Bordoni, Dec. 2025** > I would highly recommend Sean Rinde at Aardvark Architecture. Sean has (so far) guided us through the planning submittal phase. > > From the start, Sean was incredibly conscientious and exceedingly prompt in all his communications and deliverables. It is clear that he put great thought and care into our project. > > Beyond his professionalism, Sean has a truly great eye for beautiful design. The result is a space that is not only functional but aesthetically stunning. Furthermore, he is cost conscious, ensuring that we achieved our vision without compromising our budget. > > If you are looking for an architect who is talented, reliable, and respectful of your finances, Sean Rinde is an excellent choice. I look forward to continuing to work with Sean through the bidding and construction phase. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Wow, thank you Matt! I'm very grateful that your project came back to life after a brief pause. Eager to see your home start construction as soon as Saratoga approves our revised plans! **★★★★★ — Priya Pendharkar, Nov. 2025** > Best Decision We Made! Visionary, Technical, and a Great Communicator > > Working with Sean Rinde was, without a doubt, the single best decision we made for our complex, down-to-the-guts home remodel and new ADU project. We are beyond thrilled with the final design and the entire experience. Sean is a rare combination of creative visionary, technical expert, and world-class communicator, and we cannot recommend him highly enough. > > From our very first call, we knew Sean was different. Our biggest priority was finding an architect who could translate our (often ambiguous) emotions and lifestyle preferences into a concrete design. Sean’s unique process of using detailed YouTube videos for design updates initially caught our eye, but it was his clear, thoughtful, and constant communication that truly sealed the deal. This process was a game-changer, especially when we had to make mid-project adjustments to our budget and scope. What could have been an incredibly stressful process was made pleasant and manageable, all thanks to him. > > His expertise with San Jose's building codes is not just a selling point; it was critical to our project's success. We were struggling to fit both a garage and a comfortably-sized bedroom within the city's setback rules. Sean’s deep understanding of the regulations, including specific exceptions, allowed us to design a solution that incorporated both. This was a huge win for us and a feature that will bring us happiness every single time we use those spaces. > > The design phase was incredibly collaborative and, honestly, fun. Sean's creativity is amazing. When he presented the first 3D visualizations, they truly took our breath away—they were beyond our wildest dreams. But Sean isn't just a "yes-man." He listened carefully to all our needs, both spoken and unspoken, and was always ready with thoughtful counterpoints. He guided us through countless decisions, as a project of such scope obviously needs (type of patio doors, size of bedroom, moving gas meter,...), and ensured we made the best compromises. Looking back, we have zero regrets. > > Finally, his 2D and 3D YouTube videos were a massive hit with our extended family and friends. It allowed them to follow along on our journey and helped us feel confident in every single decision, as we could "live in" the 3D model before a single wall was built. > > If you are looking for an architect who will listen, bring incredible creativity, master the technical challenges, and ensure your home is a true reflection of your lifestyle, hire Sean Rinde. He helped make our vision real. > > — Priya & Vikram **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you both so much for this glowing review! It was a real pleasure serving as your architect! I can't wait to see how your new homeS come together in the coming months. **★★★★★ — Alex S, Feb. 2025** > Sean is a fantastic architect, and I recommend him without reservation. His expertise and thoughtful approach exceeded our expectations at every turn. > > I hired Sean to do a 2nd floor addition to our single story ranch house. Unlike others I interviewed, he didn’t enter with a preconceived conclusion of which direction we should go (teardown/rebuild vs. addition). He took time to understand our functional requirements and priorities before making a recommendation. The difference (cost, customizability) was closer than I expected and I really appreciate Sean’s diligence here to make sure we chose the best direction. > > I’m thrilled with the final design. The outside is attractive and unique without being obtrusive in the neighborhood. It emphasizes unique elements about our property while enhancing others. The inside is well suited for our needs, both now and the future as our family grows and changes. > > Sean is a good listener and made plenty of insightful suggestions while deferring to our vision. He was patient while we walked through a huge number of floorpan layout permutations and helped us avoid pitfalls. He is very knowledgeable about code requirements and making the design usable. One example of the latter, I had initially wanted a larger open shower but he pointed out that the larger volume of air wouldn’t heat up and I’d always be cold! Sean really helped us avoid a lot of mistakes that a less skilled architect may not have. > > One of Sean's greatest strengths is his masterful handling of the bureaucratic aspects of our project. He shouldered the majority of design review and permitting processes, maintaining constant communication with various departments to prevent delays. His proactive approach paid off – the city officials specifically commented on how quickly our project moved through approval compared to similar projects. > > Sean has a good network of professionals - e.g. contractors, structural engineers, geotechnical reports and surveyors. I was happy with all, especially his contractors. He put us in touch with several capable builders early in the process and ensured we interviewed each and contacted references. Thanks to his insistence, we had selected a builder (one of his recommendations) ahead of permit issuance. Without Sean’s guidance, this process would have been delayed and I’d have less confidence in the choice. > > Throughout the entire process, Sean demonstrated unwavering professionalism while making the experience enjoyable and educational. His combination of technical expertise, practical knowledge, and client-focused approach makes him an exceptional architect. Working with Sean was a pleasure, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire him again for future projects. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you so much for your kind words Alex! This means so much to me. Here's hoping our new design fits you perfectly for the long run! **★★★★★ — Tao Z., Feb. 2025** > We couldn’t be happier with the incredible work Sean did on our home renovation! From the very beginning, he made the process seamless, walking us through multiple floor plan options with ease. What truly set Sean apart was his unwavering commitment to our vision. He skillfully pushed back against subjective Design Review comments to maintain the design elements we were most excited about, ensuring that our home turned out exactly as we had imagined. The 3D design he created was nothing short of stunning, taking direct inspiration from our ideas and translating them into a home that feels uniquely ours. And let’s talk about that second story—it’s absolutely killer! > > We loved the new pergola Sean designed, it perfectly complementing our round pool and adding an incredible outdoor element to our home. Not only did he design it beautifully, but he also went to bat for us, making sure the engineering consultants honored their agreed-upon fee rather than tacking on unnecessary costs—something we deeply appreciated. > > Throughout the process, Sean was incredibly responsive, adapting the design quickly to accommodate our requests while also offering honest, expert advice when he felt a change wasn’t in our best interest. He was always available to meet, ensuring we felt comfortable every step of the way. He even introduced us to several builders, helping us find the perfect fit for our project. > > Despite the sometimes slow City review process, Sean’s plans were so well-executed that they required only one round of comments—an impressive feat! He handled revision requests swiftly, always working to move things forward as efficiently as possible. > > If you’re looking for an architect who is talented, efficient, professional, and genuinely enjoyable to work with, look no further than Sean. We are beyond thrilled with his design and can’t thank him enough for bringing our vision to life! **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Wow Tao! Thank you for this kind review! I'm so excited to see your backyard transform with the new pergola and your incredible 2nd story views! **★★★★★ — ctandjt123, Feb. 2025** > Sean from Aardvark Architecture is an amazing architect and I couldn't be happier to recommend him. In a nutshell he is very professional, knowledgeable, prompt, and energetic. > > My husband and I interviewed numerous architects and “all-in-one” design firms. Our first hired architect was from an "all-in-one" design firm and we regretted our choice. After multiple moments of terrible miscommunication, head scratching moments, failed expectations and a lot of wasted time, we fired that original firm and hired Sean. Sean has a wealth of knowledge and you can tell he is experienced with various aesthetics, calculations, city codes, city permitting processes, and contractor interactions. He is very timely and once we hired him, he jumped into his process and got the ball rolling. Our project was a little unique in that we are in a flood zone. Even with that, Sean was able to navigate the tricky flood zone issue and provide a great experience for our family. > > We wanted to keep as much of our existing home to not trigger our project as a “new build” and Sean was very cognizant of that - while also sharing that demolishing the whole house and starting fresh would probably be easier on the demo crew and quicker. In the end, he heard our concerns and delivered what we asked. Sean wanted to understand us as a family, what our needs were for the new space, and kept this at the forefront of his design. Sean was quick to come up with a floorplan, and make iterations after we voiced our comments. Our favorite part was seeing the 3D model YouTube videos (which is included in Sean’s scope). Once we got to the 3D rendering phase, Sean also shared his opinions when we asked for changes which were sometimes not perspectives we considered. At the end of the day Sean will do what you as the client ask, but he also shares valuable perspectives and alternate ideas which is also helpful feedback. > > Working with Sean was a great experience and I would recommend him in a heartbeat or use him for our future projects. He is VERY upbeat and energetic as well as passionate about architecture and providing a great home for his clients. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you so much for sharing this! You two were such a pleasure to work with, and I'm so eager to see your old structure feel brand new again! **★★★★★ — Lisa King-Lynn, Jan. 2025** > We first got to know Sean when he was working at another firm. We liked him right away. We loved his designs, his speed, his responsiveness, his personality. When we found out he was starting his own firm, we couldn't wait to work with him again. Until then, we recommended him to whomever we could. > > Recently we were able to work with Sean again on a new home build. We wanted a home to suit our tastes and needs but also take into account future resale potential, and he was able to walk that fine line effortlessly, such as creating a flex room that we could use for band performance but also easily be used as an office or gym. Sean suggested an attached JADU instead of the detached ADU we were thinking for aging parents in order to provide convenience and accessibility with less disruption to the yard. And, he designed it in a way that was not only great for aging parents (e.g., curbless shower) but could efficiently work as a rental with its exterior entry and design. > > In fact, Sean incorporated all our wish-list items into an impressive, amazing design that was also practical and livable without overdesigning and still remaining cost-conscious. Sean has probably designed the first basement that won't feel like a basement with the amount of natural light and ventilation he planned. Actually, he made sure to incorporate lots of natural light and ventilation throughout the home. Further, Sean designed a home that feels timeless, inside and out, with modern comforts (e.g., a mudroom, appliance garage, basement bar, w/d in primary bedroom, skylights, etc.). > > He was able to pivot seamlessly when the City of Palo Alto made a change to the guidelines mid-project that eliminated 400 sf from the basement. The new design still feels spacious, complete, and intentional, like how it was always meant to be. And, he reached out to a handful of builders on our behalf when we were confused and unsure about the dewatering process for a basement. > > Most of all, Sean is great to work with. He listens and is super responsive, flexible, and fast. And don't be surprised if he gets the design near perfect on the first pass. You'll be searching for things to nitpick. Besides 2D plans, Sean provides a guided 3D video tour, which makes reviewing plans super fun and exciting and gives a more real-world view of the design. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you thank you thank you Lisa! =) I can't wait to see the end results for your amazing naturally lit basement home in Palo Alto! Yes, it frustrated me that the Planning Department changed their rules halfway thru our project, but your understanding and flexibility really helped keep us on track for your amazing new home. **★★★★★ — Conundrum Designs, Nov. 2024** > I am a licensed architect and a fellow construciton professional. I have worked with Sean for 10+ years. I appreciate his impeccable professionalism and work ethic in deliverable high level design while meeting the owner's stringent expectations. We have completed several projects together and the clients are always pleased with the transparent process and the end result. Sean's attention to the detailed aesthetic is what stands out the most. It is always a pleasure working with Sean and I will continue this working relationship through the rest of my career. **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you so much! Here's to a long and successful career for the both of us! =) **★★★★★ — kds design group, Oct. 2024** > I have known and worked with Sean (Sensitive Information Hidden) for many years and appreciate his skill and talent on every project we've worked on. His creative design skills are fantastic along with his 3D ability. He understands budgets, is an expert with city building departments, and knows how to execute. You are in excellent hands working with Sean Rinde! **Comment from Aardvark Architecture:** > Thank you Kara! I'm looking forward to our next project together! =) ## Selected projects - [Santa Clara New Courtyard Home for Lauren](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-clara-new-courtyard-home-for-lauren-pj-vj~6874451) - Location: Santa Clara, CA - Photos: 142 - Description: Direct from the owner: "Work with Sean for a great mix of fun, talent, and efficiency. He was very enjoyable to work with, and came up with fantastic designs – and I’m pretty sure he also saved us over half a year by helping us sail through city bureaucracy. We had a bunch of quirky and specific requests going into my tear-down & rebuild project. Sean discussed our needs with us thoughtfully and then worked with us to design a house that fits our needs and personalities, and is also beautiful. W… - [San Jose ADU + Recording Studio + Home Gym for Mike&Amy](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-adu-recording-studio-home-gym-for-mikeandamy-pj-vj~6379203) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 95 - Description: Direct from the owners: "Sean has been a great partner for us both as we figured out what we wanted to do for our ADU and then as we moved through the construction process. He not only created a beautiful design for us, but helped us navigate the ins and outs of a construction project like this (we’d never embarked on anything like this before). We really appreciated his hands on partnership to help us figure out what we really wanted and to create a fantastic design that captured it all, to fin… - [Redwood City Addition + ADU for Ron&Fiona](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redwood-city-addition-adu-for-ronandfiona-pj-vj~6379163) - Location: Redwood City, CA - Photos: 116 - Description: Direct from the owners: "We've known Sean for more than two years and are now working together on our second residential project. Sean's attention to detail stands out in everything - not just in his designs but also in his communication. He has a knack for keeping the high-level needs/wants from the owner in mind while outlining all the details needed. That ability is a valuable asset when working on residential projects which tend to be very dynamic. Our second project will be breaking ground… - [Newark Lakeside Whole House Interior Remodel for Kris&Henry](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/newark-lakeside-whole-house-interior-remodel-for-krisandhenry-pj-vj~6379244) - Location: Newark, CA - Photos: 73 - Description: Direct from the owners: "Sean at Aardvark Architecture was an amazing part of the team for our major remodel and home addition project. We hired Sean after an extensive interview process because he came up with a very compelling design to maximize our properties view of a nearby lake. After going back and forth with Sean on the floor plan layout of the home, we initially decided against Sean's first suggestions of putting our master suite on the lake-side of our property because we were concerne… - [Los Gatos Hillside Remodel and Addition for Audrey&Alex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-gatos-hillside-remodel-and-addition-for-audreyandalex-pj-vj~6717160) - Location: Los Gatos, CA - Photos: 66 - Description: Audrey and Alex's fantastic project is all about making the most of the amazing building envelope they had recently purchased. The first order of business was to create a much larger sense of openness and space and this is achieved by vaulted ceilings within the existing roof framing, and relocating gas fireplace columns from the middle of the now wide open space. A new wall of glass and new open stairs allow for a much more intimate connection to the beautiful and lush green hillside landscapin… - [San Jose Detached Office and Pergola + Xeriscaping](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-detached-office-and-pergola-xeriscaping-pj-vj~7434522) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 32 - Description: A detached office structure plus a large fully covered patio completely transforms a small yet still underutilized backyard space into a functional and lush oasis. Xeriscaping with drought tolerant succulents create an ultra-low maintenance landscape that still feels teeming with life and excitement. Earthen boulders, water features, fire pits, and windchimes shaped as birdhouses complete the family's request to incorporate the 4 Natural Elements into the design. - [San Jose Rose Garden Historic Master Suite Addition for Beth&Andrew](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-rose-garden-historic-master-suite-addition-for-bethandandrew-pj-vj~6292198) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 20 - Description: My clients loved their 2-bedroom 1-bath home in the historic Rose Garden district of San Jose. But as their family continued to grow, they knew they needed to expand their home’s footprint if they were going to maintain their sanity with two young children. They reached out to me to design a master suite addition that would feel like it was always there, not something that was just tacked on. We quickly explored their preconceived notions for how the new addition would incorporate into the exist… - [Menlo Park New Home and Detached ADU for Eilien&Kim](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/menlo-park-new-home-and-detached-adu-for-eilienandkim-pj-vj~7005357) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 124 - Description: Direct from the owners: "We absolutely love working with Sean! His boundless energy and creativity are infectious, and he's always on top of everything. Not only is he incredibly organized, but his communication skills are top-notch. Sean is always there to listen and ensure that we're comfortable every step of the way, demonstrating true professionalism. "Our project was quite challenging, requiring us to design a single-family home while incorporating six oaks and five redwoods into the layout… - [Palo Alto New Two-Story Home over Basement with Junior ADU for Lisa&Hansel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-new-two-story-home-over-basement-with-junior-adu-for-lisaandhansel-pj-vj~7263451) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Direct from the owners: "We first got to know Sean when he was working at another firm. We liked him right away. We loved his designs, his speed, his responsiveness, his personality. When we found out he was starting his own firm, we couldn't wait to work with him again. Until then, we recommended him to whomever we could. Recently we were able to work with Sean again on a new home build. We wanted a home to suit our tastes and needs but also take into account future resale potential, and he was… - [Saratoga New Home and ADU for Matthew's Family](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/saratoga-new-home-and-adu-for-matthew-s-family-pj-vj~7236692) - Location: Saratoga, CA - Photos: 26 - Description: A new single-family home on an expansive beautifully wooded lot in Saratoga. The main home is one story The development also features a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The home has a total of 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, as well as a huge entertaining kitchen with commanding views of the largest trees on site just beyond the covered patio. The home features tall expanses of glass at key spots to fully take in the impressive tree canopies. The covered patio roof is filled with skylights in… - [Cupertino 2nd Story Addition and Pergola for Alex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cupertino-2nd-story-addition-and-pergola-for-alex-pj-vj~7346318) - Location: Cupertino, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: Direct from the owners! "Sean is a fantastic architect, and I recommend him without reservation. His expertise and thoughtful approach exceeded our expectations at every turn. I hired Sean to do a 2nd floor addition to our single story ranch house. Unlike others I interviewed, he didn’t enter with a preconceived conclusion of which direction we should go (teardown/rebuild vs. addition). He took time to understand our functional requirements and priorities before making a recommendation. The diff… - [San Carlos New Two Story Home for Gaurav&Holly](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-carlos-new-two-story-home-for-gauravandholly-pj-vj~7633010) - Location: San Carlos, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Direct from the owners: "It's been awesome working with Sean this past year for our new home construction project. Sean brought an amazing vision for a unique Spanish / Mission styled home. He cared deeply for our own design needs and thoughts, and I think a really spectacular addition he had was an awesome looking formal dining room which I truly appreciate having grown up in the east coast. I'm continually amazed at just how much he deeply knows about architecture, design, all the rules, the s… - [Los Altos Hills New Two Story Home over Full Basement + Detached ADU for Wavecho](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-new-two-story-home-over-full-basement-detached-adu-for-wavecho-pj-vj~7633001) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 35 - [San Jose Remodel and Addition + Garage to ADU Conversion for Vikram&Priya](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-remodel-and-addition-garage-to-adu-conversion-for-vikramandpriya-pj-vj~7633467) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: Best Decision We Made! Visionary, Technical, and a Great Communicator Working with Sean Rinde was, without a doubt, the single best decision we made for our complex, down-to-the-guts home remodel and new ADU project. We are beyond thrilled with the final design and the entire experience. Sean is a rare combination of creative visionary, technical expert, and world-class communicator, and we cannot recommend him highly enough. From our very first call, we knew Sean was different. Our biggest prio… - [San Jose Flood Zone Addition+Remodel for Jason&Caleh](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-flood-zone-addition-remodel-for-jasonandcaleh-pj-vj~7561776) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Direct from the owners! "Sean from Aardvark Architecture is an amazing architect and I couldn't be happier to recommend him. In a nutshell he is very professional, knowledgeable, prompt, and energetic. My husband and I interviewed numerous architects and “all-in-one” design firms. Our first hired architect was from an "all-in-one" design firm and we regretted our choice. After multiple moments of terrible miscommunication, head scratching moments, failed expectations and a lot of wasted time, we… - [San Jose Rose Garden Covered Patio and Detached Pool House for Jenna&James](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-rose-garden-covered-patio-and-detached-pool-house-for-jennaandjames-pj-vj~6535806) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: Jenna & James' first look at Aardvark's proposed design in 3D made using @SketchUp​ software. This new covered patio and outdoor kitchen and detached pool house for a newly installed pool are defined by simple and playful tilted planes that showcase wood siding and steel rod cross bracing. AND Direct from the owner: "We are so glad we hired Sean to design our home remodel, and we honestly wish we would have just hired him to build a brand new house instead of a remodel (and to be fair, he did tr… - [Palo Alto New Two-Story Home over Basement with ADU+Junior ADU for Wavecho](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-new-two-story-home-over-basement-with-adu-junior-adu-for-wavecho-pj-vj~7236670) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 28 - [Jenna&James' Rose Garden Whole House Remodel and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jennaandjames-rose-garden-whole-house-remodel-and-addition-pj-vj~6874354) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 49 - [San Jose Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (1,000 square foot) for Steph&Blake](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-detached-accessory-dwelling-unit-1-000-square-foot-for-stephandblake-pj-vj~6470234) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Direct from the owners: "We hired Sean as the Design Architect for an Accessory Dwelling Unit for the back of our property in San Jose. I’m a licensed architect myself, but I didn’t have the time or knowledge of residential projects to do the design properly. Selecting Aardvark to help was a great decision! Sean was very thorough in his research of what’s permissible on our lot. He was thoughtful in the questions he asked us to understand clearly what we were looking for in the design. He brough… - [San Jose Remodel and Addition + Loft + Art Studio for Livius&Andrea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-remodel-and-addition-loft-art-studio-for-liviusandandrea-pj-vj~6874411) - Location: San Jose, CA - Photos: 28 [See all 24 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aardvark-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1513852586) ## Ideabooks - [Kitchens with Vaulted Ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177982075/list/kitchens-with-vaulted-ceilings) — 7 ideas - [TVs Offset From Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171345221/list/tvs-offset-from-fireplaces) — 7 ideas - [Basement Natural Light: Lightwells vs Patios](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157447978/list/basement-natural-light-lightwells-vs-patios) — 18 ideas - [Home Office](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136848580/list/home-office) — 8 ideas - [Shashank&Drashti Low](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152456166/list/shashank-drashti-low) — 11 ideas - [Concealed Doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/148790462/list/concealed-doors) — 4 ideas - [Wood Slat Wall](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140337144/list/wood-slat-wall) — 19 ideas - [Stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140317048/list/stairs) — 1 idea - [Vaulted Ceilings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/140316856/list/vaulted-ceilings) — 11 ideas - [Frameless Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139280666/list/frameless-windows) — 1 idea - [Concrete Walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138662440/list/concrete-walls) — 20 ideas - [Curved Cabinets](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138450044/list/curved-cabinets) — 8 ideas - [Contemporary Accessory Dwelling Units](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138340566/list/contemporary-accessory-dwelling-units) — 41 ideas - [Hardscape Materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138340807/list/hardscape-materials) — 1 idea - [Sunny Spots](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138340778/list/sunny-spots) — 1 idea - [Contemporary Entries](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/135510166/list/contemporary-entries) — 1 idea [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/aardvarkarchitecture) ## Community Q&A **Q: Curb Appeal Help Needed for 1960's Ranch** *(in Before & After)* A: Plants in planters will do wonders! Your home just needs some added life under the windows =) **Q: 30-Year-Old Master Bathroom Transformation - Before & After** *(in Before & After)* I wanted to share a recently completed project that turned out so fun! The homeowner reached out because her 30-year-old master bathroom felt cramped, dark, and outdated. While going to the trouble of renovating the space, she wanted to update the layout so it felt more functional for her everyday life. (This was how the bathroom looked before the renovation:) Her wish list included a freestanding tub, a separate shower, double sinks (she only had one!), updated cabinets and finishes, better lighting, fresh paint… basically a full overhaul. The tricky part was figuring out how to maximize the existing footprint so we could fit everything without making the room feel cramped. We ended up reworking the layout and were able to give her everything she hoped for. We also carved out space for a toilet room with a door and added a storage cabinet to help keep things uncluttered. For the finishes, she wanted something light, clean, and modern—so here’s what we used: • Bathroom Floor: Sande Gray Matte 12x24 • Vanity Faucets: Delta Kayra two-handle widespread in Champagne Bronze • Freestanding Tub: MAAX Ariosa with Delta Kayra Roman tub trim in Champagne Bronze • Shower Walls: Nordico Snow Polish 12x24 paired with Krea Lullaby Gloss 4x16 for a soft, fresh contrast • Shower Floor: Royal Calacatta mosaic 12x12 • Shower Fixtures: Delta Kayra valve trim + Delta Grail adjustable wall-mount hand shower, both in Champagne Bronze • Shower Head: Brizo Classic Round in Luxe Gold Now the space feels totally refreshed—bright, open, and so much more functional. She’s thrilled with how it turned out, and honestly, so are we! A: Whoa, where you'd get all that extra space! The tub does look a smidge cramped in there, hope it's spacious enough for you. =) **Q: IKEA + Scherr’s White + Green Kitchen Before & After** *(in Before & After)* I’ve loved reading kitchen reveals for years and hope that mine can bring some inspiration or enjoyment to other readers! Though I only posted once about this kitchen, I have learned so much from helpful folks here. Thank you, @Buehl, @cpartist, @mrspete, @sheloveslayouts, @mamagoose, @Jan Moyer, @Debbi Washburn, @palimpsest, @rebunky, @Diana Bier Interiors, @anj\_p, @The Kitchen Place, @sushipup, @John Liu, @Mark Bischak, @thinkdesignlive, @Joseph Corlett, and a number of folks whose handles I can’t find anymore. And for inspiration, in particular @cherylhewitt's chef drawer @breezygirl's tower and windows. Before The cabinets were the original 80’s cabinets, with a coat of white paint on them. After we moved in, we covered the granite with marble contact paper (because you could never tell if the granite was clean!), switched out the handles, put after-market roll-out drawers in the pantry cabinets, made a lower cabinet into a slide-out trash, changed the lighting, and otherwise lived with it. Over 7 years, we had replaced the range, fridge, and dishwasher. The biggest pain points were a main walkway between the range and sink/prep space, hard to access storage, and pinch point between end of peninsula and fridge. Design We spent years thinking about various configurations. We ended up with a broken L with island. My biggest stress with this was two-fold. (1) I did not want the main sink on the island, but it didn’t fit anywhere else. I wanted a prep sink to have two sources of water. And (2) I was very nervous about putting the cooking zone in a major walkway. I also (3) didn’t want 4 in a row seating, but as the dining table is so nearby, I deprioritized that wish. All have turned out to be non-issues! (1) There is more than enough prep space on the 9’ island even with the sink. We put in a drinking faucet specifically to be able to have two sources of water so one person can grab water even if the other is washing dishes. (There are actually three sources with the fridge dispenser!). (2) As for the walkway, a few things have mitigated what I do think is a design flaw. First, the range is not directly in the crossroads, but further down. Second, the alternative traffic route has a larger aisle and goes towards the more attractive destination (playroom vs dining) so the kids naturally go that way and not through the cooking zone. Finally, there is a full 48” counter to counter between the range and island so even when people walk through it doesn’t feel too crowded. Construction We opened the playroom wall up about 13 inches. We had three soffits; we removed two as there was nothing in there. We pulled the third back a little but opted to keep the rest due to cost. Instead, we extended it across the dining room; then used the soffit dimensions to frame an opening to the living room. We are pleased! After Sources Design - We did the overall design but Inspired Kitchen Designs (IKD) plotted it all together. They made one major mistake in for some reason not taking into account a window that would have led to a complete redo, but when we caught it on final check they redid the design for free. Floor Tile - Style Selections Carrara Fresca 13-in x 13-in Matte Porcelain Marble Look Floor and Wall Tile Satori Regent Argento 13-in x 13-in Matte Porcelain Stone Look Floor and Wall Tile Wall Tile - Mineral Tiles Reflections Forest 6x6 Cabinets - IKEA Sektion with four tweaks. The above fridge cabinet is pulled off the wall (the default cabinet would not have been flush with the fridge). The left tower is custom made by Scherr’s. The under siink cabinet holds an 18 inch trash that required a minor hack. The right tower has a very minor hack to include a Docking Drawer charger. Doors - Scherr’s 400 series in Extra White. As noted, they did the left tower totally custom after I realized that the IKEA option for an appliance garage would lead to not fitting the KitchenAid. They used Blum hinges on the mechanism. Counters - Glacier White Corian with double 3/16” radius edge Appliances and Such Zephyr Tempest II hood Sharp 24” microwave drawer Fisher Paykel DishDrawer Bosch diswasher LG fridge LG induction range Kohler strive Sink 36” farmhouse workstation Rev a Shelf trash drawer with IKEA Utrusta auto opener Delta Theodora faucet Moen soap dispenser with Never MT Aquasana drinking faucet Cuisinart Toaster Oven Amerock Kane handles and knobs Recessed 4” cans Favorites Appliance garage Auto trash open Aisle space Ease of unloading the dishwasher right into drawers. Oversize cabinet knobs Faucet Counters Island dimensions Trade-offs It’s hard to call these regrets as they were more trade-offs. The under sink trash was cut down by a centimeter to fit. Traded a slightly larger exterior window for two slightly smaller ones, specifically to be able to see a full row of backsplash at the top and bottom A few darker spots at night. Will probably add another two cans on the soffit around the range and undercabinet lights at the toaster oven. Storage Map The dotted lines are hidden drawers. A: Dang, what a detailed post! Would be super amazing to tie some costs to the details you've already shared. Either a sum total or any breakdown. Numbers or not, what a great update! **Q: James hardie** *(in Before & After)* Siding & Roofing A: James Hardie! Which profile is this one? **Q: Bathroom design dilemma** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello good people, can you help me decide between two bathroom layouts? Which one do you preffer? Does any design has some obvious mistakes? Im a bit mroe for option 1 but i feel it would be somewaht too minimalistic or empty. Thank you for your comments and your help A: I prefer the bottom option as the toilet feels roomier, plus I like the towel space next to the shower as you're showing in your rendering. However, I'd suggest flipping the door swing to block the view of the toilet when opening the door and get even more wall space for a towel warmer by the shower. **Q: basement renovation** *(in Polls)* Currently have a dated drop ceiling. But height is too low for treadmill and feels confined. Basement is very spacious Leaning toward exposed ceiling. Painting black or off black. The cross beams are steel. My only aversion to this is noise factor. Is there a be product that is available for sound reduction to place between beams on to the wood area to help with noise reduction but is visually appealing? A: Spray foam insulation is great for fully insulating tight spaces, then you could spray paint it matte black. If the visual texture isn't to your liking, you could spread black sheets along the ceiling and fasten the material into the foam with purpose made large wide thread screws. All that said, it'd be a lot cheaper and easier to go with rigid foam boards that are snug-fit into place. It's not as good for sound insulation, but it'll look better and be easier to finish if you don't like the texture of the black painted expanded spray foam. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-04.*