---
title: "Sven Lavine Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sven-lavine-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1736536504
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1736536504.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Sven Lavine Architecture"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6ec33ceb085affb0_0492-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "3730 Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States"
latitude: 37.7509
longitude: -122.4153
phone: "(415) 647-7061"
website: http://slarchitecture.com/
rating: 5
review_count: 8
best_of_houzz_awards: 3
followers: 176
last_updated: 2026-09-21
---

# Sven Lavine Architecture

Original Houzz profile: [Sven Lavine Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sven-lavine-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1736536504)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Albany, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Piedmont, Tiburon, Sausalito, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Founded in 1999, Sven Lavine Architecture is a San Francisco Bay Area Architecture and Design firm specializing in sustainable residential remodeling and new construction. Sven’s focus is on creating sustainable design solutions using innovative and unique techniques and materials, to create a harmonious, balanced environment, that serves your needs.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Green Building
- Bathroom Design
- Universal Design
- Project Management
- Basement Remodeling
- Basement Design
- Attic Conversion
- Staircase Design

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Alameda
- South San Francisco
- San Bruno
- Pacifica
- Albany
- Emeryville
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Piedmont
- Tiburon
- Sausalito
- Brisbane
- Broadmoor
- Marin City
- Belvedere
- Colma
- Muir Beach
- Belvedere Tiburon

### Typical Job Cost

$500,000 - 6 million

We currently take on projects with a $500,000 minimum construction cost budget.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Sven Lavine Architecture |
| Address | 3730 Folsom Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States |
| Phone | (415) 647-7061 |
| Website | http://slarchitecture.com/ |
| License Number | C30122 |
| Followers on Houzz | 176 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Sven Lavine Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sven-lavine-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1736536504)
- **Website:** http://slarchitecture.com/
- **Phone:** (415) 647-7061

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- AIA

- **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews**

### All 8 reviews

**★★★★★ — kmr422, March 2018**

> Sven and his team did a wonderful job on our home renovation. From the initial “idea” meetings, to discovering our “design palette” to figuring out our lighting & electrical plans, and working closely with our contractor to ensure nothing was overlooked, Sven and his group of designers helped create a family home that we love.
> Our renovation was fairly big and included gutting the existing 2,300 square feet and adding an additional 2,200 square feet. There were many decisions to be made and we felt Sven guided us thoughtfully through each milestone. And being relatively naive to the whole process of renovating in San Francisco, Sven led us smoothly through the many phases and hurdles presented along the way.
> While our project ended up being much bigger than we originally imagined we are very happy with the outcome and now have the perfect home for our family. Sven has a modern eye which we appreciate and he pushed us in a direction we may not have been brave enough to take ourselves. He’s well versed in new technologies and building methods and was able to inform us on products to consider for our home. We highly recommend Sven Lavine Architecture for any home project you may be considering.

**★★★★★ — sass12, May 2016**

> We hired Sven to help with a major remodel of our apartment: rip out the kitchen, redo 2 baths, and ultimately (because the value-add of his plans was so convincing) replace original attic stairs with a fabulous showcase staircase.
>
> Sven started the project by giving us MANY layout options for our large kitchen space. He has wonderful design software so you can really visualize the options. In the end, despite significant structural challenges opening up our kitchen to our dining room, plus discovering structural damage to our unit’s subfloor, our open, airy kitchen is exactly as shown on Sven’s original renderings. We couldn’t be happier.
>
> The staircase is also amazing. Here too Sven offered many creative design options, involving shifting/relocating the stairs and different aesthetic approaches. What used to be narrow attic stairs is now a generous, modern staircase with plenty of light.
>
> Sven was also superb in suggesting lighting for the apartment, something which really wasn’t on the list. The lighting is striking (recessed strip LED lighting) in the kitchen ceiling plus beautiful hidden lighting in a large built-in bookcase. I always receive compliments on the lighting as soon as guests enter the apartment.
>
> Sven also introduced us to other great professionals, Brad Doran as the contractor, and Alissa Lillie, an interior designer, who advised on many of the finishes in the apartment.

**★★★★★ — houwzer, Feb. 2016**

> We hired Sven to evaluate and design expansion options for our 3 level Single Family Home in Bernal Heights. Out of the architects we interviewed he was the only one with sufficient understanding of the Special Zoning restrictions in our neighborhood.
> While we were originally considering a downstairs expansion he suggested building a roof dormer instead and convert our attic space for a more economical and higher value addition.
> During the planning phase he guided us through all the stages and later changes of our plans and navigated the planning / building department approvals. A lengthy process since we had to go through historical review and decided to add a bathroom at a later stage.
> Although Sven is the first architect we hired, I don't think another firm would have been able to be as flexible and responsive. He comes greatly recommended.

**★★★★★ — marnie86, Feb. 2016**

> The Lavine Architecture group  design my kitchen and it has worked perfectly everyone that comes in the home comments about what a beautiful design it is and how well it functions. I'm able to have many guests in my kitchen and no one seems crowded. Because the kitchen is where people allways gather  matter how large your home.

**★★★★★ — loveland and company general contracting, Jan. 2013**

> Sven Lavine Architecture is a really remarkable firm.
>
> Sven, particularly, has provided uncanny attention to detail during the building phase on multiple projects.
>
> I have yet to meet a client who was anything but delighted with this firm.
>
>
>
> Loveland and Company

**★★★★★ — Jennifer Nielsen, Nov. 2012**

> Sven is an excellent architect and drew up some amazing plans to rebuild our troubling back stairs in San Francisco.  After a long process of getting city permits and finishing the work, the stairs are beautiful and I can imagine have added tremendous value to our property.  I highly recommend Sven, he was very accommodating and quick to respond to questions.  And no doubt delivered an excellent design that we'll enjoy for years to come.

**★★★★★ — facebok, Nov. 2012**

> Sven is a pleasure to work with, he is a great designer, problem solver
> and very good with people.  I would recommend his Company for any
> architectural project.

**★★★★★ — jpbalajadia, Oct. 2012**

> We have used Sven for (2) house remodel projects now in the past 5-years. One was a conversion of a small sitting-room/bedroom into a master bathroom and walk-in closet. The second project was a complete house remodel of a +100 year old victorian, inclusive of: an added story into an existing attic space with the addition of (2) bedrooms and a bathroom, complete structural upgrade, kitchen remodel and owners representation to the City of San Francisco Planning Department.
>
> Sven was a very easy person to work with. He understood our project goals, timelines and budgets and worked well with our contractors and interior designers. He offered several options to us for space plans and worked with us through design changes that crept up during construction, he was a real asset to the overall team.

## Selected projects

- [Bonview Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bonview-remodel-pj-vj~7643115)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: A Small Home, A Big Transformation This renovation reimagined the smallest home on the block into a stunning four-story residence that fully embraces its steep lot and expansive views of Twin Peaks. Originally a modest single-story home, the space was transformed for a British family of four seeking a modern, functional layout. We placed the main living areas on the top floor to capture the best views, added a cantilevered deck with large sliding doors for indoor-outdoor flow, and introduced a f…
- [Alta Vista Victorian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alta-vista-victorian-pj-vj~6655214)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Full interior remodel & reconfiguration of victorian home using a modern open plan
- [Sausalito Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sausalito-residence-pj-vj~75518)
  - Location: Sausalito, CA
  - Photos: 37
  - Description: A new home with detached ADU constructed on a steeply sloping site
- [Stacked Room Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stacked-room-addition-pj-vj~6655257)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 24
  - Description: This San Francisco couple wanted to add some informal living space to their cozy, 1 story Victorian home. They envisioned a 3 story rear addition, containing 3 stacked spaces: a family room off the existing main level, with a guest room below and a master suite above. The addition could be a radical departure from the traditional main house, with modern flow and detail. The three stories are connected by a light filled open stairway, which functions more as a piece of art
- [Sunset addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunset-addition-pj-vj~2984635)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 17
- [Buena Vista Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/buena-vista-remodel-pj-vj~6655318)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
- [Corner of Bernal](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/corner-of-bernal-pj-vj~6655346)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Modern addition to traditional stick style cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-addition-to-traditional-stick-style-cottage-pj-vj~1500712)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [Bernal Heights Remodel 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernal-heights-remodel-2-pj-vj~18007)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Renovated bedroom incorporating a large window/door and wood slat wall separating it from the new bathroom.
- [Contemporary San Francisco Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-san-francisco-kitchen-pj-vj~2350393)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Presidio Heights Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/presidio-heights-remodel-pj-vj~1636134)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 8
- [Russian Hill Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/russian-hill-remodel-pj-vj~17450)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Originally consisting of 2 flats, this 3 story building located on the North edge of San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood was completely gutted and remodeled, and converted into a single family home. The original enclosed stairwell was opened up to all floors, filing the house with a light and increasing a sense of connection. Mid-century modern elements, like the asymmetrical fireplace were retained in form, but updated with more elegant finishes.
- [San Jose Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-jose-remodel-pj-vj~18279)
  - Location: San Jose, CA
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: This remodeled and expanded ranch house exhibits a modern esthetic not typically seen in this suburban neighborhood in San Jose, CA.
- [Diamond Heights remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diamond-heights-remodel-pj-vj~26141)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Lower Height Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lower-height-remodel-pj-vj~17325)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 3
- [Lavine Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lavine-residence-pj-vj~17433)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 1
- [Bernal Heights Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernal-heights-remodel-pj-vj~17963)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: A remodel brings an open plan and modern esthetic to this former earthquake shelter.

[See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/sven-lavine-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1736536504)

## Ideabooks

- [Offices](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180240681/list/offices) — 9 ideas
- [Wine rooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171174403/list/wine-rooms) — 5 ideas
- [Slat walls](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/171023719/list/slat-walls) — 5 ideas
- [3730](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169633539/list/3730) — 8 ideas
- [Casa Cate](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169568407/list/casa-cate) — 6 ideas
- [SLT](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169568338/list/slt) — 2 ideas
- [Ribbon stair](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/161797672/list/ribbon-stair) — 3 ideas
- [SLT landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159603019/list/slt-landscape) — 30 ideas
- [bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125221607/list/bathroom) — 3 ideas
- [Maine](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113016735/list/maine) — 2 ideas
- [Banon](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5172032/list/banon) — 4 ideas
- [Rutledge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106144045/list/rutledge) — 9 ideas
- [Banon siding](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/92543810/list/banon-siding) — 6 ideas
- [Castro](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54927398/list/castro) — 13 ideas
- [site](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81423393/list/site) — 1 idea
- [Chenery](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/81423341/list/chenery) — 1 idea
- [Wilshire](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/79638066/list/wilshire) — 30 ideas
- [Foerester](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74824282/list/foerester) — 3 ideas
- [svenl's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/524016/list/svenl-s-ideas) — 83 ideas
- [stainless guardrails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/73404832/list/stainless-guardrails) — 13 ideas

[See all 44 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/svenl)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Stairs** *(in Photo Questions)*

Did you use a company for the stairs or custom build them? Thank you.

A: Thanks

**Q: wood slats on the wall?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hello, what is the wood product and finish of the slats behind the bed? Thank you!

A: Hi, that is just a standard red cedar from our lumber supplier

**Q: love the stunning shower wall!** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is it? Natural or synthetic? Is it backlit?

A: It is an onyx slab backlit with an LED panel

**Q: Stair material** *(in Photo Questions)*

is this stair case made of wood? or metal? i love the horizontal lines. Very nice work.

A: Thanks. The structure is made of steel with a black waxed finish. Treads and top rail are oak.

**Q: Myra** *(in Photo Questions)*

please what was used for the floor?

A: It is Oak

**Q: Sliding Glass Door** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the size of the doors?

A: It is a 12'-0" x 6'-8" Fleetwood 3000 door.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-21.*