--- title: "Joseph Farrell Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-farrell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828775941 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1828775941.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Joseph Farrell Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/74732971051c008c_7874-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "372 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Suite C, Novato, California 94949, United States" latitude: 38.0618 longitude: -122.5404 phone: "(415) 689-1967" website: http://www.farrellarc.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 358 last_updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Joseph Farrell Architecture > Marin's Eco-Minded Architectural Design Firm \| 6x Best of Houzz Winner Original Houzz profile: [Joseph Farrell Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-farrell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828775941) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Novato, CA - **Serves:** San Rafael, Novato, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Corte Madera, Lucas Valley-Marinwood, Saint Helena, Santa Venetia, Sleepy Hollow, Ross, Fairfax, Lagunitas-Forest Knolls, Black Point-Green Point, Woodacre, San Geronimo, Nicasio, Forest Knolls, Greenbrae, Lagunitas, Napa County, Sonoma County - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Verified Hires ### Business highlights - 1 Verified Hire Joseph Farrell says, “While the core of my practice has always been residential projects, my body of work ranges from high-end custom homes to renovations of existing homes. The focus of my designs is the creation of artful homes that are energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive. All designs strive to integrate natural light, air, views, landscape, and community. Joseph Farrell’s goals have always been to create homes that improve the lives of their occupants and to do so in an environmentally conscious way. Much attention lately has been placed upon sustainable and efficient design, giving birth to the “Green” movement. Green buildings are designed, constructed and maintained to enhance the lives of their occupants and to create healthy communities by being energy efficient, improving indoor air quality and conserving natural resources Cost Details: Typical construction costs for residential projects in the greater SF Bay Area ranges from $300-$600/sq. ft. For high-end custom construction, the costs can be $800+/sq. ft. Typical Architectural Fees can be 3%-6% of construction costs. Architectural fees can vary: $4,000-$8,000 for small addition/remodel projects, $8,000-$18,000 for medium addition/remodel projects and $18,000-$40,000 for major addition/remodel/new home projects. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Barn Design & Construction - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation ### Areas Served - San Rafael - Novato - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Corte Madera - Lucas Valley-Marinwood - Saint Helena - Santa Venetia - Sleepy Hollow - Ross - Fairfax - Lagunitas-Forest Knolls - Black Point-Green Point - Woodacre - San Geronimo - Nicasio - Forest Knolls - Greenbrae - Lagunitas - Napa County - Sonoma County ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 6,000,000 See business description ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Joseph Farrell Architecture | | Address | 372 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Suite C, Novato, California 94949, United States | | Phone | (415) 689-1967 | | Website | http://www.farrellarc.com | | License Number | C25309 | | Followers on Houzz | 358 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Joseph-Farrell-Architecture/160375114003194 - Blog — http://farrellarc.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Joseph Farrell Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-farrell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828775941) - **Website:** http://www.farrellarc.com - **Phone:** (415) 689-1967 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: 25309 - Type: Architects Board, California - Issued by: Architects Board, California **Certifications & Awards** - California Licensed ArchitectCertified Green Building ProfessionalBest of Houzz Design Award 2015Best of Houzz Service Award 2016 - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2015–2025), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Joseph Nordlinger, Jan. 2017** > Joseph Farrell is a talented architect and has a great eye for design. Most importantly Joe is extremely easy to work with. He is flexible in applying his aesthetic with the desires of the client and he works well with the entire design and engineering team. An absolute professional. **★★★★★ — Rempe Construction, Dec. 2016** > Joe is a true professional and has the ability to bring a practical vision to projects. He has great skill for planning and scale when he addresses a project of any size, which results in projects that are buildable and meet the clients expectations. As a collaborator there are very few that work with other professionals as well as Joe as a part of a team, or leading the team. Coupled with a discerning eye for design these qualities make Joe Farrell Architects on of the best we have worked with. **★★★★★ — Pedersen Associates, March 2016** > As a landscape architect, I have worked firsthand with Joe on numerous projects and have always found him to be a consummate professional. He listens to the client and then creates beautiful architectural solutions that are not only award winning quality, but also are responsive to budget constraints. He is both creative and practical: a terrific team member. We always seek to work with Joe every chance we get. **★★★★★ — Rob Terheyden, March 2016** > We have worked with Joe on several remodeling projects; kitchen remodels, bathroom remodels, family room remodels, outdoor kitchens, and additions. We find that Joe brings a great deal of experience to the table which increases options and possibilities. He worked closely with our engineer which made it a very seamless process. We have recommended Joe to several people, and we will recommend him in this venue. He is fair priced and very easy to work with. You won't be disappointed. **★★★★★ — Christopher Lacey, March 2016** > I have had the opportunity to work with Joe and his team on three projects over the last 6 years. Two of them were residential projects and one commercial. Unlike other architects that I have worked with over my 30+ years in the development and construction business, Joe actually listens to you during the design phase. > > He doesn't feel a need to put his "fingerprint" on your design. He will guide you if he thinks your are making a mistake or if he sees an opportunity to expand or polish your visions, but always keeps sacred that the project is yours and not his. > > I will undoubtedly be hiring Joe Farrell, Architects in the future. **★★★★★ — Vincent Crivello, March 2016** > Joe has consulted with me on a number of projects. His insights, professionalism, and proactive communications style are second to none. Moreover, Joe brings unparalleled creativity and passion to any project--both large and small. **★★★★★ — CBHdesign,inc, March 2016** > I have worked with many Architects, and it has always been easy to work with Joe. Joe has a talent that taps into many different styles of architecture, and listening to what the client actual wants. I always look forward to working with Joe when the opportunity arises. > Christian Hedberg, Landscape Architect > CBHdesign, inc. **★★★★★ — need4spd, Dec. 2015** > Joe Farrell was brought in by Julie Williams Design to perform the architectural work for the design and implementation of a major remodel of our family room, kitchen and bathrooms, as well as work with engineers to reconfigure our garage space. The latter involved widening the door opening to accommodate two cars side-by-side, which looks straightforward, but was not an easy task, what with the changes required to redistribute the loading on the house framing. The design included the addition of a new staircase at the rear of the building. We could not be more pleased! Joe's work was timely, true to concept, and his drawings and attention to detail made construction go smoothly for the excellent work done by San Anselmo-based contractor Seamus McGinness, who is also part of the "Julie Williams team." Overall, they provided excellent counsel and design services, and the workmanship and results are showcase quality. **★★★★★ — Brad Curtis, Sept. 2015** > Joe has great vision and and open mind. He listens and provides his feedback with direction, ideas and options without being pushy for something that fits "his style". He genuinely wants to guide you toward what is best for your style and provides plenty of input to help you make decisions that make sense for you and your budget. **★★★★★ — aubreyleh, June 2015** > Joe is a phenomenal architect who helped us realize our dream home (and created a design even better than we could have imagined ourselves). I would definitely 100% hire him again and have referred him to all of my friends (I can not say that about everyone that worked on the project, but Joe really did a spectacular job to get us what we wanted and then make it even better). We wrote out some ideas for him and the plans he created from them were great (really almost perfect). We changed a few things here and there that we wanted and we also listened to his perspective if he thought certain changes were unwise (he was right). Honestly, it wasn't until the house was done that I fully appreciated all of the detail he thought through (that I never even really noticed in the plans in terms of ceilings, window placements, lines within the various spaces). He could have just done something basic like I'm sure many architects do, but he really takes pride in his work and in making your house/remodel as beautiful as possible. He is also just a really nice, honest, genuine guy - I kind of want to remodel my house just to work with him again (but it's already perfect!) **★★★★★ — Julie Williams Design, June 2015** > Joe is a wonderful asset to have on your design team. In the thirty years I have been in the remodeling industry, very few Architects have matched Joe's thoughtful, creative design solutions and easygoing professionalism. He listens to the client and other design team members without letting ego get in the way. This is refreshing in a world of Architects who can lose sight of the clients needs, budget and original ideas. I have referred every client to him for the last 8 years, with confidence they will be taken care of and the end results will be both visually stunning and meet and even exceed the clients needs. **★★★★★ — Judy Young, June 2015** > Joe is a top-notch designer and in tune with what his client wants and helpful in creating options that might be better or serve the project best. He is personable and works well with all involved parties: city and county regulators, permit office staff and inspectors....and contractors. People enjoy working with Joe! We called him four years later to add a roof to a deck and he was responsive and we were able to get the project done in record time. I can't imagine a potential client not being pleased with Joe. **Comment from Joseph Farrell Architecture:** > Judy, > Thank you so much for the review. Hope you are enjoying the covered deck now that the weather is getting warmer. I'll have to stop by on my way back from Napa to see it soon. > > Joe ## Selected projects - [St Helena Residence 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-helena-residence-2-pj-vj~3122365) - Location: Saint Helena, CA - Photos: 12 - [Montana Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/montana-ranch-pj-vj~5065091) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Big Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/big-ranch-pj-vj~2503653) - Location: Napa, CA - Photos: 13 - [Napa Valley Vineyard Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napa-valley-vineyard-estate-pj-vj~1258238) - Location: Rutherford, CA - Photos: 26 - [St. Helena Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-helena-residence-pj-vj~1360055) - Location: Saint Helena, CA - Photos: 13 - [Tiburon Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiburon-contemporary-pj-vj~1091835) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 6 - [Double H Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/double-h-ranch-pj-vj~3075151) - Location: Napa, CA - Photos: 5 - [Rutherford Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rutherford-estate-pj-vj~1116748) - Location: Rutherford, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: 8,500 sq. ft. wine country estate overlooking the Napa Valley - [Kentwoodlands Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kentwoodlands-home-pj-vj~1343387) - Location: Kentfield, CA - Photos: 13 - [Novato Country Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/novato-country-club-pj-vj~1308172) - Location: Novato, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This was a complete remodel with additions to an existing home originally built in the 1960s. - [Russian Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/russian-hill-residence-pj-vj~1116706) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - [Sonoma Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-farmhouse-pj-vj~49647) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Sonoma Farmhouse - [San Rafael Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-rafael-residence-pj-vj~2503660) - Location: San Rafael, CA - Photos: 7 - [Yountville Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yountville-estate-pj-vj~7749578) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [St. Helena Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-helena-contemporary-pj-vj~7749572) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Vichy Springs Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vichy-springs-residence-pj-vj~7749561) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [St. Helena Transitional](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/st-helena-transitional-pj-vj~7359334) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Rutherford Vineyard Estate and Barn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rutherford-vineyard-estate-and-barn-pj-vj~7359327) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Rutherford Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rutherford-home-pj-vj~6851926) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Sebastopol Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sebastopol-farmhouse-pj-vj~6072157) - Location: Sebastopol, CA - Photos: 18 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/joseph-farrell-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1828775941) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/840739052.m3u8?s=edeb664a5c98af569227636af743522a1ed26d8c&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** We definitely assist with permitting and regulatory approvals. Our services include preparing detailed construction documents for building permits and providing assistance with design review by governmental agencies to help you navigate the approval process smoothly and efficiently. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** My practice specializes in a wide range of residential projects, including high-end custom homes, renovations, and additions. We also design new home construction and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), focusing on creating artful, energy-efficient, and environmentally sensitive designs for every client. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we offer full-service architectural services from initial programming and design through construction administration. We can assist you throughout the entire construction process, including observations, material submittal evaluation, and shop-drawing review, ensuring your vision is realized. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely, designing fully custom homes is a core part of my practice. We focus on creating unique, artful, and energy-efficient residences tailored to your specific needs and desires, integrating natural light, views, and landscape into every design. **Do you have experience with luxury or high-end homes?** Yes, we have extensive experience with luxury and high-end custom homes. My practice has a strong portfolio of such projects, focusing on creating sophisticated, artful, and environmentally sensitive designs that meet the unique demands and expectations of high-end residential clients. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66921378/list/railings) — 24 ideas - [Holton Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180400445/list/holton-pergola) — 12 ideas - [Lawrence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137068348/list/lawrence) — 27 ideas - [Pool Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119317764/list/pool-pavilion) — 24 ideas - [Montepulciano](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/179318164/list/montepulciano) — 2 ideas - [1545 Madrona](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103379318/list/1545-madrona) — 4 ideas - [exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177097522/list/exterior) — 13 ideas - [Satrap](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98914714/list/satrap) — 11 ideas - [Tom Chandler Entry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/172324865/list/tom-chandler-entry) — 3 ideas - [Kitchen Layout](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/170380621/list/kitchen-layout) — 6 ideas - [Driveway Gates](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/77771179/list/driveway-gates) — 11 ideas - [Boze Railing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/156094387/list/boze-railing) — 3 ideas - [PUP Trubody](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/155656152/list/pup-trubody) — 3 ideas - [Barn](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154746037/list/barn) — 16 ideas - [Pedlar Fireplace](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154723236/list/pedlar-fireplace) — 9 ideas - [Tennis Fence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154409075/list/tennis-fence) — 7 ideas - [Clerestory](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141973064/list/clerestory) — 4 ideas - [St. Helena](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117733113/list/st-helena) — 1 idea - [Wayne](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/139488405/list/wayne) — 13 ideas - [Wegner](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/137760019/list/wegner) — 3 ideas [See all 54 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/joefarrell) ## Community Q&A **Q: Pergola** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, Did you design the pergola or know what construction company had built this one? I cannot find any other images of it besides this one. TY! :) A: I designed it...Built by a General Contractor in St Helena CA **Q: Can you provide information on the rug please?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where is the rug from? thanks! A: I don't know...Interior Designer selected the rug... **Q: What was the primary roofing material used for this project?** *(in Photo Questions)* Roof material? A: It is currugated metal from Taylor Metal Systems. **Q: Bathroom Material** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello, what material and color is the bath counter top? Thank you, JoAnne A: not sure...it was specified by the interior designer...looks like marble or quartz. **Q: Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks** *(in Photo Questions)* Can I use your image on my blog page? Thanks A: No...I do not have license to approve this. You would need to contact the photographer and get their approval due to Copyright laws. **Q: Can you share the flooring, please? Sorry I can't see prev. questions** *(in Photo Questions)* I'm sorry if this has been asked/answered; I can't see the questions A: wide plank white oak --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-11.*