--- title: "Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-welschmeyer-architects-and-energy-consultants-pfvwus-pf~1862641172 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1862641172.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/88c32e75010c0644_7463-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "37735 Second Street, Historic Niles District, Fremont, California 94536, United States" latitude: 37.5605 longitude: -121.9999 phone: "(510) 825-0783" website: http://www.pwaec.com rating: 5 review_count: 2 followers: 139 last_updated: 2026-09-15 --- # Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants Original Houzz profile: [Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-welschmeyer-architects-and-energy-consultants-pfvwus-pf~1862641172) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Historic Niles District, Fremont, CA - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (2 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Paul began his private architectural practice in 1991 after a decade of experience in commercial and institutional design with the architectural firms of Ratcliff Architects, MBT Associates and Studios Architecture. 20 years later, Paul has developed his award winning practice with core strengths in Commercial, Residential and Historic Preservation work. In 2003 energy efficient design and green-building became a common aspect of the his design firm, culminating in 2010 as the first architect in the State of California to become certified by the California Energy Commission (via CalCERTS) as a Whole House Energy Rater (HERS ll). With this cumulative knowledge and experience, Paul is prepared to address the challenges of an architectural practice in the forthcoming decade. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants | | Address | 37735 Second Street, Historic Niles District, Fremont, California 94536, United States | | Phone | (510) 825-0783 | | Website | http://www.pwaec.com | | License Number | C15373 | | Followers on Houzz | 139 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Paul Welschmeyer ARCHITECTS & energy consultants](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-welschmeyer-architects-and-energy-consultants-pfvwus-pf~1862641172) - **Website:** http://www.pwaec.com - **Phone:** (510) 825-0783 ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 2 reviews** ### All 2 reviews **★★★★★ — meh1963, March 2013** > Sometimes, you get to work with someone who is supremely professionally grounded, so solid in their knowledge and conviction and demonstrated ability, that you feel totally confident in their work before they've even put pen to paper. > > Paul Welschmeyer is one such person. I had the good fortune to meet him through mutual friends who also live in our historic neighborhood (Niles district of Fremont CA), and was very quickly drawn in by his deep knowledge of local history, respect for historic designs, passion for marrying the old and new, sense of community, and energy-conscious design that doesn't sacrifice comfort or aesthetics. > > Over time, I've seen Paul's work in multiple locations, both on paper and realized, including designs for our own house, and have come to realize that he doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. His house is a showpiece for energy-efficient design which, while retaining its traditional bungalow facade from the street, is a near-perfect house-concert venue with a beautiful high-ceilinged space at the back of the house. > > Paul's also focused extensively on local and California history, ranging from the initial layout of Niles (where he's researched the change in land allocation over 150-plus years), to leading a lecture series (Transcontinental Connections) regarding various California architectural/historical phenomena (did you know that Spanish Revival is neither Spanish nor a revival? Neither did I....), to more. He's done a series of articles on the alleys of Niles, a particular sore spot and point of contention between Alameda County and the City of Fremont, both of which disclaim responsibility for them, and the effects of that neglect on the community. He's written on local architect William Wurster, with cogent and clear text and some absolutely beautiful drawings of the full realization of Wurster's designs, and a book which clearly falls into the belle lettres genre entitled "Niles is Here, not There," chock full of informative text about the Niles community, reflections on community in general, and tremendously beautiful photography. > > His most recent foray has helped formalize the Niles House Concert series (a long-running but fairly loose endeavor which floats from house to house in Niles) by building some structure around the schedule and offering his backyard as a venue. > > All in all, Paul's work is splendid. He's a tremendously multi-capable person who's shown that he can deep-dive on subjects and come back with the goods and deliverables - whether it's design, or history, or organization, or energy conservation, or a host of other skills. **★★★★★ — pagehauz, March 2013** > Paul designed a project for me that maximized the parcel (eight approved variances!) is completely innovative, functional, and looks cool. He exponentially surpassed my expectations and I look forward to working with him for years to come. ## Selected projects - [Frakes Alley Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/frakes-alley-cottage-pj-vj~168773) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: “Look: I’m tired of maintaining my property as a city park for the pleasure of the neighborhood. This house is ridiculously small, with buildable land all around it. It takes a lot of work to maintain it and all I get out of it is ... people staring at me through the windows. I have to keep drapes drawn all the time, it's dark. I’m a captive in my own house. They always say how much they enjoy the pastoral setting... well you know, I think I’m entitled to some of that also, after all, I do pay f… - [Weiss House Alterations & Energy Up-Grade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weiss-house-alterations-and-energy-up-grade-pj-vj~157861) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Energy efficient master planning combines whole house energy improvements with architectural and quality of life alterations. The architectural improvements to this large house included a new contemporary cement plaster exterior finish and interior alterations, which will improve the circulation and usability of the house. The major energy deficiencies in the house included excessive duct leakage, and poor performing roof insulation. - [Twin Reflections](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-reflections-pj-vj~157838) - Location: San Mateo Coast, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: This coastal California villa is a retreat for a family from Chicago. The plot’s Pacific Coast frontage enjoys several panoramic views. The design emerged from the dreams and specifications of the family. Their enthusiasm for environmental integration allowed PWA to apply some innovative environmental design concepts. Planning considerations include minimal consumption of existing agricultural lands, preservation of endangered species’ lands, and low visibility from the nearby road, farmlands an… - [Second Street Green](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/second-street-green-pj-vj~157547) - Location: Historic Niles District, Fremont, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: This home is a working example of historic conservation and the conversion of an energy inefficient, (100 year old) house into an expanded home for an environmentally minded family of four. In order to accomplish this, the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation were followed, resulting in the retention of the original form of the house and roof. The addition was connected under the existing eaves, through which, the house remains connected to the neighborhood. Over the past 100 years… - [McLoughlin Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mcloughlin-residence-pj-vj~157815) - Location: Montclair District, Oakland, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: In any hillside residence, the structural foundation costs are so excessive that living portions of the house suffer. This was the case with the McLoughlin residence, which was originally built in the late 1970s just before the enforcement of California’s energy conservation laws: no insulation, no weather barrier under the siding, delaminating t-1-11 plywood siding, moisture problems and a nonfunctional, split-level floor plan. The improvements accomplished in reworking the original structure i… - [Rahlves Alterations / Energy Up-Grade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rahlves-alterations-energy-up-grade-pj-vj~157887) - Location: Castro Valley, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Energy efficient master planning combines whole house energy improvements with architectural and quality of life alterations. The owners of this 1950’s tract house wanted the front of the house to be appealing. The house was built at 90 degrees to the street due to the narrow width of the lot. This put the front door on the side yard, and hard to find. In addition the front of the house had no windows. The simple solution of a new facade shaped with vertical sun shades is also the energy efficie… - [Old School Lofts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/old-school-lofts-pj-vj~157877) - Location: Mission San Jose District, Fremont, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: The scope of this historic remodel was not simply to restore the Old School as an historic city resource, but rather rehabilitate it for a new use as Live / Work studios, thus preserving its existence. In order for this adaptive reuse to be economically viable, improvements and minor building additions were necessary. The approach to the building modifications was dependent on the elevation of the building and its site orientation. In general the front was unaltered. The sides have one story add… - [Edison - Airstream Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edison-airstream-redesign-pj-vj~157848) - Location: Anywhere!, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: "Vintage enthusiasts are often inextricably wedded to “authentic” restorations, but, when restoring his 1958 Airstream trailer, architect Paul Welschmeyer was more interested in functional systems than a nostalgic showpiece. He began by developing a 'Trailering Tao.' which stipulated above all that 'everything must have two or more uses.' Dubbed 'Edison' by Paul’s wife, Jana, the streamlined structure does double duty as family vacation home and mobile office. For the former, the trailer is outf… - [Blue Pickle Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blue-pickle-loft-pj-vj~157660) - Location: Jack London Square, Oakland, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: "It is always interesting to notice when a project begins to take on a life of its own. I think it happened the other night when we were seriously considering all the materials. I had to rethink the project after you mentioned that white was not a preferred color, and there were a 1,000 cranes to make and keep behind glass. The space has always been conceived as a piece of sculpture which provides for all the living and utility needs of the loft, and was always approached as white for maximum li… - [Bird Cage Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bird-cage-loft-pj-vj~157696) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: 560 square feet in New York is not much, but, if it has outdoor space, it is everything one would need. Located in an existing co-op loft building, these living quarters were completely redesigned to take advantage of every square inch and every amenity of the space. Kitchen, living, dining, sleeping and outdoor space fuse together into a tailored pattern for living. - [Alley Cottage 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alley-cottage-1-pj-vj~157831) - Location: Historic Niles District, Fremont, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: In conjunction with the design work on an adjacent Alley Cottage, this family wanted to consider a similar building, which would enhance their property by taking advantage of the utility of the existing alleys within the Niles District of Fremont. Accommodation of parking was not required for this building, so the design focus was on guest house, studio and study functions. The lower floor provides the living facilities, which include a kitchenette, toilet and storage. The upper floor is one lar… [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-welschmeyer-architects-and-energy-consultants-pfvwus-pf~1862641172) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the steps** *(in Photo Questions)* Are they custom or did you get them from a distributor? A: The stairs 4 x 12 port orford cedar, with the nosing shaped by the mill. The center beam of the stair is steel and fabricated by a local shop. They are custom. **Q: Control panel** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I purchase the control panel and can it be worked into my '81 Airstream Excella? A: As with everything in this trailer, it is custom fabricated. **Q: What is the depth of the ikea cabinet you used?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi elbo123, the wall mounted cabinets on the right are 12" deep. **Q: Floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What color is the floor? A: The floor is clear sealed concrete. **Q: Who is the artist that painted the picture?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Moira Slattery, MFA San Francisco Art Institute. We love it too! **Q: Flooring type and colour?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me what was used for the flooring, and what colour it is? A: The contemporary rear addition floor and stair are colored concrete. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-15.*