--- title: "Knorr Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/knorr-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921088498 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921088498.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Knorr Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f2833b8303aaf950_0881-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "1120 Palm Ave., San Mateo, California 94401, United States" latitude: 37.5735 longitude: -122.3225 phone: "(650) 344-2001" website: http://KnorrArchitecture.com rating: 5 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 105 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Knorr Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Knorr Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/knorr-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921088498) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Mateo, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, West Menlo Park - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Knorr Architecture is a boutique architecture firm providing full attention for all of our clients' needs. From a kitchen remodel to an estate, each project is managed by the firm's principal, Torin Knorr. Knorr was founded in 1951 by Don Knorr, FAIA. Knorr Architecture provides full architectural services for the development of private residences in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our client-centered approach to design results in imaginative, functionally planned living spaces with aesthetic solutions that respond directly to your individual vision and reflect the distinctive environment of your project site. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Green Building - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - San Francisco - San Mateo - Palo Alto - South San Francisco - Menlo Park - East Palo Alto - West Menlo Park ### Typical Job Cost $200,000 - 40 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Knorr Architecture | | Address | 1120 Palm Ave., San Mateo, California 94401, United States | | Phone | (650) 344-2001 | | Website | http://KnorrArchitecture.com | | License Number | C24147 | | Followers on Houzz | 105 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/KnorrArchitects/timeline - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/knorrarchitect - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/torinknorr - Blog — http://www.knorrarchitecture.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Knorr Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/knorr-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921088498) - **Website:** http://KnorrArchitecture.com - **Phone:** (650) 344-2001 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - California Licensed Architect C24147 - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 19 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — citysnaps, Oct. 2016** > The building permit for our extensive home remodel was just approved and I wanted to take this opportunity to give a shout out to our architect, Torin Knorr. > > My wife and I engaged Torin to create a home design that will meet our needs for a long time. My wife is a painter and I’m a photographer, and we needed a home that would support our art-making activities. Having separate large studios was a priority for us. In order to realize the space we needed and being constrained by our smallish lot, it was clear we had to build up. But we still wanted our MBR suite to be on the first floor to avoid constantly dealing with stairs. Most importantly, though, we were looking for a home with a floor plan and exterior design that embraced a welcoming and relaxed feeling. Torin came up with a terrific Spanish Colonial Revival design with strong California Mission style cues that will suit us perfectly. > > It's been great working with Torin. He’s very knowledgeable, has a great eye for design, responsive, and is very easy to work with. We both highly recommend him! **★★★★★ — Amir BenEfraim, Oct. 2016** > Torin is an outstanding architect and project manager. He designed our new home, which we love. We hired him again several years later to help us with a major re-model for an investment property, where he led the process from plans to completion. I would highly recommend Torin for any project you may have. **★★★★★ — HU-388315, Sept. 2016** > Torin was our Architect for our home in Half Moon Bay. He is now our dear friend. He worked to achieve everything we needed and wanted in our home and listened when we talked about subjects like cooking and where to watch the 49ers. There are not enough words to describe what working with him was like. **★★★★★ — vincedigregorio, Sept. 2016** > Working with Torin Knorr is a satisfying experience. He is knowledgeable, competent, imaginative, and most importantly, he listens. My wife and I had specific input which Torin was willing to consider and incorporate into his design. He also communicated well with our contractor. We would not hesitate to recommend Knorr Architecture services. **★★★★★ — warren9250, May 2015** > My experience with working with Knorr Architecture, > \- Design: creative, excellent > -Project coordination: excellent > -Client contact: excellent > -Building permit submittals: on time > -Construction observation: excellent **★★★★★ — glennromig, May 2015** > I’ve worked with Torin for over 15 years as his geotechnical engineer on numerous new residences on the Peninsula. Torin’s designs are well thought out, practical to build, and high quality. His plans reflect the owner’s vision and the recommendations of the design team. Torin cares a lot about his clients and stays involved with his projects during construction as needed. I always enjoy working with Torin. **★★★★★ — jcboud, April 2015** > I have known Torin Knorr socially and professionally for over 45 years. He is a multi-talented designer with an incredible depth of knowledge of all aspects of design and planning, from conceptual through construction. Knorr Architecture is known and respected by design professionals and their clients for crafting practical and functional design solutions, with the ability to effectively communicate projects to their clients, decision makers and diverse community groups. The firm provides comprehensive design services from permitting through completion, on-time and on-budget. It is a pleasure and privilege to collaborate on projects with Torin Knorr. **★★★★★ — paulfeng, April 2015** > We've spent over a year working closely with Torin to design and build our dream home. He is extremely collaborative, thoughtful, and knows how to push things through. Due to his wealth of experience, he has done a great job in shepherding us through the design and (now) build phase. We recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — baytoaz, April 2015** > What I love the most about Torin over any other architect we interviewed was that he listened without any ego! His work is amazing but he wasn't arrogant about it, nor did he make us feel his opinions were more important than ours. He was always listening and encouraging our ideas, and then turning our ideas into reality. He created a gorgeous "dream come true" house for us (and amazing guest house). Even after 5 years, I often walk around and just marvel at our incredible home. Torin, was so creative with the spaces and took advantage of every inch. He got every detail I asked for. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking to build their dream home. **★★★★★ — Sydney Joyner, April 2015** > I have not personally used Knorr Architecture, but have seen completed projects and always been impressed with the work! I have also heard nothing but good things about the company. I do know and admire Torin Knorr. **Comment from Knorr Architecture:** > While we have not worked together on any Architectural Projects, we have worked together raisng money to help find a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Over the last 9 years, a group of sailors in the SF Bay Area have been raising money to help find a cure for this disease. I am proud to say that many of my clients have been major sponsors for my fundraising and I wish to thank them, along with the LLS Committee members, and the SF Sailors that have raised over $6,000,000 over the last 9 years. Good Work! **★★★★★ — richl34, April 2015** > Mr. Knorr was employed for renderings and conceptual designs of a project for an expansion of our residence, which included a four car garage, upgrades in landscaping, interior remodeling and changes to our pool area and patio levels. His participation rewarded us with ideas and direction that surpassed our wildest expectations. **★★★★★ — gjbadros, April 2015** > Torin did a great job designing our house! He's super-responsive, very thoughtful and creative, and fun to work with. He had a 3d model kept up to date throughout the process and was willing to meet with us wherever we needed to keep things moving. **Comment from Knorr Architecture:** > Using today's technology, we have the tools to communicate our ideas to our clients without having the need to meet in person. This project was all about communication, the client was very clear with their needs and goals and it gave me a great start in getting the project moving forward quickly. Using 3D modelsing as a tool to communicate, changes happened seamlessly. This is what makes my work fun.. ## Selected projects - [Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/exteriors-pj-vj~591155) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 25 - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~1744911) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~591163) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interiors-pj-vj~591159) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Victorina Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/victorina-remodel-pj-vj~2647328) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 16 - [Tiburon Villa Tara Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tiburon-villa-tara-hill-pj-vj~2644576) - Location: Tiburon, CA - Photos: 22 - [Los Altos Hills Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-hills-villa-pj-vj~2644561) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 18 [See all 7 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/knorr-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1921088498) ## Ideabooks - [Knorr Architecture's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29463698/list/knorr-architecture-s-ideas) — 30 ideas - [Verandas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29586311/list/verandas) — 14 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/torinknorr) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*