---
title: "Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gary-j-ahern-aia-focal-point-design-pfvwus-pf~2080535925
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2080535925.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/b20302660050eecd_1293-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1150 El Camino Real, Suite 200, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States"
latitude: 37.4396
longitude: -122.1864
phone: "(650) 326-2800"
website: http://www.garyahern.com
rating: 5
review_count: 3
best_of_houzz_awards: 7
followers: 218
last_updated: 2026-09-21
---

# Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design

Original Houzz profile: [Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gary-j-ahern-aia-focal-point-design-pfvwus-pf~2080535925)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Menlo Park, CA
- **Serves:** Menlo Park
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2022), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 100,000 Ideabook Saves

A boutique, full service architectural practice that focuses on custom residential architecture, offering not only traditional architectural design services, but interior design, land use/ urban planning as well as project and construction consultation services.

Born and raised in Redwood City, Gary graduated from Sequoia High School and later went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Design from The College of Architecture & Environmental Design at Arizona State University.  Gary supplemented his architectural education with studies in urban planning and well as many graduate level courses in architecture & construction management.

Since it’s inception in 1991, Gary Ahern - Focal Point Design has continued to be one of the premier boutique architectural practices in the area.  Gary’s projects have included not only residential and custom residential design , but also multi-family, retail and commercial projects located in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho and well as almost every city on the Peninsula.  Gary has personally been involved with the design, development and improvement of well over a half-billion dollars worth of real estate.

Gary is licensed to practice architecture by the State of California and is a member of both the national and local chapters of The American Institute of Architects.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- 3D Rendering
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Historic Building Conservation
- Laundry Room Design
- Construction Consultation

### Areas Served

- Menlo Park

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design |
| Address | 1150 El Camino Real, Suite 200, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States |
| Phone | (650) 326-2800 |
| Website | http://www.garyahern.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 218 |

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Gary J Ahern, AIA - Focal Point Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gary-j-ahern-aia-focal-point-design-pfvwus-pf~2080535925)
- **Website:** http://www.garyahern.com
- **Phone:** (650) 326-2800

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Gary is a member of both the national & local chapters of the American Institute of Architects.. and a good guy...!

- **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2022), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [Rebuilding Together](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/rebuilding-together-pfvwus-pf~814463327)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews**

### All 3 reviews

**★★★★★ — Chesler Construction, Inc., Nov. 2015**

> Chesler Construction has had a relationship with  Focal Point Design for 12 plus years. Gary Ahern  was a pleasure to work with. We found his drawings to be very thorough. His approach to our clients was professional with a sense of humor and always upbeat. We would love to work together again.

**★★★★★ — Chris, May 2014**

> Gary was the perfect architect for us--and likely for you too. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable and creative but he has a passion for what he does, which was just what we needed as we were a bit apprehensive about taking on a big remodel (adding a second story and renovating existing home). Gary not only made our dream house a reality, working within our budget and space constraints. but he was so easy to work with and incredibly responsive. He also referred us to a great contractor and designer who made up our "dream team." What we loved the most was that Gary felt like a true partner in the process and didn't just provide plans and move on. He was invested throughout the project and was a great resource all the way through.

**★★★★★ — Residence, Aug. 2013**

> Gary Ahern thoughtfully designed an amazing house plan for our family.  After only 4 months of an almost complete house remodel, we will enjoy our beautiful home for many years to come.

## Selected projects

- [35 Tripp Court - Woodside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/35-tripp-court-woodside-pj-vj~82514)
  - Location: Woodside, CA
  - Photos: 34
  - Description: A California Spanish inspired custom home
- [French Chateau - Atheron](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-chateau-atheron-pj-vj~821913)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Once Upon a Time Playhouse - Dreams Happen 2015 Playhouse Auction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/once-upon-a-time-playhouse-dreams-happen-2015-playhouse-auction-pj-vj~229567)
  - Location: Palo Alto, CA
  - Photos: 21
  - Description: Dreams Happen Playhouse Auction/ Gala - Benefiting Rebuilding Together Peninsula Designed by Gary J Ahern, AIA - Architect
- [1 Tallwood Ct - Atherton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1-tallwood-ct-atherton-pj-vj~82488)
  - Location: Atherton, CA
  - Photos: 20
- [Bay Laurel 2 - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bay-laurel-2-menlo-park-pj-vj~126442)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [25 Euclid Ave - Atherton](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/25-euclid-ave-atherton-pj-vj~82506)
  - Location: Atherton, CA
  - Photos: 12
- [Shirley Way - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shirley-way-menlo-park-pj-vj~224958)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: An whole house addition and remodel including a new second floor with two bedrooms and common kids hang-out area
- [Arbor Road - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arbor-road-menlo-park-pj-vj~2971915)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 18
- [Campo Bello - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/campo-bello-menlo-park-pj-vj~195167)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: An eclectic adaptation of a classic California/ Spanish home.
- [Grace Dr - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grace-dr-menlo-park-pj-vj~82520)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 13
- [Crest Lane - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/crest-lane-menlo-park-pj-vj~83489)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Deerfield Dr - Los Altos Hills](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deerfield-dr-los-altos-hills-pj-vj~82530)
  - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA
  - Photos: 13
- [Seymour Lane - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seymour-lane-menlo-park-pj-vj~82529)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Various Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/various-projects-pj-vj~82533)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Bay Laurel 1 - Menlo Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bay-laurel-1-menlo-park-pj-vj~83504)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [Goodwin Ave - Redwood City](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/goodwin-ave-redwood-city-pj-vj~448211)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [WellieWishers' Garden Playhouse - Dreams Happen Playhouse Event](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/welliewishers-garden-playhouse-dreams-happen-playhouse-event-pj-vj~2498785)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4
- [Marina Blvd - San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marina-blvd-san-francisco-pj-vj~2085271)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 10
- [California Spanish Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-spanish-estate-pj-vj~5586426)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 11

[See all 19 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/gary-j-ahern-aia-focal-point-design-pfvwus-pf~2080535925)

## Ideabooks

- [Things Gary Likes!](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4310389/list/things-gary-likes) — 5 ideas

[See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/gjahern)

## Community Q&A

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

What stair system is this or is it custom?

A: all custom

**Q: Can you tell what material the surround is made of?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: Custom fabricated by an architectural metal craftsman

**Q: What material is the sink made of?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is the sink a composite?  Looks like you were able to do an undermount?

A: island sink is a copper undermount

**Q: Chad Griebel** *(in Photo Questions)*

What color are the walls painted

A: integral plaster finish (color I do not recall)

**Q: Love the wall color** *(in Photo Questions)*

What color is the wall painted?

A: I am sorry, I do not recall

**Q: Kit or custom?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Were these stairs purchased as a kit or custom made? Thanks!

A: Custom built "ships ladder" by stair company

---

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