--- title: "AAA Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aaa-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2114064560 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2114064560.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "AAA Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/82d3e69c007a1134_9540-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "150 Haight Street, San Francisco, California 94102, United States" latitude: 37.7813 longitude: -122.4167 phone: "(818) 416-4888" website: http://www.AAAarch.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 116 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # AAA Architecture Original Houzz profile: [AAA Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aaa-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2114064560) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Pasadena, Thousand Oaks, Berkeley, Daly City, Napa, Alameda, South San Francisco, Altadena, El Cerrito, Albany, Mill Valley, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Piedmont, Malibu, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Sausalito, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Alto, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon, Orange County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2019), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Architecture defines our relationship with the environment, embodies our values, and gives us an opportunity to create something transcendent. We believe that while great architecture does not have to be expensive, it takes creativity and diligence to synthesize the aspirations and constraints of a project and its stakeholders’ into something to be proud of. Buildings should function as well-designed tools to enhance both our lives and our environment. Randolph R. Ruiz founded AAA at the beginning of 2005 to work directly with clients to develop quality projects that are contemporary, engaging, and environmentally responsible. AAA has produced award winning work that has been featured in print, exhibitions, and online. Randolph has worked on a diverse array of projects from restaurants and residences, to theaters and office towers and is Senior Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Though based in the Bay Area, Randolph has experience all over the state and considers himself a California Architect ready to take on a challenge no matter the location. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Staircase Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Home Gym Design & Construction - 3D Home Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - San Diego - San Francisco - Oakland - Pasadena - Thousand Oaks - Berkeley - Daly City - Napa - Alameda - South San Francisco - Altadena - El Cerrito - Albany - Mill Valley - Emeryville - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Piedmont - Malibu - Corte Madera - Tiburon - Sausalito - Brisbane - Broadmoor - Marin City - Belvedere - Colma - Alto - Muir Beach - Belvedere Tiburon - Orange County ### Typical Job Cost We design to suit your budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | AAA Architecture | | Address | 150 Haight Street, San Francisco, California 94102, United States | | Phone | (818) 416-4888 | | Website | http://www.AAAarch.com | | License Number | C30117 | | Followers on Houzz | 116 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/AAA-Architecture/42180656794?ref=tn\_tnmn - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/AAAArch - Blog — AAAarch.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [AAA Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aaa-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2114064560) - **Website:** http://www.AAAarch.com - **Phone:** (818) 416-4888 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Honor Award, East Bay AIA 2018 Bay Area Design Awards; 2015 East Bay AIA Home Tour; SFAIA Small Firms, Great Projects 2008; SF Chronicle Magazine, May 18, 2008, Glen Park Residence; Merit Award, Pasadena/Foothill AIA, Pasadena Glen Residence, 2006; Cliffhangers & Hillside Homes, 2006 -book cover - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2019), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Pete Silvestri, Dec. 2018** > I hired Randy to design an A-Frame Cabin (located in Mendocino County). The entire project is near completion and I have had a wonderful time working with Randy. He brought his professionalism to every phase of the project. He formed fruitful relationships with my Contractor, Construction Crew, Local Building Dept, ect... He tapped into his network when it was time for us to hire a Structural Engineer. > > Randy dedicated himself to my project from beginning to end, he made personal trips to my site (3 hours from his offices) many times to meet with the Contractor and Crew. His attention to detail is unrivaled and his passion for the project seeped into all who are part of it. Randy is now helping a friend of mine design their cafe! > > I couldn't have asked for a more professional, passionate, detailed oriented person to be a large part of my A-Frame Cabin project. I would highly recommend Randy if you are looking for a professional Architect in the bay area and beyond! **★★★★★ — Brett Hayes, June 2018** > I have the highest recommendation for this guy! He was very accommodating to my situation and made every attempt to be right there when I needed his talents. I don't think my project would have been possible if I had not found this guy. Randy is a well grounded Architect and really responsive to who hires him. > > If I have any needs for this scope of work I will for sure call Randy. This guy is a true Gem in the rough, you just don't find people like him often. **★★★★★ — Joshua Jakus, Dec. 2017** > Randy and I have been colleagues for about 15 years and during this time I have seen a few of his projects from start to finish. As a design professional myself, I have been impressed with the way that Randy works with clients and also by the projects he has completed. > > Randy is committed to understanding a client's needs and clearly communicating how different design options might address those needs. He often finds unique and elegant solutions for site planning and program issues. Also, he has an impressive knowledge of construction techniques, finishes, and fixtures. > > I would highly recommend working with Randy and AAA Architecture if you want an interesting and timeless design for your home, remodel, addition, or commercial project. **★★★★★ — Sidell Pakravan Architects, Nov. 2016** > For more than a decade, I have appreciated Randy Ruiz’s outstanding skills as an architect. As the high quality of his work shows, he not only creatively solves architectural challenges, but also efficiently manages the design and construction process. From the beginning of a project, when Randy’s thoughtful design sensibility establishes a clear path, to later phases, when his knowledge of structural conditions and city permit agencies ease the construction process, you will be delighted to work with AAA Architecture. **★★★★★ — Benjamin Parco, Nov. 2016** > I am a friend, and colleague of Randy's. We met over 20 years ago and over the years have worked together in many settings, big and small. > > Throughout these decades I have found Randy to easily be one of the most talented, thoughtful, diligent, and trustworthy people that I have known. > > Anyone would be lucky to have Randy as their architect. They just don't get much better. **★★★★★ — Catherine Morgan, Nov. 2016** > I have worked with AAA Architecture’s Randy Ruiz to get drawings and building permits for properties I have listed. He has been knowledgeable and responsive with handling these small projects. As a real estate agent, I have also had the opportunity to see a house his office completed in Pasadena. It is a stunning work of modern architecture, and I understand the current occupants are still in love with the house after having bought it 5(?) years ago. > Randy takes the time to listen until he has a complete understanding of what Is required. He works in a very professional manner and easy to work with. > > I would not hesitate to recommend AAA to friends or clients looking to build or substantially remodel their home. **★★★★★ — rvane, Aug. 2015** > AAA completed the blueprints and construction documents for a replica Barn/Garage I had sketched out to go with my 1860 house in the historic district of Healdsburg in the California wine country. He worked with the building dept and planing department to create a redwood board and batten building that looks like an old barn but is a modern garage and workshop with a walk up loft storage area above under a steeply pitched roof. The exterior dimensions and look match those of the original cabin that was built into the house. By using modern insulation the interior stays cool in the summer and the workshop is a nice man cave. **★★★★★ — hkbaum, Aug. 2015** > AAA Architecture has been extremely valuable to our organization, and has developed numerous concepts and designs for our future developments. Their designs are creative, and focus on meeting our needs, being attractive to the community, blending in with our historic venue, and being scalable. Designs are flexible to work within our budget constraints, which are shown to be well understood. Working with our volunteer base is always a challenge, and the utmost respect and acceptance to comment is always taken with grace and calmness. The extent of the homework done to ensure each project meets our specific historic needs and the thoroughness of the review process make dealing with AAA a pleasant experience. > > This particular Project is a unique application of shipping containers to serve as a ticket booth, gift shop, storage and shade structure. It is just awaiting permitting before proceeding, and **★★★★★ — carlosalexandria, Aug. 2015** > Randy Ruiz of AAA Architecture is a wonderful modernist architect. From a challenging site, he developed an amazing program and modern design, fulfilling our vision for our home. The selection of materials, including walls of glass, CMU block and charred cedar, are thoughtfully blended together resulting in clean lines and warmth throughout. HIs attention to modern detailing tied everything together like a fine Swiss watch. The inside to out relationships expand the living space and accentuate the panoramic views beyond, all while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. ## Selected projects - [Upper Rockridge Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-rockridge-residence-pj-vj~1252659) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 29 - Description: The Oakland Hills Firestorm left behind grey ash and blackened foundations from thousands of homes. Over 20 years later very few grassy lots remain as reminders of this event. One of these had once been a 1958 redwood-clad house by William Wurster in Upper Rockridge. Our clients acquired the lot a number years ago and started down the path toward their dream home with several different architects before coming to AAA Architecture with Randolph R. Ruiz and Benjamin Parco. We were asked to design… - [Pasadena Glen Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pasadena-glen-residence-pj-vj~1252626) - Location: Pasadena, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: The 1/3-acre site for this house is located along the west slope of a semi-rural canyon above Pasadena. The steep site rises at a 40 degree slope with a small creek at its base. Attractive mountain and valley views are offset by the various hazards implied by the county’s stringent safety requirements. Fires, floods, landslides, and earthquakes all pose a danger in this beautiful setting. The property included a 22′ x 48′ concrete pier and grade beam foundation from the most recent house to have… - [Glen Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-park-residence-pj-vj~131044) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This Glen Park home was nearly doubled in size from 800 square feet with the addition of a new second floor to accommodate a growing family. The owners sought to enhance the desirable aspects of their current home while simultaneously integrating new features and spaces to produce an essentially new house that would include a master suite and a dining room. Previously divided into a number of small and dark rooms, the interior has been opened up through a series of interconnected spaces organize… - [Hillsborough Eichler Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillsborough-eichler-renovation-pj-vj~1708239) - Location: Hillsborough, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: This Mid-Century Modern home was developed by Joseph Eichler in 1951. By 2000 it was outdated and in need of renovation in part because homeowners’ tastes and needs had changed. As a result, many Eichlers have been disfigured by insensitive remodels, additions, and even tear-downs in the intervening decades. Our client loved modernism and sought to retain the as much of the original design as possible while while renovating and improving the house to meet contemporary needs. The house’s original… [See all 4 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/aaa-architecture-pfvwus-pf~2114064560) ## Community Q&A **Q: Headboard** *(in Photo Questions)* Who is manufacturer for headboard. A: Sorry, but I have been unable to determine the supplier. It came from a staging company, but I can't identify them either. **Q: How waterproof is epoxy paint and where can you buy it.?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The material itself is completely water proof, but it must be provided a suitable substrate and properly applied to work properly and I'd recommend finding a local professional to help with that. **Q: how deep are mirrored cabinets? thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hello, I think the cabinets were 6" deep. Thanks **Q: Does the cost differ a lot building a house on a slope like this?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, Randolph! Is the cost to build a house on a slope like this one going to be substantially more than building a similar house on a flat land? A: Yes, the slope of the site can significantly impact construction costs. To ensure that a house on a hill such as this will be safe for the occupants and neighbors, it has to have a substantial foundation that is designed to survive earthquakes and small landslides. Retaining walls are another expense that most of these projects incur. This house sits on six concrete piers that extend 30' down into the ground. The additional cost for this construction is usually factored into the price of hillside land, which is generally cheaper than flatter sites. The difference in cost varies based upon a variety of circumstances, and some of the uncertainty that hillside construction produces also contributes to the lower-cost of hillside land. When looking to purchase sloping land, you need to be careful to make sure that you will be able to build on it and to consider the additional construction costs you will incur. It is typically a good idea to have a geo-tech report done if one has not already been completed. **Q: Colors** *(in Photo Questions)* We really love the yellow backsplash with the cabinets and dining room table. Great work here. A: It's actually not glass, it is ceramic glazed tile, but as I said above, these were left overs from a custom order. they may have the same glaze color available, but you'd have to go to Heath. Good luck **Q: Siding** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you give me more details about the wood siding? A: It is charred cedar siding. It was custom-milled into three different ship lap profiles and outward surfaces were charred with a torch by the lumber mill. A sealer was applied to preserve the charred surface during installation. The siding was installed so that two boards of the same width would never be adjacent to one another. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*