--- title: "Mattingly Thaler Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mattingly-thaler-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276897275 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~276897275.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Mattingly Thaler Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6af3516503f79888_0892-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "646 Church Street, San Francisco, California 94114-2607, United States" latitude: 37.7587 longitude: -122.433 phone: "(415) 431-2848" website: http://www.matharch.com rating: 5 review_count: 20 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 142 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # Mattingly Thaler Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Mattingly Thaler Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mattingly-thaler-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276897275) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Daly City, Redwood City, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos, Tiburon, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (20 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Eco-friendly - Woman owned - Published locally Mattingly Thaler Architecture is an architectural, planning and interior design firm with a broad range of projects and experience. Our firm was founded in 1988, and we pursue two key goals: excellence in design and the provision of the highest level of professional service to each client. Our experience includes high quality custom homes throughout Northern California, high schools and middle schools, dormitories, cafeterias and libraries, residential and commercial interiors, retail and office space, galleries, restaurants, office space planning, theaters, and children's playhouses, along with custom cabinetry and a broad range of custom furniture. Our design process is collaborative: we emphasize a close working relationship with our client, the project team and the local community as the project progresses through each phase of the design process. Instead of architecture being valued for its ability to adhere to a single style or for its use of the latest trends, we believe that the richness of each building and the beauty of any space will be found individually, according to the recognition, acknowledgment and response to the desires, needs and aesthetic concerns which are integral to each design and every act of building. Each project is seen as a partnership between the client, the architect and the specific context. While we intend our architecture to work in the world of art, we do not impose pre-conceived solutions or pursue eccentric innovation for its own sake. The design process shapes and is shaped by the client's ideal program, the specific needs for both now and planned for the future, the geographic location of the project and economic constraints placed on the construction. We are dedicated to the resolution of the inherent contradictions in life and to finding a true balance between desires and reality. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Prefab Houses - Home Gym Design & Construction - 3D Home Design - Remodeling - accessible design ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Daly City - Redwood City - Palo Alto - Menlo Park - Los Altos - Tiburon - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Woodside - Portola Valley ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Mattingly Thaler Architecture | | Address | 646 Church Street, San Francisco, California 94114-2607, United States | | Phone | (415) 431-2848 | | Website | http://www.matharch.com | | Followers on Houzz | 142 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/mattingly-thaler-architecture - Blog — http://matharch.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Mattingly Thaler Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mattingly-thaler-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276897275) - **Website:** http://www.matharch.com - **Phone:** (415) 431-2848 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Licensed Professionals - Best of Houzz Service 2015 - Best of Houzz Service 2017 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2023), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 20 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Anne Rosales, Oct. 2022** > Judith Mattingly designed a beautiful whole-home remodel for us. It was our second time working with her, and we were delighted with the process as well as the outcome. She generated many options during the design phase of the project. She collaborated with our interior designer, landscape designer, and of course, our contractor to problem-solve as needed during the build. Her assistance helped make this major remodel go smoothly. > > Judith does her own CAD work, which makes her design process extremely efficient. We had meetings on Zoom where she was making changes to the design on-screen and in real-time. > > I was particularly concerned with making the home not only esthetically pleasing but also comfortable for us over the long term. Judith helped us think through how we might incorporate design features like wide-enough hallways, good lighting, walk-in showers and a minimum of changes in floor level throughout the house. Our goal was to design a home where we could live for many years to come. The house doesn’t look like an “age-in-place” residence, but it is! > > It was a joy to work with Judith. You will not be disappointed! **★★★★★ — David Frank, Nov. 2021** > Judith helped me with a smaller project at my new home in 2018: the addition of a third bedroom. Having looked at Houzz and her website and seen the scope and beauty of her work, I was so surprised and thrilled she took on a smaller project like ours. She is an absolute joy to work with: patient, considerate and able to adapt to our evolving vision of how that room would integrate into our home. > > I have since referred Judith to many friends and clients and the results are the same: she is encyclopedic in her knowledge of styles and design, and will apply her skills to all facets of a project, from shrines, to pet accommodations to an entire manse. > > She has proved time and again what a creative and talented artist she is: I couldn't recommend her more highly. **★★★★★ — Caitlin Hannon, March 2019** > Judith helped my husband and I design our remodel. She was wonderful to work with - very responsive throughout the process. We had never done a remodel before this one, so we were sure what to expect. Judith helped us throughout the process, connected us to fantastic contractors and designers, and was with us throughout the way to make sure we were happy with the final product. She is honest and kind and very flexible - even driving long distances to meet with the city to submit our plans. We loved working with her and are looking forward to working with her again for our next project. **Comment from Mattingly Thaler Architecture:** > thank you Caitlin - it was such a pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — HU-408300883, March 2019** > After purchasing a unique, but long negleted and un-lived in 77 year old home in Redwood City, the challenge of knowing how to restore and update it to its fullest potential came as somewhat of a surprise. > > After only a few meetings and site visits, Judith was able to grasp my vision for the property and come up with many wonderful ideas on how to make it work for my 21st century needs while also fulfilling my desire to maintain its 1939 era charms. > > An example would be the kitchen and both bathrooms - all were re-imagined and completely rebuilt into more funtional spaces, yet guests and visitors still ask if they are original to the house (not an easy design task!). > > During the redesign phase, Judith quickly responded to questions and acted as the perfect sounding board for ideas or issues that came up. Her expertise and experience were greatly appreciated. > > The highest complement and recommendation I can give is simply to say, if I ever buy another property, Judith Mattingly will be the first person I call after the paperwork clears. **Comment from Mattingly Thaler Architecture:** > wow FL, thank you for that. Should I add you to my marketing team? It was an utter pleasure working with you! **★★★★★ — Melinda, April 2017** > Judith took my ideas for a 500+ square foot addition to my home and created a beautiful, highly-functional space. She was unfailing brilliant at suggesting ideas that had not occurred to me, solving problems, and soothing my fears. For the many months we worked together, she was both professional and personable, and always timely and responsive to my needs. Her knowledge produced an architectural plan that had me dreaming excitedly about the finished project. I can recommend her with the highest pleasure to anyone who desires quality work. I wish I had professional photos taken to show off my new living space! **Comment from Mattingly Thaler Architecture:** > thank you Melinda, > I am so happy that YOU are happy! **★★★★★ — Larry Link, Sept. 2016** > Judith was the architect that took my initial inspiration for a "basement sports bar" and designed a beautiful and highly functional space. She is very creative and spent time up front rendering mock ups of the space from multiple angles so that we could envision all aspects of the project. She collaborated extremely well with our builder, decorator and cabinet/millwork team. She's a joy to work with, creative, highly responsive and also practical. Highly recommended! **Comment from Mattingly Thaler Architecture:** > thank you Larry, I really enjoyed working with you as well! you really drove the creative process on this project and were very involved in the whole process - including the photo shoot! **★★★★★ — indierhythm, June 2016** > Judith has been such a pleasure to work with! She is informed, thoughtful, creative, incredibly responsive, efficient and someone who “gets it done”. I started working with another architect 10 months ago on a project to raise the ceilings in one room of my home which required some engineering and changes to the roofline at the front of the house. It didn’t seem incredibly complicated, but did require some thought, creativity, experience, and navigation of various obstacles in getting city approvals. After five months of feeling like the beginning phases of the project weren’t moving along with the first architect and his engineer (promises made for drawings to be delivered followed by excuses for why they were not –no value-add or creative ideas – and it turned out also no awareness or mention of the possibility of the obstacles that were to come), I decided it was time to change gears. I was introduced to Judith through a referral in my neighborhood. Incredibly busy at the time she said she couldn’t promise the time line I was pushing for, but said she’d do her best to get me back on schedule. Her best turned out to be so far above and beyond. She jumped in fast. She offered valuable insights and opinions I didn’t expect, but that were needed (and that I hadn’t realized I needed). She immediately brought in an engineer who offered a paralleled level of service. Then, as additional obstacles surfaced in working with the city of Palo Alto (including the Home Improvement Exemption process), she helped navigate through them. I am feeling confident going into the construction phase and am incredibly grateful that the early missteps lead me to her. Construction will be smoother and the end result will be far better than I had originally envisioned. > > Now that I'm halfway into construction I must edit this review. Judith has been there EVERY step of the way to answer questions and ensure things move smoothly. Had no idea how much I'd still need to check in with her as we moved forward and I'm forever grateful. I can tell my contractors are not used to dealing with plans so well thought out ahead of time. Neighbors are already commenting that the house is going to look like it had always been designed this way - ultimately something that was very important to me in making this kind of change. Thank you Judith!!! **Comment from Mattingly Thaler Architecture:** > thank you! it has been fun working with you, and it looks like your addition is going to look fabulous! **★★★★★ — Jenna Bayer Garden Design, Inc., Nov. 2015** > Mattingly Thaler provides a custom approach to design, guidance, and leadership. Collaborating with clients to produce a complete design, with innovative and sustainable elements is a consistent practice. As a landscape designer, we appreciate the inclusive and professional leadership Judith provides to the team. Mattingly Thaler is a creative, responsible, and respected architecture firm, for all styles in residential design. **★★★★★ — kathryndunlevie, Oct. 2014** > Mattingly Thaler Architecture not only updated my Mission Revival garage/studio, but also perfectly replicated its historically listed facade, winning the 2011 Palo Alto Stanford Heritage Reconstruction Award. > They were brilliant designers and a delight to work with, shepherding the project through the city's Historical Review Board process, and working seamlessly with our engineer and general contractor. I cannot recommend Mattingly Thaler Architecture highly enough. I am so glad to have had the pleasure of working with such outstanding professionals and I am thrilled with my beautiful new structure. **★★★★★ — hliang, Sept. 2014** > We've worked with Judith twice. First remodeling inside the house, then a year later the deck and some of the outdoor space. She is knowledgeable, creative, flexible, pay ample amounts of attentions to details and is really good at understanding the clients' needs, respect their opinions, but push back when needed. She also worked great together with our general contractor, which she met the first time on our job. In short, she is wonderful to work with and would recommend her highly. **★★★★★ — Elizabeth Dunlevie, Sept. 2014** > Peter and Judith are an incredible team both in terms of their sophisticated design and their execution. They are able to balance spectacular design with cost considerations and constructability. Their work achieves an elegance based on great design, not relying on expensive finishes (although if expensive finishes are what you want, they can provide that as well). Judith and Peter worked well with our general contractor and all of our craftsmen, respecting their expertise, but also helping to ensure that the original design we wanted was implemented. They were particularly great at documenting status of project and keeping it on track, on budget. They true compassion and concern for the project from start to finish was exemplary. I could not recommend them more **★★★★★ — Melissa G, Sept. 2014** > Mattingly Thaler Architecture is the best in class as far as I'm concerned. After interviewing 3 other architects, Judith was the only one that had the vision of the MA BR/BA addition I'd been searching for for over 2 years. She has a keen insight that I hadn't seen before and was refreshing in her straightforward, honest approach. > > We struggled for years with the Build versus Buy question and would have absolutely hired MTA for our project, but for the fact that we stumbled upon and bought our dream(ish) home just before we dove into the project. ## Selected projects - [Silicon Valley Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silicon-valley-retreat-pj-vj~1888462) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: A combination of sliding and folding doors open up the great room to decks on three sides. - [Contemporary Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-classic-pj-vj~6398837) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 17 - [Art Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-studio-pj-vj~6569308) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [English Country House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-country-house-pj-vj~646868) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This wooded estate includes a handsome 1930's English Country house, which was fully remodeled and expanded, including a new kitchen, his and her studies, conservatory, refurbished bedrooms and baths, and enlarged basement with wine cellar and billiards room. A new poolhouse with guest suite, outdoor fireplace, and barbecue frame the house and lawn. Beyond that, a brick garden wall screens views of the tennis courts and creates a new precinct for the greenhouse and vegetable beds. The existing w… - [Suburban Park](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-park-pj-vj~276359) - Location: Menlo Park, CA - Photos: 6 - [Art Deco Rehab](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-deco-rehab-pj-vj~5630228) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: A neglected Art Deco gem was rescued, lovingly restored, and brought into the 21st century. Steel sash windows were replaced with new insulated steel, and aging kitchen and bathrooms were re-imagined with a refreshing material palette. Interior Designer was Barry Johnson Design and Landscape Design by Jenna Bayer Garden Design. Contractor was MCB Remodeling - [Sea Cliff](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-cliff-pj-vj~275985) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: SEA CLIFF A seaside home affords a quality of zen comfort and 21st Century beauty, with views of the Golden Gate bridge to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The exterior of redwood siding, copper roofs, fountains and Japanese gardens leads across a bridge to an interior with sycamore wood and limestone floors, integral color plaster walls, curved stairs with a basket-weave stainless steel rail design, cast glass doors and finely crafted cabinets. There is a living room, dining room, we… - [English Arts and Crafts](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-arts-and-crafts-pj-vj~275919) - Location: Woodside, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: Inspired by English Arts and Crafts at the turn of the 20th century, this house is framed by an equally English inspired yet water efficient garden. Keeping with the architectural tradition, the exterior finish is pebble dash stucco with authentic "wane" wood siding, made from recycled barn timbers, and the roof is a semi-weathering slate. Interior beams and trusses are all structural, and made from a combination of recycled White Oak and Douglas Fir. This house was made for large family gatheri… - [Point Richmond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/point-richmond-pj-vj~276016) - Location: Richmond, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Nestled into the side of the hills facing the San Francisco Bay, this home was completely rebuilt and expanded in order to provide uninterrupted views across the Bay toward both the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges and the San Francisco skyline in the distance. From the new construction of spaces in both the upper and lower structures to the careful refinishing and duplicating of the existing beams, this project makes it possible for both family and guests to enjoy the surrounding physical and cultur… - [Pavilions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pavilions-pj-vj~2024216) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 8 - [Modern Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-ranch-pj-vj~6959959) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This classic ranch house was dated and not working well for some recent empty nesters. the kitchen and family room and home office were dark and cramped, so this remodel opened up the house to the back yard and got rid of some redundant hallways to create a bright, modern and greatly refreshed living space. - [SF Master Suite](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sf-master-suite-pj-vj~2682974) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: Master Bedroom suite with generous bath and en suite office - [Pool House and Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-house-and-garden-pj-vj~1888309) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 3 - [California Mediterranean](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-mediterranean-pj-vj~19285) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 34 - Description: CALIFORNIA MEDITERRANEAN The character of this new house and pool house finds its inspiration in the Mediterranean world of architecture and landscape. With integrally pigmented stucco walls, limestone tiles and sustainable wood floors the finished materials and precise design details bring built harmony to this family. A cylindrical entry hall opens the way to paths with coffered ceilings, walls of glass and wood panels. Included is a formal dining room, intimate music room, eat-in kitchen, fam… - [Steampunk Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/steampunk-kitchen-pj-vj~1425956) - Location: Atherton, CA - Photos: 6 - [Sports Bar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sports-bar-pj-vj~2024222) - Location: Los Altos Hills, CA - Photos: 5 - [Edgewood Park Moderne](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/edgewood-park-moderne-pj-vj~5694663) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Mid-Peninsula Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-peninsula-modern-pj-vj~6096424) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: A light and bright easy - low maintence home for empty nesters. - [mid century Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-kitchen-pj-vj~6906856) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Basement Recaptured](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/basement-recaptured-pj-vj~6745749) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 [See all 23 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mattingly-thaler-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276897275) ## Ideabooks - [Edgewood stair railing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/176532726/list/edgewood-stair-railing) — 5 ideas - [front doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169284517/list/front-doors) — 13 ideas - [Bathroom for Soyoung](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169319506/list/bathroom-for-soyoung) — 8 ideas - [Victorian Exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/166363744/list/victorian-exterior) — 7 ideas - [Porches](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/162371948/list/porches) — 5 ideas - [Tokuda](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157545010/list/tokuda) — 16 ideas - [three story stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/128814902/list/three-story-stairs) — 6 ideas - [fireplace and mantel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/90265168/list/fireplace-and-mantel) — 9 ideas - [Mediterranean pavilions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86071167/list/mediterranean-pavilions) — 11 ideas - [30 photos](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/70679372/list/30-photos) — 4 ideas [See all 10 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jmattingly) ## Community Q&A **Q: is the fireplace white washed painted** *(in Photo Questions)* did you paint the stones A: the stone is the natural color, no whitewash. **Q: The wall art is stunning...just what I need** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you help me source it? A: Barry Johnson, of Barry Johnson Design found the art. He may be able to help you. you can find him on Houzz as well. good luck! **Q: Can you tell me brand and where to purchase?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the light fixture! A: the interior designer is Barry Johnson of Barry Johnson Design, and he selected the light fixtures. **Q: paint color please** *(in Photo Questions)* what is paint color please A: Barry Johnson of Barry Johnson Interior Design selected all of the paint colors **Q: Shower tile - is the Lucian the matte or gloss?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love the mix of the Ann Sacks Lucian and Jute in the shower! It appears from the photo that the Lucia is in a matte finish. Can you let me know? A: yes, it's a combination of matte and gloss! **Q: Who is the manufacturer of the sliding door please.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Those are made by Fleetwood --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*