---
title: "Mark Brand Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-brand-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276918943
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~276918943.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Mark Brand Architecture"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/24a392a90b479359_4273-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "744 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California 94107, United States"
latitude: 37.7621
longitude: -122.3971
phone: "(415) 543-7300"
website: http://www.markbrandarchitecture.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 34
best_of_houzz_awards: 11
followers: 2373
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Mark Brand Architecture

Original Houzz profile: [Mark Brand Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-brand-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276918943)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, Mountain View, Napa, Alameda, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, Novato, San Bruno, Pacifica, Los Gatos, Los Altos, Burlingame, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Mill Valley, Alamo, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Hillsborough, Piedmont, Tiburon, Los Altos Hills, Sausalito, Atherton, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Portola Valley, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Alto, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon, Greenbrae
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 500,000 Ideabook Saves
- Best of Houzz winner
- High-end
- 34 years in business

Mark Brand Architecture's award-winning architecture and interior studio balances high design with practicality, combining understated elegance with elements of drama.  Our firm specializes in quality new homes, residential remodels and additions.  

Stylistically, our work would best be described as eclectic, incorporating a variety of influences favoring no single style.  Our work ranges from traditional to modern with an emphasis on creativity and problem solving.  Our projects are especially noted for their quality of light and orientation to views.  Artistic compositions of plan, space and form are enriched by carefully considered color, texture and materials.

Mark Brand Architecture's experience in dealing with planning and building departments throughout the Bay Area and our record of working well with project neighbors contribute to our expertise in getting building permits approved.  We work closely with our clients, contractors and cost estimators to control construction costs. Mark is a California licensed architect.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Floor Plans
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- 3D Rendering
- Bathroom Design
- Space Planning
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Basement Design
- Tiny House Construction
- Deck Design
- Construction Drawings

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Mountain View
- Napa
- Alameda
- Palo Alto
- South San Francisco
- Novato
- San Bruno
- Pacifica
- Los Gatos
- Los Altos
- Burlingame
- El Cerrito
- Lafayette
- Albany
- Orinda
- Mill Valley
- Alamo
- Emeryville
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Hillsborough
- Piedmont
- Tiburon
- Los Altos Hills
- Sausalito
- Atherton
- Brisbane
- Broadmoor
- Portola Valley
- Marin City
- Belvedere
- Colma
- Alto
- Muir Beach
- Belvedere Tiburon
- Greenbrae

### Typical Job Cost

$100,000 - $2,500,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Mark Brand Architecture |
| Address | 744 Harrison Street, San Francisco, California 94107, United States |
| Phone | (415) 543-7300 |
| Website | http://www.markbrandarchitecture.com |
| License Number | C13,145 |
| Followers on Houzz | 2373 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/mark-brand-architecture/171529536204931
- LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3920762&authtype=name\_search&authtoken=x5un&locale=en\_us&src

## Offers

Award-Winning Architect & Designer

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Mark Brand Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-brand-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276918943)
- **Website:** http://www.markbrandarchitecture.com
- **Phone:** (415) 543-7300

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- DesignWise (Chicago) 1997
- California licensed architect
- Best of Houzz - Service Award 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016
- Best of Houzz - Design Award 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012

- **Best of Houzz:** 11 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

**Affiliations**
- [American Institute of Architects, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-institute-of-architects-san-francisco-pfvwus-pf~788533068)
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 34 reviews**

*Aspect averages:*
- Work Quality: 50.0
- Communication: 50.0
- Value: 50.0

### Reviews

**★★★★★ — Mari Corella, Feb. 2026**

> I worked with Mark Brand and his firm on a recent home remodel, and the experience exceeded my expectations. I had an awkwardly shaped addition to my home and was unsure how to make the space functional. Mark presented several layout options, each creative and highly considered. He took the time to walk me through his thinking and clearly outlined the pros and cons of each approach, which made the decision process straightforward and collaborative.
>
> We ultimately chose a design that transformed the space into both an additional bathroom and a highly practical utility room. I was especially impressed by his ability to turn such a challenging footprint into something both beautiful and functional. He also handled the San Francisco permitting process seamlessly, which allowed our contractors to begin work without delays.
>
> The finished rooms are stunning, and the entire process was smooth and well managed. I would highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for a thoughtful, solutions-oriented architect.

**★★★★★ — Anders B, Aug. 2025**

> Mark Brand's architecture team did an incredible job making our dream home a reality. Mark made the process efficient and enjoyable, and his excellent communication kept us informed and current about the progress. The team developed a set of realistic plans that made the project achievable, but that could also be adapted to address unanticipated changes. We especially appreciated Mark's design sensibility and his ability to anticipate customers' needs. In addition, he selected very professional subcontractors who were also a pleasure to work with. The project was completed on time and within budget, and the experience far exceeded our expectations. We were privileged to work with Mark and his team, and would gladly work with him again on our next project. We can wholeheartedly recommend Mark Brand Architecture.

**★★★★★ — Kayla Lee, July 2025**

> We hired Mark and his team to design an addition to our home. They did an excellent job creating a beautiful and practical design which incorporated our stylistic preferences. We were also impressed by their ability to blend the new structure with the current structure.
>
> The team was very attentive and easy to communicate with and were always responsive to our input. Mark's team also did an excellent job navigating a complicated permitting process while preserving design intent, especially given the many constraints our project faced. In the end the project exceeded our expectations and has transformed our little corner of the city.

**★★★★★ — Diamond\_St, May 2024**

> I've been working on a home renovation that's been a challenge from the start. The most recent issue was finding an architect who could draw up a new plans that resolve the issues the Planning Dept had with this project,
>
> Mark Brand, who I retained as the architect, understood the urgency of this matter, provided updated plans that addressed the issues then navigated his way through the Planning Dept and obtained an Over the Couinter permit in a short period of time.
>
> Thank you Mark and Jacob.

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thank you, Ron!  It was a pleasure working with you.  Glad to be of service!

**★★★★★ — Matt Knight, March 2024**

> Mark Brand is awesome. You can't go wrong if you hire Mark for your next project. He's efficient, client-oriented, and great at details.
>
> -Matt (Sensitive Information Hidden)
> Compass

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Hi, Matt.  Thank you for the kind words!  We look forward to helping your clients.

**★★★★★ — Ty D Lee, Feb. 2024**

> We hired Mark to design an addition to our home. He did an excellent job blending our stylistic preferences into a beautiful and practical design. Mark's team also did an excellent job navigating a complicated permitting process while preserving design intent, especially given the many constraints our project faced.

**★★★★★ — Paul Rowe, Feb. 2024**

> We hired Mark Brand Architecture to address several problems with our 1939 big-five home in San Francisco.  We contemplated redesign of the lower floor, an update of the façade, and the entire re-envisioning of the terraced backyard, it’s connection to the house, and flow between the living spaces inside and out.
>
> Mark and his team were a joy to work with.  His knowledge of and experience with San Francisco’s Building and Planning codes and the department made him a perfect partner for our project.  He provided us with several novel solutions, and he walked us through each one -- carefully validating his designs with our desires and our budget.  For the lower floor, he ‘found’ space we didn’t think we had.  For the façade, he created a look that was fresh yet integrated beautifully with the neighborhood.
>
> The topography of the backyard was particularly challenging.  It was a hassle to move from the main floor to the backyard, frustrating our joy of outdoor living.  Mark’s solution resolved conflicting elevations between the building and the backyard elegantly, making egress to the backyard a pleasure.  For this, he was instrumental in selecting and working with a structural engineer to figure out challenges of incorporating some very high retaining walls.  We loved his solution.
>
> We would hire Mark again in a flash. He is a pleasure to know and a pleasure to work with.

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thanks, Paul.  It was a pleasure working with you and Michael.

**★★★★★ — obiwan\_bk, Oct. 2023**

> I've been planning my kitchen remodel for several years and went through multiple iterations of the design in my head.  Mark was referred to me by a fellow architect friend.  After an in-house consultation, he was able to translate what was in my head to several different floor plans for my consideration.  I was able to select/revise the perfect one for my dream kitchen vision.  This was a complicated process since I wanted to remove a mid-load bearing wall and swap the location of the kitchen and dining room while dealing with all of the unexpected issues in a 50+ year old condo.  All of the planning and discussion meant that my remodel went exceptionally smoothly.  Even when we discovered that the original plan for the steel beam needed to be altered, he was there to talk directly with my contractor and work with the structural engineer to get me revised plans in record time.  I really enjoyed working with Mark - he understands what you want but is also good at making gentle recommendations when needed.  Thank you for leading me to the right cabinet decision!  I highly recommend working with Mark and his team if you have any home remodel needs in the San Francisco Bay Area!

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thanks, Becky.  We loved working with you and are very proud of how it turned out.

**★★★★★ — ballonSTUDIO interiors & remodeling, July 2023**

> Mark Brand Architecture was a great partner on the design of a whole-house renovation in San Francisco. They were creative and responsive. Their architecture and detailing is top notch. I love collaborating with them and our clients loved them, too. High marks for communication and coordination efforts.

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thank you for your review, Sabra.  It has been a pleasure working with you.

**★★★★★ — Marcie Mitchell, March 2021**

> Mark Brand asked all of the right questions and worked tirelessly with the city permit department to make sure everything we wanted to do would be approved.  Beyond being amazing on the phone with the city, his design fit with our mid-century home and anyone who has seen it is amazed at the transformation of our small back yard.
> We started this project with Mark in 2019, long before COVID-19, and completed the major construction in October of 2020. The actual construction began in May 2020 with demo, to completion in October 2020.   Mark and his staff were with us through the entire process, communicating with our Contractor and Pool installer and keeping everyone in the loop and on track. I had never worked with an architect before, and feel grateful that my first experience was with Mark Brand and his team.  Fees are explained up front, and although the fees were a healthy part of our budget, I know I got what I paid for! Communication with email and phone calls, as well as site visits were always timely, with any issues explained and problems worked through and resolved to avoid delays.

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thank you for your kind words, Marcie.  It was a pleasure working with you.

**★★★★★ — LEI ZHANG, March 2020**

> It's been a (long) journey. Very glad that we picked Mark and his team as our partner for this complete overhaul of our primary residence, which lasted 1.5 years. Our goal was to turn our unique but outdated 70's colonial home nested in the woods of Pleasanton ridge into an elegant and modern living space. Mark and Tyler helped us to make our dream a reality with their extensive experience in design and attention to every details. Though the project was over time and budget - not something that Mark's team would have control of - the result turns out to be amazing. We imagine our family living in this beautiful new house for years to come.
>
> Thanks Mark!

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thank you for your review, Lei. It was great working with you and Haijing.  We are glad you are so happy with the final project.

**★★★★ — HU-449650361, Oct. 2019**

> Mark provided helpful tips, feedback, guidance, and advice as we made our decisions as first-time home-owners and renovators. He is knowledgeable about building codes and had great ideas about design, lighting, and maximizing square footage. We discovered about 20 square feet of unused dead space hiding behind a wall thanks to his plans!  We did run into some issues with responsiveness and occasional lapses in quality of work, but we would attribute this to some staff turn over that Mark experienced in the course of our job.  He quickly revised our bill when we aired, and he agreed with, our complaints.  We are happy with the plans he developed and are thrilled as we see them become a reality.

**Comment from Mark Brand Architecture:**

> Thanks for your review, Tom.  It was a pleasure working with you and Ruthie.

## Selected projects

- [Everything Modern is Modern Again in Portola Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/everything-modern-is-modern-again-in-portola-valley-pj-vj~175421)
  - Location: Portola Valley, CA
  - Photos: 30
  - Description: For this remodel in Portola Valley, California we were hired to rejuvenate a circa 1980 modernist house clad in deteriorating vertical wood siding. The house included a greenhouse style sunroom which got so unbearably hot as to be unusable. We opened up the floor plan and completely demolished the sunroom, replacing it with a new dining room open to the remodeled living room and kitchen. We added a new office and deck above the new dining room and replaced all of the exterior windows, mostly wit…
- [A Stairway to Heaven](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-stairway-to-heaven-pj-vj~7677979)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 30
  - Description: For this Spanish/Mediterranean home on the border of San Francisco’s Marina and Cow Hollow neighborhoods, our client’s art collection needed a sophisticated modern setting on par with her taste. Our signature design addition was a new floating stair from the second floor kitchen to a completely remodeled ground floor family room. The stair consists of chunky maple treads with open risers hung from the ceiling by metal rods. The new family room features wall-to-wall folding black-painted aluminum…
- [This Changes Everything!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/this-changes-everything-pj-vj~7112023)
  - Location: Pacifica, CA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: For this complete exterior remodel of an existing 1947 era house in the Sharp Park neighborhood of Pacifica, we kept the interior mostly untouched, but changed everything on the exterior. The original house was a rustic stucco home with a mishmash of window styles and sizes and a pitched roof with projecting eaves and exposed rafters. Our client came to us because she admired our other modern exteriors and wanted something similar. To achieve a completely new look, we first cut off the eaves and…
- [Cole Valley Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-valley-remodel-pj-vj~1423533)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 6
- [Raise the Roof!](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/raise-the-roof-pj-vj~6264297)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 39
  - Description: For our client, who had previous experience working with architects, we enlarged, completely gutted and remodeled this Twin Peaks diamond in the rough. The top floor had a rear-sloping ceiling that cut off the amazing view, so our first task was to raise the roof so the great room had a uniformly high ceiling. Clerestory windows bring in light from all directions. In addition, we removed walls, combined rooms, and installed floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall sliding doors in sleek black aluminum at…
- [Half-New in Half Moon Bay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/half-new-in-half-moon-bay-pj-vj~7372092)
  - Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
  - Photos: 7
- [An ADU Star Is Born](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/an-adu-star-is-born-pj-vj~7687025)
  - Location: Brisbane, CA
  - Photos: 23
  - Description: Brisbane, California is fondly known as the City of Stars. The tradition began in 1939 when a local resident, Mr. Gaynor, placed a large green star high on the hills above Kings Road. Inspired, the Chamber of Commerce built 20 more stars on their own and passed the out to residents, encouraging others to follow, the tradition lives on today, with most homes in Brisbane proudly displaying one. Our clients, after welcoming their first child, found their single-story 808-square-foot starter home to…
- [Monochromatic Palette in Redwood Shores](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/monochromatic-palette-in-redwood-shores-pj-vj~7097498)
  - Location: Redwood City, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: For a couple of young web developers buying their first home in Redwood Shores, we were hired to do a complete interior remodel of a cookie-cutter house originally built in 1996. The original finishes looked more like the 80s than the 90s, consisting of raised-panel oak cabinets, 12 x 12 yellow-beige floor tiles, tile counters, and brown-beige wall-to-wall carpeting. The kitchen and bathrooms were utterly basic and the doors, fireplace, and TV niche were also very dated. We selected all new fini…
- [Cole Valley Three for All](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-valley-three-for-all-pj-vj~6266213)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 39
  - Description: We were approached by a San Francisco firefighter to design a place for him and his girlfriend to live while also creating additional units he could sell to finance the project. He grew up in the house that was built on this site in approximately 1886. It had been remodeled repeatedly since it was first built so that there was only one window remaining that showed any sign of its Victorian heritage. The house had become so dilapidated over the years that it was a legitimate candidate for demolit…
- [Infinity Tub Oasis - Bath Crashers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/infinity-tub-oasis-bath-crashers-pj-vj~235916)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: We designed this bathroom makeover for an episode of Bath Crashers on DIY. This is how they described the project: "A dreary gray bathroom gets a 180-degree transformation when Matt and his crew crash San Francisco. The space becomes a personal spa with an infinity tub that has a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Marble floors and a marble shower kick up the luxury factor, and a walnut-plank wall adds richness to warm the space. To top off this makeover, the Bath Crashers team installs a 10-foot o…
- [Neglected No More](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neglected-no-more-pj-vj~7372236)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 33
- [The Mullet House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-mullet-house-pj-vj~1290846)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 17
  - Description: "Business in the Front, Party in the Back." This project provided Mark with the opportunity to revisit a project from the first year of his practice. Our clients were the third owners since Mark first worked on this house in 1987. The original project had consisted of a small addition to the rear of an existing single-story (over garage) house. The new owners wanted to completely remodel the house and add two floors. In addition they wanted it to be MODERN. This was a perfect fit for where the f…
- [Rewarding An Edwardian](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rewarding-an-edwardian-pj-vj~7397017)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 25
  - Description: This Corona Heights Edwardian had not been remodeled in several decades and had a poorly lit suite of bedrooms and bathrooms downstairs with low ceilings that had been built without permits. The main level upstairs consisted of small, cramped rooms including a small secondary interior stair. Everything was out of date. Our challenge was to legalize the rooms downstairs, open things up, bring in more light, and remodel everything else, adding a sense of style to the whole affair. In order to make…
- [Japanese Inspired Remodel in Noe Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-inspired-remodel-in-noe-valley-pj-vj~2834)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 36
  - Description: The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner’s passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass b…
- [Clarendon Heights Infill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clarendon-heights-infill-pj-vj~6256864)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 38
- [Liberty Hill Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/liberty-hill-modern-pj-vj~1119981)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Our clients for this remodel of a 100 year old home in San Francisco’s Liberty Hill neighborhood recently moved to San Francisco. The house they purchased was very stately and had great bones, but lacked a true master suite and had recently been remodeled in a slightly generic modern style. We helped them with projects throughout the house. Our biggest project was creating a true master suite out of two bedrooms and an existing bathroom. We created an open concept bathroom with custom gray lacqu…
- [California Cool in the Castro](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/california-cool-in-the-castro-pj-vj~2885)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: This Castro neighborhood remodel presented the challenge of transfroming two rather ordinary, window-less bathrooms into modern spa-like rooms. We drew upon water for our inspiration to create a cool and refreshing feeling. The master bathroom tone is established by Carrera marble floors and walls of handmade glass mosaic tiles the color of water flecked with subtle streaks of dark red. A wall-hung wood vanity inspired by a piece of modernist furniture appears to float above the floor. Decorativ…
- [Warm Modern in Noe Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/warm-modern-in-noe-valley-pj-vj~2763)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Mid-Century Modernism inspired our design for this new house in Noe Valley. The exterior is distinguished by cubic massing, well proportioned forms and use of contrasting but harmonious natural materials. These include clear cedar, stone, aluminum, colored stucco, glass railings, slate and painted wood. At the rear yard, stepped terraces provide scenic views of downtown and the Bay Bridge. Large sunken courts allow generous natural light to reach the below grade guest bedroom and office behind t…
- [Movin' On Up](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/movin-on-up-pj-vj~5687652)
  - Location: Oakland, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: For a young family of four in Oakland’s Redwood Heights neighborhood we remodeled and enlarged one bathroom and created a second bathroom at the rear of the existing garage. This family of four was outgrowing their home but loved their neighborhood. They needed a larger bathroom and also needed a second bath on a different level to accommodate the fact that the mother gets ready for work hours before the others usually get out of bed. For the hard-working Mom, we created a new bathroom in the ga…
- [Little Things Mean a Lot](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/little-things-mean-a-lot-pj-vj~5686080)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 19
  - Description: For a single woman working in downtown San Francisco, we were tasked with remodeling her 500 sq.ft. Victorian garden condo. We brought in more light by enlarging most of the openings to the rear and adding a sliding glass door in the kitchen. The kitchen features custom zebrawood cabinets, CaesarStone counters, stainless steel appliances and a large, deep square sink. The bathroom features a wall-hung Duravit vanity and toilet, recessed lighting, custom, built-in medicine cabinets and geometric…

[See all 49 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/mark-brand-architecture-pfvwus-pf~276918943)

## Community Q&A

**Q: How much for this exact same house times 6 cash money** *(in Photo Questions)*

I'm needing 6 of these built on a piece of land that I purchase in San Antonio Tx area

A: Hi Rose, please call me at (415) 543-7300 or email me at info@markbrandarchitecture.com to discuss this project.

**Q: Cabinet manufacturer and color.** *(in Photo Questions)*

Who is the cabinet manufacturer and color?

A: Hi Linda,  I just looked up the cabinet maker.  His name was Francois Gounard.  He is now located in Tiburon, CA.  He made the cabinets for both the kitchen and the bathrooms.  The kitchen cabinets were made of cherry with a custom stain. - Mark

**Q: how do I contact architect?** *(in Photo Questions)*

I own land &amp; small home. Wish to expand house, build a duplex in a second lot love this design.

A: Hi Elyse.  You can email me at mark@markbrandarchitecture.com or call at (415) 543-7300 during business hours.  I look forward to speaking with you.  Best, Mark

**Q: Defensible space??** *(in Photo Questions)*

Super cool house and great interior  design. But- it's an example of what NOT to do on the exterior.  If this is the same Portola Valley I know in N. Cal,  this is a highly fire prone area.  Vegetation is completely surrounding the house and in direct contact, and on a slope to make matters worse. Please people- help first responders by doing your part when living in these areas. Tons of info online about living in a fire environment.

A: Hi Romeo,  This was a remodel project.  It was originally completely clad in wood.  We remodeled it and replaced the wood with stucco.  Therefore, I assume it is safer after our work than before.  - Mark

**Q: what is wall color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the name and brand of wall color paint?

A: Hi Shawna,  We designed this house in 2004 and no longer have records of the color.  It is probably a Benjamin-Moore color.  Try checking out their Historical Colors collection. - Mark

**Q: backsplash material and color?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi, is the baclsplash the same quartz as the counter? Also, what is the brand annd color? It looks peach-y. 
Thanks!

A: Hi Jagilford,  The countertop and backsplash were both Caesarstone in the color Dreamy Marfil.  - Mark

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*
