--- title: "James Hill Architect, AIA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-hill-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~344027557 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344027557.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "James Hill Architect, AIA" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ece3ddae08d328bc_8402-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "836 Haight Street, San Francisco, California 94117, United States" latitude: 37.7712 longitude: -122.4413 phone: "(415) 864-4408" website: https://jameshillarchitect.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 137 last_updated: 2026-11-05 --- # James Hill Architect, AIA Original Houzz profile: [James Hill Architect, AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-hill-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~344027557) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, Napa, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Bruno, El Cerrito, Albany, Mill Valley, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Sonoma, Tiburon, Sausalito, Brisbane, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Alto, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon, Marin County, Napa County, Seattle, Sonoma County - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2015), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves - Eco-friendly - High-end - 30 years in business The office of James Hill Architect produces thoughtful, high quality architectural design, sensitive to location in time and place, to the local and global communities and to the client's own individuality. James Hill is a California Licensed Architect. OUR OFFICE Since 1985 we have provided architecture and interior services to the Bay Area and West Coast from our San Francisco location. Experienced with a variety of local communities our competence has proven persuasive with planners, inspectors, neighbors and various review forums. With an eye to client control, our established relations with suppliers and contractors provides realistic budgeting coordinated with the phased development of the design. Solutions arise from an appreciation of common sense, comfort, light and the shape of space. Together these elements frame the project's function as the thoughtful expression of the individuality of the client and the specific character of the environment. OUR PHILOSOPHY American thought has always found the spirit at home in the commonplace. With curiosity and attention the door knob becomes an appreciation of the shape of the hand and the window transforms into praise for the sun. So as not to be confronted by the transcendental every time we open a door, the direct and practical allow for an unconscious appreciation of life's simple pleasures in harmony with our daily life. Underlying our work is the ambition to create environments that invite reflection upon our place in a connected universe, in a community both temporal and physical, both global and local. Understanding these connections recognizes the value of our place and the importance of our actions here. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Home Restoration - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Staircase Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Addition Design - Custom Bathroom Vanity Design - Custom Cabinet Design - Custom Cabinet Doors - Custom Walk-in Closets Design - Extension Design - Floor Plans Design - Kitchen and Bath Design - Lighting Design - Residential Design - Wine Cellar Design ### Areas Served - Los Angeles - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Daly City - Napa - Alameda - South San Francisco - San Bruno - El Cerrito - Albany - Mill Valley - Emeryville - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Sonoma - Tiburon - Sausalito - Brisbane - Marin City - Belvedere - Colma - Alto - Muir Beach - Belvedere Tiburon - Marin County - Napa County - Seattle - Sonoma County ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 2 million Costs listed are for construction. $500 per sf is typically a bottom range for our projects. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | James Hill Architect, AIA | | Address | 836 Haight Street, San Francisco, California 94117, United States | | Phone | (415) 864-4408 | | Website | https://jameshillarchitect.com | | License Number | C15149 | | Followers on Houzz | 137 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/jameshillarchitect - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/james-hill/1a/4b5/532 - Blog — http://www.talkingbuilding.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [James Hill Architect, AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-hill-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~344027557) - **Website:** https://jameshillarchitect.com - **Phone:** (415) 864-4408 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Chair, SF AIA Small Firms Committee - CA Licensed Architect - American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter - San Francisco Green Business - National Trust for Historic Preservation Member - Bicycle Coalition Member - Piedmont Residential Award 2000 - Small Firms, Great Projects 2012, 2004 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2015), for Service, Design. **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 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — Emily Guzzardi, June 2020** > I worked with James a few years back for a moderate-sized home renovation in Bernal Heights. He came recommended through another close architect friend. I am a single woman who owns a home and was not in the bit slightest handy or experienced in the realm of this sort of project, but James made it smooth and easy--even pleasant. :) He was reliable, honest, and patient with me and I would use him again Thanks, James! I love my home. **Comment from James Hill Architect, AIA:** > Thanks, Emily. We were very pleased to have such a great client. James Hill **★★★★★ — Fulcrum Point Construction, Oct. 2017** > I have had the pleasure of working with James Hill on more than a few projects over the past several years. I always appreciate the attention to detail as well as his intuition for practical design . James values his relationship with clients and knows how to achieve a tasteful balance of their particular wants and needs. I look forward to working with him for years to come and definitely recommend anyone looking to work with him to do so. **★★★★★ — Dave Halperin, Oct. 2017** > As a general contractor,I have worked with James Hill several times in the last few years, and I highly recommend him for any architectural needs. He is a pleasure to work with, and has a great eye for details. He listens to customers needs and creates interesting designs. He also makes sure the contractors understand what he wants. **★★★★★ — Christopher Gate Construction, Dec. 2015** > James Hill is very enjoyable to work with, friendly and energetic. Along with his enthusiastic attitude he has great design ideas. He has been very responsive and always very thorough with any questions or issues that have occurred on projects. It’s obvious that James really enjoys doing what he does and I look forward to continue working with him. **★★★★★ — Collier Ostrom, inc., Dec. 2015** > It’s easy to sing the praises of James Hill Architect. We at Collier-Ostrom, Inc., Remodeling Contractor, have worked with Jim for over 20 years, both as Client, Contractor and Owner. There’s a reason. He continues to impress us with the quality of his work, the clarity of his drawings and detailing and his sensitivity to our client’s goals. He’s well versed in the intricacies of local requirements, essential in a locale like San Francisco. Equally impressive is his ability to create a solid and happy team with the Owner, the Contractor and the Architect all working together towards a common goal and a spectacular outcome. > > We enjoy working with Jim and plan to do so again. **★★★★★ — mgnatoma, Dec. 2014** > James designed a kitchen remodel for us and we love it! He listened to our needs and ideas and gave us a kitchen that suits our form and function. James is a very experienced architect and that was great guidance for us. He has strong design ideas but was open to hearing our design ideas too and that mattered. He made sure to work with our budget and reminded us when we would start changing things. James definitely follows up on the project. We really liked that he would come regularly on site to check details and progress. He is very easy to talk to and very trustworthy. **★★★★★ — mabraver, Nov. 2013** > We hired James Hill to be the architect and oversee the renovation of our flat. The work was quite extensive and Jim was so helpful. He has great taste and understands economic constraints. We're so happy with our home... thank you, Jim! **★★★★★ — lightheart, Oct. 2013** > Jim is great to work with. He gives his full attention to all aspects of the project - from design to working drawings to construction review. No detail that a client may inquire about is too small for Jim to provide an informed and often imaginative response. > > His vision provided the catalyst to transform our San Francisco house into a more interesting and comfortable home. Jim is creative, detailed and easy to communicate with. **★★★★ — thirdave, March 2013** > James is a phenomenal architect. We did a complete "gut job" on our house in SF and added a three story addition to the rear. His vision was wonderful and his execution first rate. He managed to integrate the front Edwardian portion of our house with the new more modern addition in a beautiful and seamless way. He took a great deal of time to understand our lifestyle and how we wanted to use the spaces and this final design fitted our needs perfectly. He was attentive, creative, responsive and a joy to work with. He is also a genuinely nice guy which is a big plus during the very expensive process of a big remodel. He was lots of help in finding a contractor (he found ours), recommending materials, and letting us know the impact of our decisions. > > I don't really have any criticism of James, but no one is perfect so I will say that he tended to push hard for the elements that he felt were important to his design, even if we didn't value them as much as he did. You have to be a bit forceful when you are asking him to "give things up." In addition, we did not always fully understand the economic implications of some of the design details. Not sure if that is because we didn't pay enough attention or were just not fully informed, but we might have made a few less expensive choices had we known the full impact of some design decisions in advance (for example, "hidden" shades in the family room- the "hiding" cost a pretty penny). > > I would hire James again in a minute and have referred him to others with very happy resutls. **★★★★★ — roladdad, March 2013** > My wife and I have worked with James Hill exclusively over the last several years on a few projects in our home. Jim was among the six architects we initially interviewed to remodel our kitchen, revitalize our downstairs area, and add a second story to our modest Sunset District home. We chose him not only because of his talent, but because he was engaging, friendly, funny, and attentive. His personality seemed the best suited for someone who would have to work extensively with my wife and me. > > Almost immediately, we knew we had made the right decision in hiring Jim. He patiently guided us through a very involved process, working hand in hand with us on almost every decision. He sat with us in several rooms of our main floor asking us to visualize our new spaces and what we would like to see in those spaces. When our project went public, he even helped us broker meetings with our neighbors and was a stalwart partner during several nerve-wracking sessions with the SF Planning Commission. > > When it finally came time to choosing appliances and finishes, Jim worked within our budget and even managed to surprise us with a few choices that were very much in keeping with our tastes. We even got a postcard from Jim while he and his family were on vacation suggesting another variation for our kitchen cabinetry. We were impressed with his true dedication to our project. > > Needless to say, Jim is creative, thoughtful, thorough, mindful of client resources, tirelessly strives for a great outcome, and an all-around nice guy. We gladly continue to host his potential clients as he uses our "showcase" of a home as one of his many examples of excellent, appropriate design and solid craftsmanship. We owe Jim Hill a lot. Thank you. > > Roland Addad and Julie Wu-Addad. **★★★★★ — seloco, March 2013** > I have work with Jim on a few of his project as a general contractor. Jim is amazing in the way he provides thorough details and continuity of meeting notes and feedback. I would work with Jim anytime and I would recommend his service to anybody who needs a great architect. ## Selected projects - [Cole Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-valley-residence-pj-vj~426) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: A penthouse addition to a compartmentalized rowhouse opens up the interior to views and light. A later renovation rethinks the entry stairs for more openness and efficiencies. - [Golden Gate Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golden-gate-residence-pj-vj~6747774) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Teacher-designer partners and two daughters renovate a garage conversion reorienting the Edwardian home’s living space from traditional double parlor on the street to open plan on the rear garden, from a dark and noisy street to a quiet and sunny garden, separated from the great room by a wall of glass. Remarkable are the owners skill balancing the calmness of the neutral gray palette with an eye opening compliment of tangerine orange. Borrowing the brightness of the sky, the stair well with its… - [Outer Richmond Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outer-richmond-residence-pj-vj~6541427) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: A modern update flips the living space from the top floor to the ground floor, allowing this bike friendly family to roll into their home. The light filled living space opens to the backyard through a 15 foot wide sliding glass door. Skylights illuminate the stairway and living space. - [Lake City Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-city-residence-pj-vj~3375) - Location: Seattle, WA - Photos: 20 - Description: A new home shapes an outdoor room. - [Pattison Lake Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pattison-lake-residence-pj-vj~3373) - Location: Olympia, WA - Photos: 14 - Description: A simple shacklike home under a gabled roof ringed by a porch on four sides sits at the end of a road leading to Pattison Lake. The home appears familiar like a place remembered. Simple plan, roof and window shapes and direct connections between indoors and out support a modest budget and simple lifestyle. In front, the porch roof shelters a carport. Along the lake the porch provides a generous outdoor room paralleling the casual open plan of the interior living spaces. Skylights over the centra… - [Noe Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/noe-valley-residence-pj-vj~6235) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 52 - Description: Frequently, our projects involve changing the inward looking character of 100 year old urban homes by tearing open the back to provide connections to light, outdoor living and city views. The street facade retains its historical character with its legislated propriety. Meanwhlie, the rear achieves modern goals of casual living adapting the relaxed freewheeling attitude typical of backyards everywhere. The nostalgic stiffness of the traditional parlors deepens by contrast to the uninhibited moder… - [Harrison Street Mission DIstrict](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harrison-street-mission-district-pj-vj~6287926) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - [Dolores Heights Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dolores-heights-residence-pj-vj~427) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: A new modern addition is added to the rear of a traditional victorian, preserving street character and public views while providing dramatic views and openness from the interiors. - [Natoma Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/natoma-street-residence-pj-vj~787732) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - [Inner Sunset Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inner-sunset-residence-pj-vj~424) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Interior walls and ceilings are removed to open the kitchen, the heart of the home, to the living spaces. Inexpensive vinyl checker board floors are patched into existing oak hardwood flooring highlighting kitchen workspace. - [Inner Richmond Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inner-richmond-residence-pj-vj~3382) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Three stories including musician's studio, kitchen and family room and master bedroom suite are added in a garden along a secluded alley. Terraced decks setback to face a view of the Presidio and Golden Gate Bridge. - [Bernal Heights Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernal-heights-residence-pj-vj~683573) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 2 - [Small Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-bathrooms-pj-vj~40105) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: A variety of small bathrooms use tile and color to enhance intimacy. - [Rockridge Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockridge-residence-pj-vj~39039) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: In an Oakland Craftsman Bungalow, traditional detailing is refurbished, recycled and extended to include a newly developed attic master bedroom. Local craftsmen and homeowners continue craft tradition with new Arts and Crafts cabinetry, stain glass and mica sconce shades. - [Belvedere Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/belvedere-residence-pj-vj~423) - Location: Belvedere, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This sympathetic rear addition and interior renovation provides at the main level a new deck and dining room with views of Mount Tamalpais. Generous windows and interior stair brighten the formerly funky basement level integrating it with the main level. - [Garden Structures](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-structures-pj-vj~3383) - Location: Piedmont, Oakville and San Francisco, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: A carport, a pool structure and a fence with bench, all open to south light and create clearly defined outdoor rooms, an inexpensive addition to living space. [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/james-hill-architect-aia-pfvwus-pf~344027557) ## Ideabooks - [Paint and Art](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127610288/list/paint-and-art) — 2 ideas - [MODERN KITCHEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127543940/list/modern-kitchen) — 9 ideas [See all 2 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/jameshill) ## Community Q&A **Q: Pendant Lighting** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the brand of the pendants? Looks like Pablo lighting but wasn't sure. A: Yes Pablo Designs. Fantastic San Francisco company. **Q: wood trim white windows** *(in Photo Questions)* would the opposite date the look or is it all dependent upon the trim? width utilized. It is so difficult to find examples other than white trim, white windows. we don't want to go traditional or have it look dated but this white trend is tough to keep dusted & cleaned to magazine photo readiness 24/7...lol we live in the real world and plus I don't want to see every crack created by temp changes and house shifting as these all white trimmed homes...just today toured a brand new home on parade tour and found such multiple places...yikes touch-up can't be fun. A: The opposite (wood trim) does date the look...but hey I was alive in the 70's. I'm also good with dust and dirt...same reason. These white surfaces you show are flat and vertical the horizontal dust gatherers darker wood. White trim is classic and easy to paint over.--two good reasons for white. Dated? Check out 19th century shaker style below. **Q: where can I get this tile?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's portughese majolica tile. It's beautiful. http://www.countryfloors.com/miradouro/ There are also similar less expensive tiles, less hand-painted, being produced for floors now. **Q: What type of window and trim are these?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These were Eagle Windows which seems to be a subsidiary of Anderson Windows now. True divided lites, stock sizes. I like the warm, oranginess of local fir, which we used here. Most windows are pine these days--yellower. There's a bit of nostalgia in the use of local fir--an appreciation of local products, uncommon in today's international building industry. If I was building in a Southern Pine forest, I'd use pine. Fir sill and jambs was left unpainted. Wall trim painted. The white trim is less of a contrast with wall paint than fir--which I appreciate, while the warmth of the wood window connects with nature outside. **Q: Love the random guy wearing underwear in the kitchen!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Me too. But he is not currently available. **Q: Where can I find these patterned glass blocks? Thanks!** *(in Photo Questions)* Glass blocks with a pattern. What are they called? A: PPG. Take a look here. http://pittsburghcorning.com/products/loose-glass-block/default.aspx --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-05.*