--- title: "CCS ARCHITECTURE — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ccs-architecture-pfvwus-pf~344028561 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~344028561.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "CCS ARCHITECTURE" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2fb349c50b72f3e4_2938-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "44 McLea Court, San Francisco, California 94103, United States" latitude: 37.7725 longitude: -122.4147 phone: "(415) 864-2800" website: https://casscaldersmith.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 1 followers: 1275 last_updated: 2026-08-16 --- # CCS ARCHITECTURE Original Houzz profile: [CCS ARCHITECTURE](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ccs-architecture-pfvwus-pf~344028561) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Bruno, El Cerrito, Albany, Mill Valley, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Piedmont, Tiburon, Sausalito, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Alto, Muir Beach, Bay Area, Belvedere Tiburon, New York City - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Cass Calder Smith Architecture + Interiors, with offices in San Francisco and New York City, is dedicated to excellence in architecture and interior design. Since its inception in 1990, CCS has designed a diverse range of public and private buildings and interiors. The firm has gained international acclaim for the architectural and commercial success of restaurant projects, while the uniqueness of residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects has met with an unusual degree of owner satisfaction and media praise. CCS residential projects, both single and multi-family, are subtly influenced by the wide diversity of project commissions undertaken by the studio. CCS residences focus on the notions of calm, retreat, intimacy, and the personal expression of their owners. The commission to design a home is special in architecture. Our residential architecture explores contemporary ways to express clients’ visions while meeting lifestyle requirements through a process of creative collaboration. Whether urban, rural, or in between, our projects focus on establishing site-specific solutions that resolve the architectural fundamentals of space, light, form and purpose. CCS seeks to explore opportunities of maximum potential and express them at a scale appropriate to each project. The work is firmly based in the modernist idiom, where innovation and creativity are balanced by common sense and experience.The firm is known for creating projects with exceptional spatial and material qualities, and for providing outstanding professional service. Cass Calder Smith founded CCS Architecture in 1990, and in 2005 opened a second office in New York City. The firm now has a staff of 30 and three Associate Principals: Barbara Vickroy, Bryan Southwick, and Melissa Werner. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - 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 - Pool House Design & Construction - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Mudroom Design - Basement Design - Tiny House Construction - Staircase Design ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Daly City - Alameda - South San Francisco - San Bruno - El Cerrito - Albany - Mill Valley - Emeryville - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Piedmont - Tiburon - Sausalito - Brisbane - Broadmoor - Marin City - Belvedere - Colma - Alto - Muir Beach - Bay Area - Belvedere Tiburon - New York City ### Typical Job Cost Projects are priced hourly or at a percentage of the construction cost ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | CCS ARCHITECTURE | | Address | 44 McLea Court, San Francisco, California 94103, United States | | Phone | (415) 864-2800 | | Website | https://casscaldersmith.com | | Followers on Houzz | 1275 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/ccsarchitecture - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/ccsarchitecture - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/company/98574?trk=tyah - Blog — http://ccs-architecture.com/news/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [CCS ARCHITECTURE](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ccs-architecture-pfvwus-pf~344028561) - **Website:** https://casscaldersmith.com - **Phone:** (415) 864-2800 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIA, IIDA Northern California, IIDA Smart Environments, Hospitality Design, California Home + Design, Gold Key, Interior Design Best of the Year, Builder’s Choice, Record Interiors, International Hotel & Property, Boutique Design, California Preservation Foundation, AIACC - **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2015), for 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) - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Quantum Windows & Doors, March 2015** > We have enjoyed working with CCS Architecture on both residential and commercial projects, and celebrate each time we see their award winning designs featured in the pages of the finest industry publications. It is with great pride that we proclaim to have been specified on several occasions by the architectural professionals at CCS! **★★★★★ — sf\_loftdwellers, Feb. 2015** > Cass Calder Smith worked happy magic as he reconfigured our condo in a historic loft conversion building in San Francisco. Cass and his superb team changed our apartment from a muddled, barely-combined pair of units into the grand and exciting space it is today. Veterans of a number of down-to-the-studs remodels, we vote this effort as the very best ever. The entire project was collaborative, exciting, creative – and fun. After five years, people still walk through the door and say, “Wow”. We do too. Thanks, CCS. **★★★★★ — acsfca, Aug. 2014** > Dear Houzz Community, > > I am writing to share my outstanding experiences working with CCS Architecture on the renovation of my home. My project has a considerable level of complication. I am in the process of modernizing an historic residence while doubling the square footage. Cass Smith and Bjorn Steudte, as the project architect, have been irreplaceable on this project. Over the past year and a half I have relied on their well-connected and experience-driven navigation of SF permitting system to successfully guide me through an historic evaluation and amicable agreement by the San Francisco Landmark’s Board, a neighborhood discretionary review, and my own vacillation on the exact scope and goals of the project. Cass and Bjorn have displayed unwavering patience with me. Their respectful manner and knowledge of the systems and processes have provided me with the plans I had hoped for with the support of the neighborhood and the city. > > Despite the wealth of knowledge, experience, and great design aesthetic at CCS, I have found that everyone involved in my project has been supportive of my vision. This has been a truly collaborative process and the outcome has been phenomenal. > > In order to accurately project and successfully manage the cost of this project I wanted to determine materials and construction details in advance of starting the contractor bid process. With the creative design, sophisticated direction and thorough planning of Barbara Turpin-Vickroy of CCS, we were able to supply potential contractors with a masterful bid set. When I put my project out to bid to several contractors, I heard multiple times that the bid set supplied to them by CCS was the most detailed and comprehensive set they had ever received. > > Working with the cooperative team at CCS has made what could be a stressful project a very enjoyable and creative endeavor. Having a dedicated, organized, disciplined, and talented organization overseeing this venture has made renovation a joy. I would never embark on a renovation without the support of CCS. > > Sincerely, > Amanda Clarke **Comment from CCS ARCHITECTURE:** > Thank you Amanda! It is truly a pleasure working with you. **★★★★★ — firefly22, Aug. 2014** > We worked with CCS to create our destination restaurant, firefly grill, in Effingham Illinois. Guests are shocked when they pull in and see our beautiful building. Beyond aesthetics, firefly's design is extremely functional and encapsulates our vision. We are so confident in CCS and enjoy working with them so much that we have reengaged their services to design our dream home. **★★★★★ — vmezzzh, Aug. 2014** > Working with CCS has been one of the best professional experiences for our firm. Cass and his team bring a creative and collaborative approach to building remarkable homes. I look forward to our next project! **★★★★★ — chenry39, Aug. 2014** > Overall a very good experience. CCS Architecture was asked to collaborate on a restaurant project in Sausalito. The historical building had its set of challenges, with obtuse angles and compound curves, we made the best of what we had and the final product is amazing! A real asset to the community. **★★★★★ — Parc Pacific Ventures, July 2014** > Cass Calder Smith has designed numerous remodels for me. I am a contractor/REALTOR in San Francisco. CCS Architecture is thorough, creative and well versed on local building codes. As you can see in the photos of their projects, they do excellent work and they are great to work with. **★★★★★ — R M, Dec. 2013** > Cass is an artist. He produces outstanding work in collaboration with clients. Just make sure the supporting associate is a good one. **Comment from CCS ARCHITECTURE:** > This was one of our favorite homes, which won many awards and even made it on the cover of Dwell Magazine. It is unfortunate that things got complicated - however there were issues that came up during the second round of design that were simply beyond our control. We absolutely stand behind our staff, only use the most qualified team members for the project, and always have our clients best interest in mind, taking whatever steps are necessary for a successful partnership. **★★★★★ — us7771, July 2013** > I hired Cass of CCS to have done a couple of projects, one was in SF to provide ideas and design for my second bedroom; and the other one was where I live now, my apartment in Manhattan: > (1) In SF, the second bed room - it needed some thoughts with an empty open space - windows were floor to ceiling total glass windows. I needed help enjoy my 2nd bedroom. Cass came and helped make assessment. And we ended up having him design a bed custom-made for the room. I was pleased with the idea - the bed was functional (with storage space - drawers and shelves built-in; and the bed was positioned facing towards the window to take advantage of the total open view and skyline of SF Russian Hill from this room. > (2) Later, in Manhattan, I bought a studio, but I wanted to live and enjoy comfortably in a very small space that needed to maximize every inch of the space inside the apartment. Cass helped design converting a studio into sleeping alcove (semi-bedroom) - all customer-made bed/alcove, maximum closets/storage space along with library and shelves for art work - a true mini-home!!! > Cass' work has very clean lines - simplicity with maximized functionality. It is exactly what I love. I know well that comparing with his many other projects at CCS, larger projects, mine were rather small, but all detailed attention was still much required, as much as big projects. He has great patience and interest in designing my visions with his talent: He paid great attention to my projects, even thought they were not mega projects. He was interested in listening and brain-storming ideas. > I love working with Cass and I love his work. I have been enjoying the great results and products for years. > I'd recommend him to any one who wants a fantastic and beautiful design done. > > SH > 07/30/2013 **★★★★★ — lrhummel, May 2013** > CCS Architecture was a pleasure to work with from start to finish. The entire team approached the project proactively with positive expertise and realistic outcome. Their thoroughness in the planning stage really helped manage expectations and set the stage for a seamless renovation. The CCS firm's level of excellence and commitment to both the client and the project's integrity resulted in a beautifully designed livable space. Looking forward to the next project! **★★★★★ — stuartgasner, May 2013** > Cass Calder Smith and his team were absolutely wonderful, especially looking back on the experience after living in our dream home for the last four years. The design process was great fun, as we offered ideas and photos and books and Cass threw back sketches and improvements and new concepts. During construction, the house exceeded our expectations as it emerged in three dimensions. But what was most impressive was the commitment to quality that CCS brought to the job. Even late in the game, after many architects might have lost interest, Cass continued to obsess over the smallest details. **★★★★★ — drpaulturek, May 2013** > I have involved CCS architecture for 2 of my home remodels and my medical office remodel. CCS defines professionalism in my view. They are superb, high quality, on time and on budget. ## Selected projects - [Mill Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-residence-pj-vj~242645) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: This 5,000-square-foot house in Mill Valley was designed as a home for an empty-nester couple. The site was the inspiration and the guiding element for the architecture: vast views of Mt. Tamalpais, intimate connections to groves of redwood trees, and a steep incline. Given its location, stepping up the hillside and squeezed between redwoods, the home is stratified into three levels. The lower floor is built into the hillside, while the upper two are open to daylight and views. The first floor i… - [Los Altos Family House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-altos-family-house-pj-vj~3153) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 16 - Description: CCS Architecture designed this modern home for a family of five in Los Altos Hills, California. The clients, both working parents, wanted a warm and casual, family-friendly dwelling with interiors that would merge with the outdoors. The goal of sustainability was met through the home’s building methods, materials, and energy systems. Carefully positioned on its one-acre site, the 6,000 square foot residence is broken into three parts separated by two breezeways. The result is a contemporary comp… - [Aptos Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/aptos-retreat-pj-vj~3133) - Location: Aptos, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: This project was designed for a San Francisco couple with six children – with ages ranging from high school to college. The property is located inland from the beach town of Aptos, California in the Santa Cruz Mountains, near the city of Santa Cruz. The 20-acre site has ocean and mountain views and is about five miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. The family desired a setting that would be casual and rustic, and that would incorporate sustainable features to minimize the home's carbon footprint… - [Seadrift Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/seadrift-residence-pj-vj~3190) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: CCS Architecture designed this sustainable, 1900-square-foot beach house in Stinson Beach, CA, as a second home for a three-generation San Francisco family. Located in Seadrift, a gated vacation community that originated in the 1950s at the tip of Stinson Beach, the Northern California architecture is at ease among neighboring homes by Joe Esherick, Stanley Saitowitz and William Wurster. The design follows a rigorous sustainability program, achieving the Marin Planning Department’s highest ratin… - [Palo Alto Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palo-alto-residence-pj-vj~239042) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 31 - Description: This new 5,800 square foot home for a family of five is located on a corner lot in Palo Alto, California. Both clients work in the Silicon Valley and have 3 young children. The design is very specific to their close-knit family needs, and their unpretentious life-style. Overall, the house was designed to be very contemporary, but with warm authentic materials and refined details - accommodating casual living. The flat corner site is divided up by the bent linear configuration of the house into t… - [Madrona Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/madrona-residence-pj-vj~643518) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 - Description: This house was designed as a second home for a Bay Area couple as a summer retreat to spend the warm summer months away from the fog in San Francisco. Built on a steep slope and a narrow lot, this 4000 square foot home is spread over 3 floors, with the master, guest and kids bedroom on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floor to take advantage of the views. The main living level includes a large kitchen, dining, and living space, connected to two home offices by way of a bridge tha… - [Art Village Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-village-residence-pj-vj~643548) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Southampton's historic Art Village, the enclave of cottages surrounding William Merritt Chase's famed 19th century painting school, is the setting for a notable new residence. Drawing inspiration from the Arts and Crafts vernacular of the neighborhood, the collaboration of Jeff Gardner Construction and CCS Architecture has created a home with a very 21st century twist. The cedar shingle exterior and generous porch bespeak a traditional home, but the interiors surprise and delight with an open fl… - [Russian Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/russian-hill-pj-vj~3169) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Located on Russian Hill, this project is the complete renovation of a 1600 square-foot high-rise condominium, with dramatic views that sweep from downtown San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge. As a corner space, the unimproved plan had floor-to-ceiling glass along two walls – south and west. Placing most of the rooms requiring enclosure adjacent to the other two sides maximized this open edge. The contrast between these two conditions, transparent vs. opaque, ethereal vs. dense, was emphasize… - [Bridgehampton Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridgehampton-residence-pj-vj~57037) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This summer residence was designed to accommodate three generations of a family with growing children. The project became a spacious play between inside and out/private and shared within this beach town retreat. To accommodate the size needs of the family, the existing house was gut-renovated and doubled in size. It went from four bedrooms to eight, plus a garage. The existing house had an awkward collection of sloped and flat roofs that were re-shaped thru adding and subtracting rooms and squar… - [Tribeca Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tribeca-condominium-pj-vj~30846) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Water Mill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-mill-residence-pj-vj~291996) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: This 2500 square foot house is located in the Hamptons, New York. Designed for a builder/developer, it was created to be sold to buyers at a moderate price level; a Hamptons ‘starter home’ that would be great for a couple or a family. As the real estate market in the Hamptons has trended to more modern architecture, this was the program. Restraint, simplicity, and architectural fundamentals are at the core of this house. The shape of the house is formed based on where the main spaces are, which… - [Lake Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-street-residence-pj-vj~3140) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: The challenge in remodeling a poorly planned, five-bedroom Victorian in San Francisco Richmond District was to create a cohesive, well-lit, modern home for two. For CCS Architecture, the solution lay in opening the interior to make new spatial connections while bringing in light and views. The wide, shallow, two-level residence had two sets of rooms—one facing the street and receiving southern light, the other with views of the wooded Presidio to the north but receiving less light. The rooms wer… - [Telegraph Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/telegraph-hill-residence-pj-vj~3191) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Cass Smith’s own residence in San Francisco is a 2400 square foot, three-unit building on an 18×60 foot lot near Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. Originally Built in the nineteen twenties as a three-story, three unit building covering the front half of the lot over a six-car garage, the building now covers the entire lot. The expansion was made possible due to the acquisition of a permit variance to maximize the building’s depth and height towards the rear alley – as was the precedent for the block… - [Sonoma Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-residence-pj-vj~3193) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: This new 2000 square foot house is on a 5-acre flat parcel within an existing grove of walnut trees. An existing house, which was on the edge of the property, was demolished and replaced with this in the heart of the site to take advantage of the orchard beauty. The site: The house was carefully located to nestle up to the existing trees and to be within the field, so that it became a pavilion in the landscape. Hardscape, softscape and trees were added to create a blended effect and to provide o… - [Beleverde Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beleverde-residence-pj-vj~3134) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: Located right along the Bay, this project is a total and complete renovation of a two-story residence – the primary home for a family of five – and includes the complete development of the site from fence to fence and from street to water. The dramatic setting and orientation of the site drove the design for this project. Starting from the street, an axis leads to the house, pierces it as a two-story central hall, and continues to the bay as a dock – aligning with Mt Tamalpias across the water.… - [SOHO Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soho-condominium-pj-vj~239249) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Alpine Meadows](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alpine-meadows-pj-vj~57033) - Location: Lake Tahoe, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: This new 2500 square foot house is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on a south-facing view site. Per the client, the home was designed to maximize the alpine views from all rooms, and also to be a ‘solar home’. The building’s shape and room configurations attain this by its east-west axis resulting in a large south facing roof and all rooms hugging the south walls, which have the views. The ‘active’ solar system that covers the south roof is a 600 square foot array of photovoltaic and ther… - [SOMA Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soma-loft-pj-vj~671496) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: This 3,000-square-foot loft in San Francisco was designed for an empty-nester couple. Modern interiors were inserted within the existing industrial space, creating a space for casual living and entertaining friends. The exterior walls of the building were left intact, while the interior walls were changed to accommodate the client’s aspirations and requirements. The main organizing principal is that the common spaces flow around a central core of demised function like a donut. These common space… - [South Park Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-park-loft-pj-vj~57049) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: This project is the result of merging two previously built lofts into one, resulting in one 2,500 square foot space within an existing industrial building. The client, a single bachelor, desired a place for casual living, and serious entertaining. The exterior walls of the building were left intact, while the interior walls were changed to accommodate the client’s aspirations and requirements. The main organizing principal is that the common spaces flow around a central core of demised function… - [Off The Grid House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/off-the-grid-house-pj-vj~3155) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: This 1750-square-foot, off-the-grid residence in the California Gold Country, outside the town of Murphys, was designed as a summer and winter vacation house for a San Francisco couple with two young children. The home is divided into “live” and “sleep” buildings, each about 875 square feet, which are sited to capture views. The gap between the buildings funnels breezes from the valley below. The courtyard is a calm, encompassing space for relaxation and play. The house is remotely sited, quite… [See all 35 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/ccs-architecture-pfvwus-pf~344028561) ## Ideabooks - [\#PlayHouzz](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65220195/list/playhouzz) — 9 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/ccsarch) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the sink! Who makes it?** *(in Photo Questions)* trough sink A: Hi Dawn, This was a Corian countertop with a Corian integral sink. **Q: Cabinet material** *(in Photo Questions)* What can you please tell me about these great cabinets? wood, stain, etc. TIA A: Hello! The kitchen cabinets are made of sinker cypress. **Q: cabin** *(in Photo Questions)* I, too, am in love with the animal painting. Would you please share who the artist is and if it might be available? A: Sorry, that is the owners painting - we did not source it. **Q: Love the lamb** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you get the lamb that is on the end of the bed? A: We do not furnish the homes. owner provided. **Q: Awesome rug! Where's it from?!** *(in Photo Questions)* Thx A: Owner provided **Q: love the flooring. are they porcelain tiles** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Stone --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-16.*