--- title: "Architect Mason Kirby Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mason-kirby-inc-pfvwus-pf~402747431 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~402747431.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Architect Mason Kirby Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/aca31a000ac15ae4_2701-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "301 Bocana Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States" latitude: 37.7509 longitude: -122.4153 phone: "(415) 867-5357" website: http://masonkirby.com rating: 5 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 327 last_updated: 2026-09-22 --- # Architect Mason Kirby Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Architect Mason Kirby Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mason-kirby-inc-pfvwus-pf~402747431) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Daly City, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Sausalito, Broadmoor, Marin City, Colma - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2024), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Based on a sound history of providing critical professional services to municipal entities and other high profile private clients, I founded Architect Mason Kirby Inc in 2005 with the goal of providing unexpected value to our clients through excellence in client service and design. Architect Mason Kirby Inc is a full service architectural planning and interiors firm that is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the US Green Building Council. Principals are LEED Accredited Professionals with a passion for developing and demonstrating sustainable design and building practices. The practice utilizes digital design and visualization tools as well as external peer review processes to contribute to project quality, accuracy, and client comprehension. The core practice remains intimate in size, diverse in relevant project experience, and functionally scalable to accommodate critical deadlines, diverse locations and unanticipated project scopes. Collaborative relationships with design offices in Beijing and London are utilized to allow for a 24 hour working-world-clock made of three individual work days separated only by space and time. This allows for an unprecedented leveraging of time, space, and experience. We make great buildings for remarkable people. Our practice values: -Design excellence which serves our clients needs and is environmentally responsible. -Client service which is anticipatory and responsive in all aspects of project delivery. -Collaborative work environment that rewards communication and stimulates creativity. -Financial stability which provides opportunities for firm and employee growth. -To practice with integrity and in recognition of our responsibility to the profession and the community. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Universal Design - Home Restoration - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Tiny House Construction - Deck Design - Laundry Room Design ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Daly City - Alameda - South San Francisco - San Bruno - Pacifica - Sausalito - Broadmoor - Marin City - Colma ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Architect Mason Kirby Inc. | | Address | 301 Bocana Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States | | Phone | (415) 867-5357 | | Website | http://masonkirby.com | | License Number | C29468 | | Followers on Houzz | 327 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/AMKInc - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/masonkirby - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonkirby - Blog — http://masonkirby.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Architect Mason Kirby Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mason-kirby-inc-pfvwus-pf~402747431) - **Website:** http://masonkirby.com - **Phone:** (415) 867-5357 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2015 Best of Houzz, 2012 Dream Home Award; Gold Medal "Best Interior Design" - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2024), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 45.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Evan Tana, May 2023** > Mason Kirby helped us renovate (a full gut and rebuild) of our Bernal Heights home in 2019. We couldn't be happier we decided to partner with them on the project. Mason and Jamie were thoughtful in understanding our goals and preferences, exploring a few design directions and ultimately drafting great plans. Mason cares a lot that the work is done well by contractors, especially important elements like foundation waterproofing. He contributed a few really awesome in-progress design changes (lightwell design and adding some windows to our lower level). He's also particularly experienced working with the city and with contractors. He provided invaluable advice when we encountered issues along the way. I'd highly recommend working with MK. **★★★★★ — Scott McGlashan, April 2023** > I had a great experience working with Architect Mason Kirby Inc. on a small remodel project in San Francisco. After we honed in on the final design, they negotiated all the planning roadblocks and helped me find an excellent contractor that was well within my budget. **★★★★★ — Anna Utgoff, Aug. 2018** > Mason has done 3 remodel projects with us. He's so great... He's helped us work out a vision for our crazy old house, and has been there with us every step of the way towards that vision. He's good with a budget, he'll tell you honestly when there's a way to bring the price down. He also has a great aesthetic sense. He even hand made a cool industrial chandelier for us. **★★★★★ — Joseph Schell Photography, Sept. 2016** > I've worked with Mason and crew to help document several of their projects. He's always a pleasure to work with and I look forward to collaborating with him in the future. > -J Schell **★★★★★ — Brent Daniel, Sept. 2014** > Our long awaited remodel is finished, and we're thrilled with it. Mason Kirby was our architect, and I'd recommend him in a heartbeat. > > Mason has a terrific grasp of space. The challenge with space we had is not evident in the end result, because the success of his design makes the space flow seamlessly and naturally. He's clearly very thoughtful in his approach -- during design reviews, he'd quickly sketch alternatives, each of which would be cohesive, but often, what he had already drawn was the best solution. In effect, he demonstrated his thoughtfulness and thoroughness on the spot. > > Mason also has a great eye for colors and finishes. Many ideas about finishes stemmed from momentary pulses of inspiration from Mason's words, and now they are built in real space -- and beautiful. For instance, the notion of the bathroom shower flush to the floor with just a partial glass partition (no door) is one of our favorite touches -- the overhead shower head doesn't spray, and we can just walk in and out of the shower with no impediment. I'm not exaggerating when I say that our new shower is the best shower I have ever used, anywhere, based upon its magnificent combination of form and function. > > And I think, best of all, is that Mason does a good job at listening to what one is after and translating that into solutions. Our kitchen needed to be highly functional and beautiful, and we're thrilled with the result. We sacrificed some space in the kitchen, but it is so much better than before! **★★★★★ — bischopb, July 2014** > Mason helped me through the entire process of designing and building a beautiful apartment in a pre-existing space in our building. He designed with both efficiency and comfort in mind and I couldn't have asked for a better end result. I would absolutely work with him again, and recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — Sam Cutler, July 2014** > They are very creative and enthusiastic. They are completely responsive to contact for questions pertaining to the project. They give great detail in their illustration of plans. I definitely recommend them! **★★★★★ — schlomi, June 2014** > Mason and his associates provided us with the kind of expertise that you always want when remodeling: he listens to what you want and helps you make the right decisions to make that happen. We can't use enough superlatives to describe his professionalism and attention to details. > > He not only helps you to manage the relationship with the tradespeople and vendors, but even with your spouse. He makes sure that everyone's ideas and concerns are heard and that solutions that actually satisfy everyone are implemented. > > He expertly and assuredly helped us navigate through our bathroom remodel and we'll be working with him in the future on remodeling the rest of our house. **★★★★★ — Fiid Williams, June 2014** > We were looking to replace the foundations under our house, and convert some basement space into living space (a master suite). Mason worked with us to find a design solution that would maximize our available space and minimize our entanglement with the planning and 311 process. The solution he came up with originally seemed like it would not be feasible, but turned out to by far be the best, which we were able to complete with over-the-counter permits. > > Mason also helped us with selection and management of contractors and a structural engineer, and hand-held us all the way through the construction process. > > Mason is truly a stellar individual, and he's build an fabulous team of people that are lovelly to work with. He understands and helps work through house projects with nuance, sophistication and understanding and excellent communication. I highly recommend working with him and his team. **★★★★★ — yeastbeast, June 2014** > I hired Mason Kirby to design a 1000 square foot addition to my San Francisco home. I worked closely with Mason and his team over two years of design and construction to turn a cramped, antiquated cottage into a spacious modern home. Mason excels at the art of the possible, fluidly transforming unconventional and clever ideas into drawings, then masterfully navigating the arcane complexities of engineering and permitting to make those drawings into a reality. What I liked most about working with Mason was his personal involvement in the project from start to finish. I would unhesitatingly work with Mason again. ## Selected projects - [A Victorian Reimagined](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-victorian-reimagined-pj-vj~4111935) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 34 - Description: The Bernal Heights Neighborhood of San Francisco is known for its stunning views and its tight-knit community. It’s a place where many families put down their roots. Returning back to the idea of roots, our clients purchased their old victorian home in Bernal Heights shortly after they were married. Then along came two kids and a dog. Suddenly, their home—with its narrow hallways and small rooms—no longer suited their needs. With their love for the location and their neighbors, moving was not an… - [Elevated Elegance in the Panhandle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elevated-elegance-in-the-panhandle-pj-vj~1086925) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 12 - [Intertwined: A Recording Studio is Home in the Mission](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/intertwined-a-recording-studio-is-home-in-the-mission-pj-vj~15517) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Owning and operating a recording a studio means late nights away from home. Solution: Move to the recording studio. How? Remodel an unused space above the studio into an apartment. This apartment—ideal for collaborating and relaxing—was designed by Architect Mason Kirby in a cozy-industrial style. The studio is Different Fur Recording Studios, and it’s owned by Patrick Brown. To accentuate the themes, the firm left bricks and wood rafters exposed. Mason Kirby, the firm’s principal, crafted a cus… - [2 Floors to 3—A Space for Parents, Growing Boys and a Baby Girl](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2-floors-to-3a-space-for-parents-growing-boys-and-a-baby-girl-pj-vj~4112298) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 30 - Description: Real Estate agent Stefano Dezerega sees the high notes and low notes of San Francisco's residential architecture everyday. When he toured a soon-to-be listed 1950s home on the edge of Bernal Heights Park, he walked through a very enclosed house. After all, that’s how they used to build them in the middle of 20th century. 180 degrees of the house had breathtaking views of the bay, but those views could only be experienced from the bedrooms. Architect Mason Kirby was selected to redesign the home… - [Bernal Heights Modern Renovation in the Contemporary Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bernal-heights-modern-renovation-in-the-contemporary-style-pj-vj~3457) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: In the heart of the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, California, this home was remodeled into a modern contemporary to fit the needs of a family with children. Throughout the home hardwoods were incorporated to make the space warm and inviting. Together, the family can enjoy home time in the interconnected kitchen, dining room and living room. - [Room for Children and Toys in Bernal Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/room-for-children-and-toys-in-bernal-heights-pj-vj~530108) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: This old home was given new life and converted from a small two bedroom into a suitable four bedroom with character for a growing family with personality. Beyond adding two bedrooms, a stairwell connecting multiple levels, two bathrooms, remodeling the kitchen and adding a roof deck, the home was filled with sunlight from large windows. Now the family has plenty of space for children and adults to play, entertain and store toys. - [The Dream Kitchen for Large Extended Family in Rockridge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-dream-kitchen-for-large-extended-family-in-rockridge-pj-vj~38211) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: When this family bought their Craftsman fixer upper in Rockridge, the first thing on the renovation list was a large kitchen. They wanted a place where the extended family could gather and cook together. Additionally, an island was installed to give those not cooking a place to spectate from. Beyond those additions, deep cabinets were made to house the plethora of cooking equipment and small appliances. A nearby closest was converted into a pantry, to ensure the family had plenty of space for al… - [An Incandescent Home in Bernal Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/an-incandescent-home-in-bernal-heights-pj-vj~4114696) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: This Bernal Heights home is a refuge for happiness. Architect Mason Kirby transformed a typical single-story San Francisco residence into a two-story home that is positively incandescent from places in the city, especially Bernal Hill. Inside and out, this home is now able to ignite a frenzy of creativity, happiness and joy for the homeowner and any passersby. - [Piedmont Craftsmen Keeps Character Through Complete Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piedmont-craftsmen-keeps-character-through-complete-remodel-pj-vj~530090) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: In Piedmont a growing family purchased an old, crooked, craftsmen that was falling down a hill but had an amazing view of Oakland. They wanted to do a complete remodel but keep the original craftsmen character. The acquired solution: total gut of the three story home, then incorporate craftsman details into the new design. Originally the home had both living and sleeping areas on the top two floors. When this house was redesigned, the third floor and entry point of the home became a large living… - [Built for Art in Pacific Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/built-for-art-in-pacific-heights-pj-vj~530446) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: For a mature couple with expansive art and sculpture collection, this Pacific Heights home was remodeled. The couple sought an architect who could design in the San Franciscan provincial and Asian style, as well as create an enhanced space for their art collection. Mason's solution was to design the home around the clients' art collection. Piece by piece, room by room, an art gallery and a home became unexpectedly intertwined. When the remodel was complete the couple had a fusion style home with… - [A Modern San Mateo Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-modern-san-mateo-remodel-pj-vj~24199) - Location: San Mateo, CA - Photos: 18 - [A Durable House for 2 Boys and a Large Dog](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-durable-house-for-2-boys-and-a-large-dog-pj-vj~4116078) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Two active boys and a large dog called this Bernal Heights home their playhouse. For their parents, however, the house was not quite as amusing — with a crumbling infrastructure and an awkward layout. Finally, enough was enough. They called Architect Mason Kirby to see how he could breathe new life into this albatross. Mason and his team redesigned their home, starting with a new foundation. A warm palette of durable and lasting finishes was selected that would give the home a much needed faceli… - [Red Tile Love—A Kitchen & Bath Remodel Inspired by Tile](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/red-tile-lovea-kitchen-and-bath-remodel-inspired-by-tile-pj-vj~4112275) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: It all started with the need for more living space, and a sample of firetruck-red hearth tile discovered at a home design center. As the homeowners began to dream of redesigning their home from the bottom up, their thoughts first turned to the kitchen. Being original to mid-century home, the kitchen had minimal modern functional luxuries. Once they saw the red tile, it began to inspire other ideas for modernizing, not just the kitchen, but the entire home. One idea led to another, and soon they… - [Piedmont Full Home Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piedmont-full-home-remodel-pj-vj~5773512) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Full gut remodel of a 3-story home in Piedmont - [Piedmont New Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/piedmont-new-build-pj-vj~5773514) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Newly built 2 bedroom 1.5 bedroom unit including a grand deck and high ceilings. This unit was added as an ADU on top of a previously existing 4-car garage in Piedmont, Oakland. [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/architect-mason-kirby-inc-pfvwus-pf~402747431) ## Community Q&A **Q: Does water splash out the door gutters when opening after a shower?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: A mixture of remnants from Heath tile. I just picked a standard height and looked for white... **Q: what is the counter top made of? soap stone or granite. i love it.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's granite that looks like soapstone-- look for "Virginia Black Granite" **Q: Light fitting** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi there, I was just wondering if you would be able to tell me the make of the light fitting in one of the photos of your "Broderick Street Residence" project. I think it is in the room with a sitting are pa and shelves of books in it. To clarify, it is the light fitting nearest the camera. Many thanks Andrew A: The lighting fixture is from Restoration Hardware. Glad you like it! **Q: where can if purchase the dining table and chairs** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Unfortunately, we did not do the interior design on this project. **Q: The combo ottoman/cocktail table...** *(in Photo Questions)* ...who made it, please? A: It is very nice piece. Unfortunately, we did not do the interior design on this project. It was furniture owned by the client. Thanks for your question. **Q: Downsizing!** *(in Photo Questions)* Where can I purchase the dining room table and chairs? A: It is very nice piece. Unfortunately, we did not do the interior design on this project. It was furniture owned by the client. Thanks for your question. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-22.*