--- title: "Larson Shores Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/larson-shores-architects-pfvwus-pf~503408124 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503408124.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Larson Shores Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/f063738b0cbb84f6_7686-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1940 Union Street, Suite 22, Oakland, California 94607, United States" latitude: 37.8071 longitude: -122.2851 phone: "(415) 412-4456" website: http://www.larsonshores.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 best_of_houzz_awards: 10 followers: 237 last_updated: 2026-11-05 --- # Larson Shores Architects Original Houzz profile: [Larson Shores Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/larson-shores-architects-pfvwus-pf~503408124) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Oakland, CA - **Serves:** Oakland - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Larson Shores currently has a portfolio that is focused on residential design, commercial design, and full-scale interior design projects. Its body of work demonstrates the firm’s commitment to connecting buildings that are detailed specifically to their function, with a considered approach to their impact on the context. The result is a unique modernist vision, with an inherently positive focus, and a consistent philosophical approach. Because they draw from nature’s elemental warmth and vitality, spaces emerge as beautiful, impassioned, unique, and livable. New construction, renovations, and interiors. The full spectrum of services, from foundations to fabrics. Publications: Wall Street Journal, Forbes, New York Times, California Home & Design, Oakland Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, Design Milk, Houzz, Daily Candy, Alameda Magazine, Boston Globe Magazine, Design New England, Portland Magazine, Beauty Fashion, Women's Wear Daily, Cosmetic World Blogs: Style Carrot, Aging In Place Technology Watch, Bloomacious Digs ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Green Building - Universal Design ### Areas Served - Oakland ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 4 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Larson Shores Architects | | Address | 1940 Union Street, Suite 22, Oakland, California 94607, United States | | Phone | (415) 412-4456 | | Website | http://www.larsonshores.com | | Followers on Houzz | 237 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/larson-shores-architecture-and-interiors/55709183147 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/larsonshores - Blog — http://instagram.com/larsonshores ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Larson Shores Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/larson-shores-architects-pfvwus-pf~503408124) - **Website:** http://www.larsonshores.com - **Phone:** (415) 412-4456 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - AIALeed - APCAPS - Age-In-Place SpecialistsCertified Green Building ProfessionalSpeakers at 2013 Dwell ConferenceBest of Houzz 2015 Service AwardBest fo Houzz 2013- Design Award - **Best of Houzz:** 10 awards (2013–2023), 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) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — HU-376369689, Aug. 2019** > I worked with Josh closely for the past year renovating my Noe Valley home and I can sincerely say he is an excellent architect, designer and person. He is a joy to work with and was able to help me solve any issue that came up regarding the project along the way. I highly recommend him and his firm. **★★★★★ — Keith Jackson, March 2017** > Carrie and her firm were a joy to work with from beginning to end. We engaged her after spending two hours with her describing our wish list and she proceeded to pull together plans that allowed us to realize our dreams within budget. She was instrumental in finding contractors and other third parties that made the entire process relatively seamless. Her expertise on design, keen eye for quality and materials, and her thoughtful editorial choices were also key to our successful project. I'm looking forward to hiring her in the future to complete our home renovation! **★★★★★ — HDR Remodeling Inc., Dec. 2016** > My name is Philip Anderson with HDR Remodeling, Inc. and I have worked with and closely followed Larson Shores Architects. They are the leaders in the field of ADUs and I am have enjoyed working with them. They are outstanding in their field. We are starting our first project together and I hope for many more. > > Philip Anderson > HDR Remodeling Inc. > Berkeley Ca **★★★★★ — Ruth Stroup, Dec. 2016** > Larson Shores did the plans when I purchased an office building and renovated it to meet the needs of my business. We wanted an open, modern office, and we had a pretty tight budget. With careful sourcing and reuse of existing materials, our office project turned out great! **★★★★★ — Visioneers Security, Dec. 2016** > Carrie and Josh are amazing people who just happen to be fantastic at design and project management. I wouldn't use anyone else. **★★★★★ — tnr2, March 2015** > We've loved working with Carrie Shores to design our in-law unit. We love that Larson Shores has developed a specialty "Inspired Independence" to design these types of dwellings. > > Carrie is focused, informative, creative and fun. > We look forward to the rest of the building journey with Carrie. **Comment from Larson Shores Architects:** > Thank you for your kind words! We are excited to help you with your in-law dwelling. We can't wait. **★★★★★ — Oliver Builders, Inc, Sept. 2014** > I am a local contractor that has worked on a number of projects with Larson Shores. I have nothing but great things to say. They clearly listen to the clients and have a great feel for what their vision is. Collaboration is 100% and they really work to make things easy for the builder (which helps keep costs down) while still providing the clients what they want. They are friendly, available and have a great Aesthetic. I hope to collaborate with Larson shores on many more projects for years to come! > > It has been a pleasure working with you all !! > > Severin Oliver > Oliver Builders, Inc **Comment from Larson Shores Architects:** > Severin, thank you for this awesome review! We couldn't have done such amazing design projects without you. Your eye for detail and construction gives clients a reassuring sense of trust and commitment. **★★★★★ — Black Creek Builders, Feb. 2013** > Black Creek Builders first met Carrie Shores and Josh Larson when we bid on and won the contract for The New Parkway Theater in Oakland, a project designed by Larson Shores, which transformed an empty warehouse space into a movie theater with two screens, a mezzanine level, a huge commercial kitchen, bar, café, and multiple restrooms. > > Larson Shores Architects have incredible range and a flexible style which makes them a great fit for every budget and vision. They create beautiful designs and their plans are comprehensive, complete, and from a contractor’s point-of-view, easy to read and build from. In addition, Josh and Carrie are both very responsive on the job. They answer the phone, attend to questions and changes, draft timely revisions as necessary, and meet regularly with contractors to monitor projects as appropriate. > > We have an excellent working relationship with Larson Shores, and have collaborated with them on several other projects since The New Parkway Theater. We are currently finishing up a residential kitchen remodel in Berkeley that Larson Shores designed, and we are about to start building a residential two-car garage in Oakland, also designed by Larson Shores. > > We highly recommend these architects, and have referred them to at least a dozen clients for commercial and residential projects large and small. > > http://www.blackcreekbuilders.com/ **Comment from Larson Shores Architects:** > We appreciate your kinds words and referrals! You have helped us increase our projects and our growth as a company. It has been wonderful to work with you too. **★★★★★ — Lisa Kalmbach, Jan. 2013** > Fantastic architects and designers who listen to their customer, create beautiful homes and stick to your budget. They make product selection for your new home a breeze with everything in one place in their office/showroom. I felt like a kid in a candy store. They are a true joy to work with and they listen to their customer. I am so thrilled with the design of my home. **Comment from Larson Shores Architects:** > Lisa, it was a pleasure working with you too! We are so happy that you are thrilled about the design of your home. ## Selected projects - [Cow Hollow Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cow-hollow-residence-pj-vj~1249681) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: In collaboration with M-Projects, Larson Shores worked as architect of record with Amir Mortazavi to renovate and expand an existing two story home by adding two additional levels capturing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, downtown San Francisco, and the Pacific Heights Neighborhood. Light, both natural and created, envelopes each room where open spaces flow seamlessly between the outdoors and the interior. The home, with a panoramic roof-top deck, is a contemporary showpiece built with exacting… - [Pacific Heights Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pacific-heights-interior-pj-vj~201461) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - Description: A modern interior renovation in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of San Francisco is defined by minimalistic finishes, clean lines, and thoughtful details. The client’s affinity for Italian modern design is apparent throughout the entire project in furnishings and fixtures. - [Blackhawk](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blackhawk-pj-vj~1251649) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Dolores Park Renovation and Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dolores-park-renovation-and-interior-design-pj-vj~726630) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: This interior remodel in the Dolores Park neighborhood emphasized light, views and continuity between spaces and a pared down modern aesthetic. Unique and elegant lighting and luxurious textures in upholstery and other finishes add drama and personality to the spaces. Movement through the home culminates in the penthouse space, a private respite from which to take in the dramatic skyline view of San Francisco. - [Glen Park Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-park-renovation-pj-vj~658222) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: An eye catching herringbone pattern in the wall tile and light under the floating bathroom cabinet offer unusual details to a bathroom remodel in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco. Paired with the modern fixtures and transparent glass shower, these details create a play of volumes that quietly animate the serene space. - [Claremont Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/claremont-renovation-pj-vj~1076668) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: This Claremont home was in the middle stages of construction as a duplex when our clients purchased it. However, they wanted a single family home inspired by Japanese design. The owners have a great modern aesthetic and also wanted to use just a few different materials which created a strong and simple palette. Added to this clean look are chartreuse main doors, midcentury modern lighting, a tatami room, and black metal stair railing. These carefully placed details offer a unique and personal ch… - [Oakland Hills Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oakland-hills-renovation-pj-vj~102478) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: The interior remodel in the Oakland Hills combines clean and modern lines throughout the home giving overall feelings of serenity with splashes of playfulness. The punch of a bold wall color, the warmth of gray washed hickory cabinets, the rich artwork and furniture results in an elegant kitchen and dining area with unique qualities. The master bathroom with the transparent glass shower, floating vanity and window overlooking tree tops conveys an openness that is emphasized with white walls and… - [SOMA Bathroom Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soma-bathroom-renovation-pj-vj~57145) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Roxmont Home Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roxmont-home-renovation-pj-vj~57338) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: Piercing skylights and double-height spaces maximize the quality of light in the original house maximizing the quality of light throughout the year. The interiors reflect a clean, mid-century modern perspective connecting living spaces and encouraging views to the natural coastline and lighthouse beyond. - [Cole Valley Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-valley-renovation-pj-vj~728724) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - Description: Simple, clean lines define a purposefully modern bathroom in a jewelry maker’s minimal home. Material palettes were chosen to make a modest space feel spacious and airy. Custom designed lavatory and shower seat soften the reflective space adding texture and visual depth. - [SOMA Flat Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soma-flat-interior-pj-vj~154614) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: An eclectically designed flat for a start-up founder in the South of Market District of San Francisco is defined by clean lines, repurposed furniture, and period pieces. The focus of the interior design was to create an ambiance that was intimate, personal, and sophisticated. - [Claremont Berkeley Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/claremont-berkeley-renovation-pj-vj~578166) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: When we were first brought onto this project, we saw a beautiful home that sadly felt dark and disconnected despite providing a large area with which to work. We completely changed the floor plan in the main living area, opening up the walls and adding large sliding doors to let in natural light and create a connection to the spacious backyard. The cable railings of the stairway and those of the deck outside were designed to further enhance this sense of openness, providing a tasteful modern acc… - [Rockledge Exterior and Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rockledge-exterior-and-interior-pj-vj~6226) - Location: Spruce Head Island Home, ME - Photos: 9 - Description: Featured on the cover of the Boston Globe Magazine, this “modern cottage” was designed to accommodate the client’s intimate lifestyle, with an open floor plan that allows light to flow through the rooms. Primary household functions were placed in opposite corners of the house to orchestrate a diagonal movement from one end of the house to the other, which in turn creates a sense of spaciousness within this modest structure. - [Glen View Kitchen Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-view-kitchen-renovation-pj-vj~57152) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: A culinary chef’s kitchen remodel integrated vast runs of counter space, an internal irrigated herb garden, and a layout ideally suited for entertaining. Custom designed cabinetry reflects the homeowner’s whimsical style and personality while maximizing storage and displaying their collections. - [Sunrise Summit Exterior and Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sunrise-summit-exterior-and-interior-pj-vj~6211) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: The “cabin in the woods” sits low atop a prominent mountain on the coastline hidden by a dense curtain of birch trees. The house is sited like two arms that stretch in opposite directions toward the harbor, creating a courtyard that is sheltered from the elements. Flowing spaces, clean lines and glazed expanses capture the outside landscape while sealed concrete floors, precise interior detailing and pitched metal roofs reveal a modern sensibility set in a rustic landscape. - [Claremont Interior](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/claremont-interior-pj-vj~17105) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [SOMA Apartment, San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soma-apartment-san-francisco-pj-vj~896448) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: South of Market Apartment renovation by Larson Shores Architects - [Clifton ADU](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/clifton-adu-pj-vj~6163337) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Families who have been in the Bay Area a long time are watching their adult kids spend half their income on housing and find it almost impossible to buy something nearby. With equity in their main house, where they raised their family, the new in-law cottage will be a modern home for their youngest son who owns his own business. In the future, if his family grows, the cottage has been designed for aging-in-place, so his parents can move in and he can move into the big house. - [Moss House @ Walden Monterey](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/moss-house-walden-monterey-pj-vj~2999708) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Rydal Court Montclair, Oakland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rydal-court-montclair-oakland-pj-vj~2236949) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 8 [See all 20 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/larson-shores-architects-pfvwus-pf~503408124) ## Ideabooks - [Advertising](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32728875/list/advertising) — 23 ideas - [Rockridge](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24896632/list/rockridge) — 7 ideas - [Inspired](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24896831/list/inspired) — 1 idea - [outside spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9820520/list/outside-spaces) — 1 idea [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lsa-oakland) ## Community Q&A **Q: Floo snd ceiling** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, could it be possible to have the materiel and stain used for the ceiling and flooring? A: The ceiling is a pine ceiling and the floors are oak. Since they were existing we had to develop a custom finish with a flooring sub to get the color just right. No set formula to share. A great way to test colors is to do some test areas under a spot that will get cabinets. **Q: Where is the blue chair from?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The chair is from HD Buttercup in SF! **Q: You said the glaze is "Pewter Glaze but what is the stain?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is a stain developed by the cabinet company they do not release the formula! **Q: Where are the mirrors from? Thank you!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Dkotov, Thanks for your interest with the mirrors. Unfortunately, we do not know where the mirrors came from. Best, Larson Shores Architects **Q: Deck Railing** *(in Photo Questions)* Beautiful! Can you please give me your source for the deck railing as it is exactly what I'm looking for. Thank you! A: It’s glass from a local vendor (any glass vendor can provide) with a cap and hidden shoe detail by Julius Blum Co. **Q: Shower window** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please tell me about the shower window? Brand, material (e.g. Vinyl, or?), how was it waterproofed, dimensions, any moisture issues since installation? Also, is there a window treatment? What is it? Looking to do something similar but I'm concerned about a window in my shower! This is beautiful. Thank you A: It's a fiberglass window with tile that goes all the way around the jamb to create a water-safe zone. Be sure to slope the sill of the window slightly so that water can drain – just ¼” per foot! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-05.*