--- title: "Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-sarah-willmer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~503411112 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~503411112.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/33437ce508d328bb_8075-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "3850 23rd Street, San Francisco, California 94114, United States" latitude: 37.7587 longitude: -122.433 phone: "(415) 642-1166" website: http://www.studio-sw.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 376 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-sarah-willmer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~503411112) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Francisco, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, Alameda, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Albany, Mill Valley, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2016), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves The studio has a strong belief that collaboration with the client creates a more dynamic and unique design solution for each project. The principles of simplicity, of spaciousness and light, and sustainability are realized in each project. Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture is an award-winning nationally and internationally published architecture and interiors firm based in San Francisco with projects throughout the Bay Area as well as Sonoma and Marin County. From new construction to additions and remodels, three principles guide our design process: the building’s structure as a primary expression of space, the control and infusion of natural light, and an environmentally sensitive and elegant material palette. Sarah Willmer holds a Master in Architecture from Yale University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University. Following 14 years with several prominent firms, including the internationally recognized Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Polshek Partnership Architects and Anshen + Allen, Ms. Willmer founded Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture. Driven by the desire to stay intimately involved with the design process from concept to construction, Ms. Willmer brings her diverse background and team-leading experience to the firm’s commercial and residential projects. The creative energy at Studio Sarah Willmer is vitalized by the extensive experience of its senior staff and youthful enthusiasm of recent grads from University of California, Berkeley and California College of the Arts. The team is tight and selected for their unending commitment to quality architecture and critical design. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Structural Engineering - Full Architectural Design Services ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Daly City - Alameda - South San Francisco - San Bruno - Pacifica - Albany - Mill Valley - Emeryville - Tamalpais-Homestead Valley - Tiburon - Sausalito - Brisbane - Broadmoor - Marin City - Belvedere - Colma - Muir Beach - Belvedere Tiburon ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture | | Address | 3850 23rd Street, San Francisco, California 94114, United States | | Phone | (415) 642-1166 | | Website | http://www.studio-sw.com | | Followers on Houzz | 376 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-Sarah-Willmer-Architecture/400395730017470 - Blog — http://www.studio-sw.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-sarah-willmer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~503411112) - **Website:** http://www.studio-sw.com - **Phone:** (415) 642-1166 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2012–2016), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Kasten Builders, Feb. 2017** > We teamed with Studio Sarah Wilmer to build their "Two Way House" in lower Pacific Heights, San Francisco. Sarah and her firm were amazing. They treat the Contractor as an equal team member which makes for happy clients and successful projects. Sarah's plans, sketches, and attention to detail are second to none. When challenges arouse, as they always do, Sarah always helped out. Kasten Builders hopes to have the pleasure of working with Studio Sarah Wilmer again very soon. **Comment from Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture:** > Hey, Thanks Pete. Amazing project and impeccable craftsmanship. I look forward to teaming with you all again. > > Best, Sarah **★★★★★ — Justin Merickel, Jan. 2017** > Studio Sarah Willmer are fantastic. Sarah and Megan transformed a very old Victorian row house with some odd modifications over the last 100 years into an amazing home for our family. And Sara and team hit just the right notes in blending our goals of maintaining some traditional elements while incorporating a modern, open floor plan. One of the key decisions Sarah made was to change the orientation of the back of the home to maximize the view and light down our green-space. Sarah worked very well with our builder, Forsythe General Contractor, and the sub-contractors on the job. While we don't miss the construction, we miss our weekly interactions with Sara and Megan! We highly recommend working with them and are happy to provide a reference. **Comment from Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture:** > Hello Justin, > I wanted to thank you again for the great opportunity to work with you and Amy to design and build the home you would raise your two wonderful daughters in. Megan and I are proud of the design and success of the project. It was a pleasure and fun to work with you both. See you soon for a glass a wine and to catch up. > > Best, Sarah **★★★★★ — Annette Schutz, Aug. 2015** > My husband and I have wanted a Sarah Willmer kitchen for years. Her design is distinctive in its clean lines, functionality and aesthetic. Sarah's astute observation of the design of our kitchen and needs was incredible. We love everything about our kitchen. There is nothing we would change. We have only the highest praise and gratitude for what she has done for us. > > Our contractor Tracy Anthony was excellent. > > Annette Schutz **Comment from Studio Sarah Willmer Architecture:** > Hello Annette, > > Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review. It is so rewarding to know that you and Mark are enjoying your new kitchen. I look forward to joining you for a lunch in your new open and light filled kitchen. > > Best, Sarah **★★★★★ — oriana50, June 2015** > Sarah and her team was able to work with our quirky requirements and small budget. We tasked her to remodel our new office that had not been touched for about 10 years (except for some light cosmetic enhancements such as painting). She was able to understand the culture of our startup and design a multi functional space that is inviting and makes collaborations cross functionally effortless. Everyday we benefit from her recommendations and design sense. **★★★★★ — Ellen Little, June 2015** > We hired Studio Sarah Willmer twice and are thrilled with the results. In 2007 we hired Sarah and her team to design the kitchen and living areas on the lower level of our Edwardian house in Noe Valley. We took down a wall and opened up the space. The design, the perfect dimensions and the beautiful details make the space both elegant and functional. I cook and entertain frequently and I love my new kitchen! > > We hired Studio Sarah Willmer again in the fall of 2014 to renovate the second floor of our house. They designed an open space that is filled with light. There is a modern bathroom with a huge glass walled shower and skylight where there used to be a tiny dark bathroom from 1913. The open floorpan and skylight make the space feel twice as big as it used to. > > Working with Sarah and her team was great. They are experienced, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. **★★★★★ — Ernest McGray, Feb. 2013** > "Studio Sarah Willmer takes the approach that the space has to work as well as inspire. To ensure this occurs Sarah works in a truly collaborative way. It is not simply a project with a Studio Sarah Willmer stamp but a home, a business, a space that speaks as much about the client as it does about the architect. Sarah is enthusiastic and passionate about design but also understands the practicalities of construction, the power of materials, and the pains of permits as well as the importance of hiring the right construction team to make it all happen. Because of Studio Sarah Willmer's expansive knowledge and experience of the entire process, the stresses of the realities are minimized by the staid and steady team of Studio Sarah Willmer." **★★★★★ — adisaw, Feb. 2013** > Sarah did a wonderful job on our renovation. We chose her as our architect because we wanted a clean modern look. She designed exactly what we asked for - a modern look to the back of our Eastbay Craftsman house that included walls of glass, fabulous California walnut cabinetry and a living space that opens to the back yard. Sarah listened to our needs, worked well with our contractor and I very importantly helped us weather the hardship of a renovation. We love our new home. **★★★★★ — unavailable, Nov. 2012** > We hired Studio Sarah Wilmer to design our house. The site was difficult, in a wooded area, on a steep slope overlooking a river. Sarah's work integrated the landscape and the house perfectly. The house she designed is all about light and proportions and great details that are not obvious but that rest the eyes and create a sense of well being. > Working with Studio Sarah Willmer was a delight. She is a very talented architect. She knows how to listen and translate her client's ideas into design. Furthermore, I am extremely impressed with her ability to work with contractors and get them to follow her plans. ## Selected projects - [Jersey Street Apartments, Noe Valley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/jersey-street-apartments-noe-valley-pj-vj~2130585) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Situated in the heart of Noe Valley this 1922 four-unit apartment building was in desperate need of a refresh. The renovation consisted of a face-lift to the exterior, repairing and replacing stucco and trim, installing new windows and painting the building a neutral gray with playful accent colors at doors and trim.The modernization of each one-bedroom unit included an updated kitchen and bathroom with new utilities and lighting. The owner’s apartment, on the top floor, expands to a roof deck/g… - [Sonoma Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-retreat-pj-vj~1024740) - Location: Healdsburg, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Located on a grassy, oak tree shaded hillside with a creek traveling through the southeastern portion of the lot, the site is emblematic of the Northern California landscape. A portion of the site is protected for a stream that carries the run-off of much of the neighboring properties and fluctuates dramatically throughout the year. The house is situated near the top of the sloped lot, with its back to the neighbor to the west above. The design takes advantage of the views towards the trees as w… - [Cole Valley Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cole-valley-residence-pj-vj~2130570) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: When longtime residents of San Francisco’s Cole Valley purchased their 1906 single level home their immediate instinct was to preserve the traditional elements of the existing house including cove molding, wainscoting and trim while opening it up with light-filled spaces and a contemporary feel. The design involved the reconfiguring of the existing home with a vertical addition adding much needed space for the growing family. The resulting home is a visual history of old and new as you move from… - [Gilbert Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gilbert-street-pj-vj~1024715) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: The owners of this 1910 craftsman style bungalow in Oakland wanted to maintain the character of this traditional bungalow while gaining some much needed modern and open space within. The resulting reconfiguration included modifying the kitchen, the couple’s bedroom and adding a bathroom, creating a much needed open living space and connection to the backyard. In the kitchen, the floor to ceiling cabinetry wall provides plenty of storage, one of the owner’s requirements. This thickened wall also… - [Magellan Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magellan-street-pj-vj~62643) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Going beyond the mandate of merely remodeling a kitchen, the Studio incorporates existing Art Deco detailing, structures, level changes and ceiling heights to open the eating space up to the communal dining and living areas. - [Elizabeth Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elizabeth-street-pj-vj~62939) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: Bringing a pure modernist vocabulary to the urban conundrum of balancing a traditional exterior with a contemporary interior, this design skillfully blends the home’s Tudor façade into a new, light-filled, garden-connecting space. - [Green Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-street-pj-vj~62859) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: This complete remodel of a two-story condo retains the home’s striking Victorian façade while flowing into a sleek, streamlined interior that emphasizes finished such as wood and translucent panels. - [Magnolia Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/magnolia-street-pj-vj~62909) - Location: San Carlos, CA - Photos: 9 - Description: Magnolia Street residence was a renovation and addition (both vertical and horizontal) to a suburban ranch style home. The home was transformed from an inward focused home to one that opens to the extensive greenery of the neighborhood and backyard. The client has a long time love of mid-century modern architecture and furnishings. This passion influenced the spatial character of the home as well as cabinetry, light fixtures and tile selection. Many hours were spent on the internet by the client… - [Beverly Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beverly-place-pj-vj~62660) - Location: Albany, CA - Photos: 11 - Description: Beverly Place residence is a renovation and addition to an arts and crafts style bungalow in Albany, a small town in the San Francisco Bay Area. The home was expanded from a two-bedroom one-bath bungalow to a more spacious three bedroom two and a half bath home. The clients sought to weave the vernacular character of the existing house with new modern insertions. The stair connecting to the new top floor brings light to middle of the home while the kitchen connects seamlessly to the garden. It i… - [Park Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-street-pj-vj~62073) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: The Eller Residence renovation, located in Bernal Heights, a neighborhood built largely after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, synthesizes the vernacular character and scale of the original cottage with the growing needs of a modern family. Like a Louise Nevelson bas-relief, the original Victorian façade is a single color, abstracting the detail and hinting at internal transformation. The rear façade expresses modernity, with large expanses of glass, a canvas sunscreen and articulated volumes… - [Skagit River House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skagit-river-house-pj-vj~62071) - Location: Mount Vernon, WA - Photos: 13 - Description: Located on a hillside above the Skagit River in northern Washington State, this house serves as a peaceful retreat among the woods for a couple that enjoys entertaining. The house is strategically placed between the edge of the hill and an existing guesthouse and studio building. Perched at the break in the ground plane, the house faces due south with expansive views of the river through a foreground of tree trunks. A small bridge invites entry into the Douglas fir lined porch carved out of the… [See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-sarah-willmer-architecture-pfvwus-pf~503411112) ## Ideabooks - [Alvarado Trim Details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75128288/list/alvarado-trim-details) — 9 ideas - [Alvarado Kitchen with Table](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75081616/list/alvarado-kitchen-with-table) — 5 ideas - [Alvarado Island removable table](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75081791/list/alvarado-island-removable-table) — 1 idea - [Alvarado Kitchen Island](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74877114/list/alvarado-kitchen-island) — 6 ideas - [Great Highway](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72590962/list/great-highway) — 3 ideas [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/studio-sw) ## Community Q&A **Q: Great project! What is the cabinet wood species?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The veneer is walnut. **Q: Dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* Could you share some dimensions? This looks comfortable but I'm interested in the table size and the distance from the island, especially. Thank you!! A: For what? the built-in clearance are very tight. I suggest mocking it up first so you can test what is comfortable. **Q: Island countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the island countertop! What is the thickness ? Thanks in advance. A: The island top is 1 1/2" think made of stainless steel. **Q: Are the beams just painted or wrapped in something?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The beams are painted, cedar or redwood and kiln dried. **Q: This is great! What is the distance between the windows?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I do not remember exactly because the window widths were based on a standard dimension but approximately 30". **Q: Countertop** *(in Photo Questions)* What type of countertop material is used here? A: This is a lava stone called basalt. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*