--- title: "Amy A. Alper, Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amy-a-alper-architect-pfvwus-pf~562127847 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~562127847.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Amy A. Alper, Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a2038a1a0ca121e8_8392-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1101 Loma Court, Sonoma, California 95476, United States" latitude: 38.2849 longitude: -122.4696 phone: "(707) 481-1486" website: http://www.alperarchitect.com rating: 5 review_count: 17 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 808 last_updated: 2026-08-23 --- # Amy A. Alper, Architect Original Houzz profile: [Amy A. Alper, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amy-a-alper-architect-pfvwus-pf~562127847) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Sonoma, CA - **Serves:** Napa, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Saint Helena, Calistoga, Yountville, Glen Ellen, Kenwood - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Industry Research - Barometer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Amy A. Alper, Architect is about to celebrate the 14th Anniversary of her practice, focusing on custom homes, additions and transformative remodels. Her current projects include two estate homes in Calistoga and a hillside home in Sebastopol. A licensed architect for 20 years, Amy has honed her skills working with world class architects on award winning projects such as The Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Carneros Inn in Napa. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Custom Residential Design - Transformation Remodel ### Areas Served - Napa - Healdsburg - Sonoma - Saint Helena - Calistoga - Yountville - Glen Ellen - Kenwood ### Typical Job Cost $850,000 - 3.5 million Project costs are a function of not only the size of a project and quality of finishes but the infrastructure that may be needed - electrical, septic or new roadwork. Permitting costs and professional fees are also factored into a project budget. An architect adds great value by envisioning how their client can best achieve a balance between design and budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Amy A. Alper, Architect | | Address | 1101 Loma Court, Sonoma, California 95476, United States | | Phone | (707) 481-1486 | | Website | http://www.alperarchitect.com | | Followers on Houzz | 808 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Amy A. Alper, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amy-a-alper-architect-pfvwus-pf~562127847) - **Website:** http://www.alperarchitect.com - **Phone:** (707) 481-1486 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz for Design 2015 - 2017, Best of Houzz for Service, 2014 and 2015, Certified Green Building Professional (CGBP).Recipient of three AIA Awards for an Electric Vehicle Recharging Station, as a team member of the Carneros Inn and for the Sebastopol Hillside Residence. - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2014–2021), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [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 — 17 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Sonoma Hill Builders, Inc., Nov. 2020** > We highly recommend Amy and welcome any opportunity that comes our way to collaborate with her! She is known for providing an incredible level of detail and sophistication in her work. Her desire to connect on a personal level with clients and truly bring their vision to life with her designs is inspiring. She thinks of every detail ahead of time when planning for the eventual coexistence between the family, the house and the land - this truly makes a harmonious project come to life. As a builder, we greatly appreciate her emphasis on collaboration and desire to maintain a positive relationship with clear communication in order to ensure successful project execution. **★★★★★ — Susan Fegan, Oct. 2017** > I can't recommend Amy enough! A highly creative designer who loves what she does, she is also a very organized professional, a good communicator - and a really nice person with whom it is fun to work. > > Between May of 2015 and the end of 2016, Amy helped me and my husband with the remodel of a very dilapidated mid-century house, and the result is a lovely, spacious and comfortable home. Unlike Amy, we are not highly organized people who know exactly what we want and I am sure her professional skills were tested, but she guided us through every step of the process with great tact and flexibility. I recommend her to anyone I hear talk about doing a building project in our area. **★★★★★ — TOTAL CONCEPTS, Sept. 2017** > We of Total Concepts, have had the pleasure of working with Amy. She is creatively gifted, an active listener, and a true team player. We worked as a team from the conception of the project. Each one working in their gifting. She was impressive in that model -timely, creative, concerned. We have loved the interaction **★★★★★ — Stephen Leander, Aug. 2017** > It's strange reviewing someone who has become so close to you and your family. But that is what you get when you work with Amy; a wonderful person who just happens to be an incredible architect as well. We have been working with Amy since October 2014 and knew she was the one from the first phone call. She always went above and beyond and we have an extraordinarily beautiful home to show for it. Building a home is stressful and so demanding these days but with Amy you know it will be worth it. **★★★★★ — LMK Interiors, May 2017** > The real deal! Amy is a talented, creative, articulate architect that I would highly recommend. I was really impressed with Amy's creative approach to a challenging project and collaborating with her is something I truly hope to do again. Her attention to detail, thoughtfulness and respect for the client are beyond reproach. **★★★★★ — merge studio, Oct. 2016** > We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Amy Alper, Architect on a professional level for multiple projects. Amy is extremely clever, a talented architect with an astute and gifted sense of design values. Amy’s background and extensive training gives her a certain intimacy with her projects. This attention to detail provides creative design solutions. Furthermore, her client engagement takes the process of design, delivering a built environment that is unique and fully thoughtful. Her custom and thoughtful approach, not only complements program needs, but the surroundings and its’ setting relative to the site. Amy is a pleasure to collaborate with—her personality committed to excellent architecture, and simply a joy to know. **★★★★★ — bruce1543, Sept. 2016** > Amy brings deep professional knowledge, amazing architectural design creativity, unmatched attention to details, and contextually appropriate pragmatism to her projects. As a general contractor I am fortunate to have had several opportunities to work collaboratively with Amy. Her clients certainly seem to feel the same. **★★★★★ — Rochelle Silberman Design, Sept. 2016** > Amy is an extremely talented and professional Architect. Her approach to design is comprehensive– exterior and interiors are integrated and considered from the start and she had great attention to detail. Her designs are unique without overlooking practical considerations or budget goals. Amy is a clear communicator and helps Owners through the process so as not to be overwhelmed. **★★★★★ — bblosser, Nov. 2015** > We worked with Amy from the earliest conceptual stages through construction and occupancy. At all stages, Amy provided exemplary service and extremely creative solutions to the myriad issues that came up during the design and construction process. We had a very strict budget, and she worked extremely well with us and the contractor to examine the options and find solutions that were both cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. We ended up with exactly the house we wanted and are extremely pleased. **★★★★★ — Steven, Aug. 2015** > I worked with Amy for two years to expand and remodel my house. I found her to be very thoughtful, experienced, practical, flexible, and creative, with a great sense of style and incredible attention to detail. She was a major part in making the project a success. **★★★★★ — Meghan Britton, Aug. 2014** > Amy Alper has been a dream to work with. I represent Northern California's premier distributor of Kolbe Windows and Doors. I work with many wonderful architects on a regular basis, but love when one like Amy comes along. Amy sets the bar when it comes to nailing down the details of a project that are oftentimes overlooked by the architect leaving a contractor to "make it work" onsite. She thinks about every single piece of the project to create the ultimate "feel" her clients are looking for. Amy truly understands what it means to value engineer, without sacrificing style & design. She knows how to work within the client's budget and still create an amazing final product that they will love coming home to. Amy uses her interpersonal skills to create smooth communication between clients, project managers, and contractors. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Keeping the job running smoothly with many different personalities can be difficult, but Amy is polite, professional, and takes the time to explain her ideas to the team making them a reality. Amy helps her clients to choose products that make sense for their individual needs, she utilizes many different styles and products to create a unique and personal environment her clients can call home. I have worked with Amy on several projects and have found that she consistently delivers a magazine worthy final project, yet somehow still manages to make it feel like home. Simply incredible! **★★★★★ — Martin Pena, Aug. 2014** > We have worked with Amy on several projects. Our initial project was a total transformation of a mid-century house to bring it to up-to-date. Amy did an outstanding job respecting the original bones of the house, while incorporating changes and additions to floor plan to make the home livable for a modern lifestyle, all while working within the constraints on strict county zoning rules. > > Most recently we’ve engaged Amy to consult on design changes for a remodel and update of a main residence and outbuilding /barn to better integrate outdoor garden and pool areas, which were previously disconnected from the indoor living spaces. In the spirit of ‘green design,’ Amy was able to focus our design choices to help maintain the spirit of the original house and avoid unnecessary structural changes, and leverage the existing character of the property. With Amy’s guidance, the design exceeded our expectations while the thoughtful design choices actually kept construction costs and time below what we initially budgeted and expected. What more could you ask for?!? > > Communication is a key part of the working with Amy. She listens, advises and engages in two-way conversations to make sure the design process is educational and successful. She brings great ideas to the table and respects the direction from the client. Look forward to working with Amy on future projects. ## Selected projects - [Sebastopol Hillside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sebastopol-hillside-residence-pj-vj~5470769) - Location: Sebastopol, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Site opportunities and constraints of this hillside property, along with the need for a flexible floor plan, serve as the primary design generators for this 2250 square foot home for a young family whose programmatic needs are sure to change over time. The key constraint was a view easement established when the original parcel was subdivided into three, which leaves only a triangular area upon which to build. Access to the uphill flag lot is along a shared drive with its own dimensional requirem… - [Vineyard Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vineyard-farmhouse-pj-vj~1769301) - Location: Santa Rosa, CA - Photos: 32 - Description: Set on seven acres and nestled within the pinot noir vineyard, this modern farmhouse was designed to capture views, some expansive and some specially framed. The "twin" forms are separated by use - one for the voluminous living area and one for private areas. The "between" spaces are for entry and kitchen with a casual loft above, open to the living room. The interiors have been designed to blur the lines between indoor and out and to keep the rural palette of materials and textures reminiscent… - [Downtown Sonoma](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/downtown-sonoma-pj-vj~1256670) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: Less than a block from Sonoma’s downtown square, this property is uniquely zoned to allow two homes on a single lot. The design of the new residence takes great care to be compatible with the existing home and greater neighborhood by use of form, color and materials. The materials (stucco and ship-lap siding) are characteristic of the one and two story structures in downtown Sonoma. Additionally the second level portion of the house echoes the many 2 story-gable end forms that occur along West S… - [Healdsburg Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/healdsburg-transformation-pj-vj~375421) - Location: Healdsburg, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: A dilapidated cottage located on a charming alley in Healdsburg captured the imagination of a couple moving from Boston. With an eye toward reuse of framing and foundation, a new two bedroom house was reborn. The entry area (set up as a lounge but easily converted to a dining area) blurs the line between inside and out with a concrete floor that runs right out to the rear patio. Defined by an interplay of rooflines and floor levels, the living areas, kitchen, front patio and fire pit are defined… - [Creekside Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creekside-cottage-pj-vj~5850) - Location: Calistoga, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Although beautifully situated among firs and redwoods, the layout of this 1920’s shingle-style weekend cabin precluded views to the nearby seasonal creek. The architect designed a new double-height living room addition to wrap the original exterior. Weathered shingles and period windows remain - when open, kitchen and living room are connected. New materials contrast with the old; reclaimed beams mediate between them, and visually echo the surrounding woods. Window walls showcase views to the sw… - [Central Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/central-avenue-pj-vj~1257007) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: This cottage from 1920 has great character but was in need of extensive renovation. The Owner also wanted to expand the house -- not an easy task given restrictive zoning and set-back parameters. The living room was expanded by enclosing part of the wrap around porch and a small addition in the back added space to the master bedroom. New energy efficient custom windows were fabricated to match the existing so as not to lose any of the charm of the original design. - [Mill Valley Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-transformation-pj-vj~613990) - Location: Mill Valley, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: While new exterior entry stairs and windows to replace failing materials was a practical “must” for empty nesters ready to update their home, a transformative, inventive design was the true motivation for the call to me. What “had been” was dark and uninviting. The new stairs were designed to be “light box”. The illumination, as well as new bluestone paving at street level creates an exterior foyer that welcomes guests even before reaching the front door and conversely, at the end of the evening… - [Sonoma Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-remodel-pj-vj~27074) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 5 - Description: This Sonoma Remodel completely transformed from a series of cramped rooms connected by a narrow dark corridor into an open, light filled home that focuses on a tree-filled courtyard, complete with pool area and “outdoor living room” beyond. - [MidCenturyKitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcenturykitchen-pj-vj~80704) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 7 - [Hummel Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hummel-kitchen-pj-vj~5851) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Social interaction was the key idea behind the design of this modern kitchen. All appliances are hidden from obvious view except for the cooktop and hood. The teak veneered island with a black countertop contrasts the neutral walls and cabinetry to serve as the focal point of the new great room. The sink is easily accessible but also hidden by a partial height wall that is perpendicular to the island. Dishes are whisked away enabling the hosts to focus on their guests and enabling guests to enjo… - [Sonoma Greens Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-greens-condominium-pj-vj~27072) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This condominium, built in the ‘80’s was out of date. The living space was opened to dramatic effect and rebalanced compositionally while walls were added to the open but poorly laid out lower level to create a new washing and bathing room and master closet. The project, replete with all new finishes, is unified with the color palatte yet the play of textures makes unique each delightful space. - [Calistoga Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calistoga-residence-pj-vj~82262) - Location: Calistoga, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This property, near Calistoga, offers expansive views. The surrounding terrain falls away quickly adding drama to the setting. Each of the spaces in the main house capture the panorama by means of the plan, which alternates between indoor and outdoor rooms. The swimming pool and spa, at the heart of the site, unifies the composition between structures. The guest house is carefully sited so that like the main house all the rooms enjoy uninterrupted site lines. - [Matanzas Creek Guest House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/matanzas-creek-guest-house-pj-vj~2524812) - Location: Santa Rosa, CA - Photos: 10 [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/amy-a-alper-architect-pfvwus-pf~562127847) ## Community Q&A **Q: Woodstove** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - what type of wood stove is this and do you like it? thanks A: The brand is Jotul. The Owners have been happy with it for many years. Most intstalls these days are gas, not true wood burning. **Q: Can you share the backsplash tile source?** *(in Photo Questions)* Lovely work. A: Classic Dal Tile. Originally spec'd as Fireclay which is also a great choice and with more options in accessory pieces. Ultimately a budget decision for a starter house for a young family. **Q: do you like your farm house sink** *(in Photo Questions)* I’m looking to get on but it has to be a top mount. So just wondering if you like your drop in sink. Thanks! A: This was a budget oriented choice from Ikea. The Owners like it. I prefer a sink with a lower center than sides for easier cleaning of larger pans **Q: Can you tell me about the retaining wall? Concrete?** *(in Photo Questions)* Curious what this application is called A: Thank you **Q: Was your backyard a remodel?** *(in Photo Questions)* I would like to know if the backyard was a remodel? Who’d did the work? A: This project was remodeled. The Owner's contracted the works separately. I don't know who did the work. **Q: ou peut on trouver decor faience vague bleue** *(in Photo Questions)* mur du fond A: www.cletile.com Bonne chance --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-23.*