--- title: "Studio Bergtraun AIA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-bergtraun-aia-pfvwus-pf~687943139 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~687943139.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Studio Bergtraun AIA" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1003ab850e4580ff_2763-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5500 Doyle Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States" latitude: 37.8365 longitude: -122.2804 phone: "(510) 652-0612" website: http://www.studiobergtraun.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 18 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 339 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Studio Bergtraun AIA Original Houzz profile: [Studio Bergtraun AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-bergtraun-aia-pfvwus-pf~687943139) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Emeryville, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Napa, Alameda, Palo Alto, El Cerrito, Lafayette, Albany, Orinda, Emeryville, Piedmont, The Sea Ranch, Sonoma, Tiburon, Los Altos Hills, Atherton, Portola Valley, East Richmond Heights, Inverness, Kensington, Lake Tahoe, Marin County, Rockridge - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (18 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2012–2023), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Offers Custom Work It is our belief that architecture can be a beautiful framework enhancing the lives of those who live and work within and around it. Our studio enjoys working in all aspects of Architecture. The firm portfolio includes a varied typology of projects each informing the other, smaller projects with larger intentions and bigger projects with personal attention to detail. The scope of work in the studio ranges from residential new construction and remodels to commercial and institutional, including summer camps, retail, offices and religious buildings. Our architecture enhances the indoor/outdoor California lifestyle guiding each project through interior design and furnishing details and outdoor landscape direction. Extensive work experience and study in Italy and Denmark along with travels through Asia and Europe have provided a rich design background that informs all of our design. Studio Bergtraun, AIA, Architects has continually strived to create environments responsive to the client’s program and budget, respectful of the surrounds in which they are sited, and attentive to the creative, functional and eco-friendly use of materials and building techniques. Call us today and let us help you get started. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Gym Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Berkeley - Napa - Alameda - Palo Alto - El Cerrito - Lafayette - Albany - Orinda - Emeryville - Piedmont - The Sea Ranch - Sonoma - Tiburon - Los Altos Hills - Atherton - Portola Valley - East Richmond Heights - Inverness - Kensington - Lake Tahoe - Marin County - Rockridge ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - 15 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Studio Bergtraun AIA | | Address | 5500 Doyle Street, Emeryville, California 94608, United States | | Phone | (510) 652-0612 | | Website | http://www.studiobergtraun.com | | Followers on Houzz | 339 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-bergtraun-844a7?trk=nav\_responsive\_tab\_profile ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Studio Bergtraun AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-bergtraun-aia-pfvwus-pf~687943139) - **Website:** http://www.studiobergtraun.com - **Phone:** (510) 652-0612 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Architectural Record House of the Month January 2017; Tahoe Quarterly's 2017 Mountain Home Award; Best of Houzz 2012 & 2015; EB-AIA House Tour 2015; 2015; EB-AIA House Tour 2011 - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2012–2023), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 18 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Sally Smith, May 2019** > Alex and his team helped us renovate 6800 square feet of living, gallery and studio space. Alex was able to artfully combine vintage craftsman, industrial and modern space. Our house has become a real showstopper. At the same time our house is extremely livable and pleasant to be in. Alex and his team worked through every detail: how it would look and how it would work. Alex reveres the old, but is also good at creating modern spaces and thinking outside the box. He is an excellent listener, and never lets his ego get in the way. Alex is also practical and fun to work with. The other architects on his team were similarly fabulous to work with. **Comment from Studio Bergtraun AIA:** > Thank you, Sally. It was a very fun journey working with you and your family on this great project! **★★★★★ — Charlene Nelson, Jan. 2018** > We did a full remodel and a second story addition that has exceeded my vision and expectations! There is no doubt that Alex and his team absolutely love what they do and they do it well together. It shows through dedication, attention to detail along with straight forward, timely communication. Always professional but easy-going, I enjoyed a truly collaborative experience that turned my old 1950's home into the modern home of my dreams! **★★★★★ — Theresa Sabella, Dec. 2017** > The entire team at Studio Bergtraun were not only talented professionals, but also a pleasure to work with and were always accessible, operating swiftly and on budget. We wanted a home with separate cottages for our large extended family, which if designed incorrectly, could feel hollow and sprawling. Alex and Jessica were able to transform our collection of ideas and dreams into a village, that was inviting and architecturally stimulating and interesting. Every time we hit a snag with our contractor or with a design element, we turned to them and they were quickly able to offer sound advice and resolve the issue with immediacy. They really understood what we we trying to achieve and helped us stay consistent with the architecture of the home, down to the finest of details. We never anticipated looking at our home and seeing the beauty of the architecture, but we often do. Can you tell we think they are awesome? **★★★★★ — susanlandauer, Dec. 2015** > Alex understood our vision for the extension of our 1928 Montclair home, to upscale the look, but keep its charm (such as its Deco moldings and sash windows) and make it appear as if the house had always been 1,000 sq. feet larger. He was easy to work with, kept us updated on costs, and in the end made the house more beautiful than we could ever have imagined with his creative design solutions. We only wish we had before and after pictures--they would be hard to believe! People driving by continue to stop and take snapshots or, if we happen to be in our front yard, tell us we have a magnificent home. **★★★★★ — Bill Fry Construction - Wm. H. Fry Const. Co., Sept. 2015** > Studio Bergtraun is gifted in creating livable modern cohesive spaces with the California indoor/outdoor lifestyle in mind. In addition, they also provide interior architecture services, so that you’ll be sure that your interiors will match your home’s design. Whether you live in the East Bay, Peninsula, or South Bay, Alex Bergtraun can design a home that fits your needs and desires. **★★★★★ — User, Dec. 2014** > Alex Bergtraun was the perfect choice to help us renovate our new purchase of a 1957 modern style house in the Berkeley Hills. Ours is a unique house, designed by Ratcliff architects and one of the first residential houses in a contemporary style. Bergtraun Studios clearly have strong knowledge of Mid-Century Modern houses, Alex was in sync with the aesthetics from overall look to specifics. My wife and I found Alex to also be an excellent combination of proactive suggestions combined with a very respectful and supportive approach that made working with him really a pleasure. We changed our project substantially as work progressed and Alex was easily able to accommodate us. The final results of our house is no less than stunning. > I have experience rehabbing housing and give my highest recommendation to this studio. **★★★★★ — elsa1118, Dec. 2014** > We hired Studio Bergtraun for a kitchen / office remodel in 2012. They were amazing. Easy to work with, great taste - and communicative. They were able to create a design that worked with the aesthetic of our house (built in the 1920s in Piedmont Ca.) One of the great things about Bergtraun was their ability to listen to our initial ideas and then plus them in ways we would have never thought of. No doubt, we'd work with them again. In fact, we just started another job! **★★★★★ — kirstenallison, Feb. 2014** > We hired Studio Bergtraun to design a main floor remodel. There was a lot of room, but it wasn't very functional. The ideas they came up with transformed our living room/dining room/kitchen area into an amazing space. They also worked with a very funky master bath and closet to give me a closet with a door (!!!) and a bathroom that makes me feel like I'm at a spa. Alex, et al, paid attention to lots of details we wouldn't have even thought about, and were very supportive during a stressful process. I highly recommend them. **★★★★★ — amyalchemy, Feb. 2014** > We had the pleasure of working with Studio Bergtraun on a project from 2011-2013. > They designed an extensive remodel of a 1970's residence in Trinidad, CA. > Although Studio Bergtraun is located 300 miles South of the project site, this was one of the smoothest, most positive experiences we've had in our 16 years of business. > We had excellent communication, site visits as needed, and really enjoyed Alex and Michelle on a personal level as well. > We hope to work with them again in the future. **★★★★★ — sandstep, Feb. 2014** > Studio Bergtraun did the design for a remodel that included adding an elevator, opening up the floor plan, and making a bedroom and bathroom accessible for people with disabilities. Their ideas were creative and innovative where other architects had not known where to start. The elevator placement did not reduce the living area, the kitchen ideas reduced square footage whole managing to add both cabinet and counter space, and we are completely thrilled with the result. **★★★★ — terrytsu, Feb. 2014** > Full remodel involving kitchen, living and dining room, bathroom, foyer, exterior front entry and front yard. Never could have gotten such beautiful results w/o help of Studio Bergtraun's professional know-how and attention to detail. > > After the project was completed, there were so many "oohs and ahhs" from friends and neighbors, and therefore, many consequently hired Alex for their remodels. > > Alex understood our taste and lifestyle and we were very happy with the results. So happy, in fact, that we did a second remodel with Studio Bergtraun a few years later. The second project involved converting the garage into a family room with bathroom and side patio, as well as building a 3-car garage. **★★★★★ — tfkahn, Feb. 2014** > We commissioned Studio Bergtruan to design a relatively complex stand-alone auxiliary building to be used as a gym and observation / support building for our tennis court. (It also has a carport.) The design needed to "nestle" into a hillside to avoid blocking views from the main house while still having very high internal ceilings and extensive natural light and large door openings. It also needed to complement a Wurster house from the early '30's without appearing to echo it. > Alex and his team developed a brilliant design: functional, spacious, aesthetically distinctive and extraordinarily well-suited to the topology and landscape. Forms and details work together brilliantly. Construction was complex but smooth, and Studio Bergtraun and our contractors worked well together. > We highly recommend Studio Bergtraun to anyone looking for the highest quality work! ## Selected projects - [Studio Profile, Awards & Publications](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/studio-profile-awards-and-publications-pj-vj~2241117) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Coastal Home - Gualala, CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-home-gualala-ca-pj-vj~6372414) - Location: Gualala, CA - Photos: 18 - Description: A new one-story home in the middle of the forest just off the California coast in between The Sea Ranch and Mendocino. Designed for maximum indoor-outdoor living , including ample planting terraces in the backyard for growing vegetables. Every room has direct access to the outdoors. Corner windows maximize the views from each space while positioned to ensure privacy. The Kitchen and BBQ area feature custom cabinetry including a live-edge slab island. - [Sonoma new Home, Guest houses and Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sonoma-new-home-guest-houses-and-pool-house-pj-vj~2824608) - Location: Sonoma, CA - Photos: 21 - Description: A new complex in Sonoma, this Family Village includes the main house, 2 guest houses and a pool cabin. We stayed true to the rural vocabulary of the area while keeping the lines clean and 'modern'. We are thankful that this newly finished project survived even though it was in the middle of the fire zone. - [Tahoe Ski Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tahoe-ski-cabin-pj-vj~1836856) - Location: Alpine Meadows, CA - Photos: 23 - Description: UPDATE: This project is featured as 'House of the Month' on Architectural Record Jan. '17 issue, and won the Tahoe Quarterly Mountain Home Award! Links to both articles below . They truly capture the spirit of this home …. the last paragraph of Ms. Wightman's write up for Tahoe Q.ly in particular perfectly encapsulates what Architecture is all about for us! UPDATE 2: The Master Bathroom has been chosen to be featured in a book by David Schiff due to be released next September: All New Bathroom I… - [Sea Ranch New Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-ranch-new-home-pj-vj~32130) - Location: Sea Ranch, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: This family retreat is featured on the 50th anniversary edition of the iconic 'The Sea Ranch' book, one of only a handful of new projects added to the original book. - [Artist Studio&Home-Berkeley](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/artist-studioandhome-berkeley-pj-vj~3587087) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: We are happy to announce that the AIA (American Institute of Architects) has chosen to feature this recent Berkeley project in their Home Tour on Saturday, August 4th, 2018 A full contemporary remodel of a 3 story historical home, carving out an indoor garden, an upper floor roof loft and an art gallery for the owner’s paintings are some of the most notable features . - [Home Gym + Party Space + Carport in Piedmont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/home-gym-party-space-carport-in-piedmont-pj-vj~510991) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 8 - Description: Studio Bergtraun maximized this narrow sloping site by nestling in a multi-function studio whose modern simple lines complement well the more traditional main house building adjacent to it. While the upper level hosts a carport with sky blue-painted ceiling, the side entry opens onto an foyer landing and bath to an interior stair down to the gym that can transform into a party space w/ integral kitchen opening through large multi-slide glass doors to the tennis court beyond. The roof balcony abo… - [Hillside MCM Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillside-mcm-residence-pj-vj~1154221) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 17 - Description: This home has been published in the SF Chronicle as well as featured in the prestigious 2015 AIA Home Tour. This hillside 3-story 1957 MCM home in Berkeley, California that had fallen in disrepair has been fully remodeled and restored with the utmost care rekindling its mid-century modern spirit while reinterpreting the spatial layout to respond to present day demands. The fully redesigned kitchen and Master Suite spaces are now focal points for modern day living. Upper and lower gardens of this… - [Contemporary Classic Kitchen + Studio in Piedmont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-classic-kitchen-studio-in-piedmont-pj-vj~511011) - Location: Piedmont, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: Kitchen and Home Office/Studio Remodel - [Mid-Century Modern Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-remodel-pj-vj~17446) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Entire House renovation including landscape - [Coastal BeachFront Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-beachfront-residence-pj-vj~655191) - Location: Trinidad, CA - Photos: 12 - [Mid-Century Kensington Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-kensington-home-pj-vj~503621) - Location: Kensington, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: Mid-Century Modern Residence in the Usonian Style, hillside retreat with breathtaking views maximized by indoor-outdoor flow and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows throughout. Light wells in the central spine and an open floor plan bring light into every space. - [Kitchen with Library Wall and Guest Bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-with-library-wall-and-guest-bathroom-pj-vj~32078) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: Kitchen, Family Room, Library, Guest Bathroom - [Eichler Remodel - Midcentury Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eichler-remodel-midcentury-modern-pj-vj~17453) - Location: California, CA - Photos: 4 - Description: This Eichler home with had fallen in desrepair was brought back and enhanced with a studio opening onto the front enclosed yard. The Living Room was opened to the outdoors on both ends to create a light-filled indoor-out feel. The side wall was designed to receive a 12' long painting reflecting the mountains for the outdoor-lover owners, a tree trunk as support adds to the whimsical feeling. - [MidCentury Modern Palo Alto remodel/addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/midcentury-modern-palo-alto-remodel-addition-pj-vj~17447) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 6 - [Studio Loft in San Francisco](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/studio-loft-in-san-francisco-pj-vj~1050397) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: The attic of this SF home was transformed into a loft space for an elegant office space with new floor-to-ceiling windows open to the Presidio's view, skylights and reconfigured circulation. - [Indoor-Oudoor Kitchen with Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/indoor-oudoor-kitchen-with-island-pj-vj~32096) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The closed in kitchen was opened up to the backyard onto a new deck. The oversized skylight well brings natural light onto the space over the central island created with a thick reclaimed wood slab. An office niche, breakfast area and custon bench with storage maximize the use of the space. The light over the table was custom designed with salveaged wood. Photo: Muffy Kibbey - [Mid-century modern full remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-full-remodel-pj-vj~32155) - Location: Palo Alto, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Full remodel of mid-century modern including all new kitchen/living/dining area, new bathrooms and Guest Suite. - [New duplex housing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-duplex-housing-pj-vj~2302578) - Location: Emeryville, CA - Photos: 5 - [Small Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-kitchen-pj-vj~655018) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Remodel of a small kitchen using light colored woods, neutrals, and a pop of orange. [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/studio-bergtraun-aia-pfvwus-pf~687943139) ## Community Q&A **Q: Very Cool Fireplace!** *(in Photo Questions)* Is this roof metal? We are building a house with a metal roof and I think this would be a great complement. A: It's painted sheet metal. **Q: What material is the siding?** *(in Photo Questions)* We need a synthetic fire resistant material, wood not allowed? A: This house siding is stained Cedar and it meets the WUI minimum thickness of 1" for fire resistance. **Q: Fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* Was the fireplace custom or purchased? A: The Fireplace is custom **Q: bookshelf cubbies** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the dimensions of each of the square cubbies in the bookcase. Beautiful. A: It's painted wood, it's part of the cabinet. You need a back panel for structural support. **Q: countertops** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the stone countertops here? A: Those are Heath tiles, another one of our most favorite products! They are expensive but for kitchen backsplashes that have such an impact overall they are worth the cost. **Q: Love the pendant lights!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you share info on the pendant lights? A: This was a remodel and we re-used existing lights, but you can find very similar fixtures at Rejuvenation - they are 'school house style' pendants. www.rejuvenation.com --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*