--- title: "Koch Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koch-architects-pfvwus-pf~721487690 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~721487690.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Koch Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/93b38ff60e9c6cb7_6787-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2512 Ninth St. #5, Berkeley, California 94710, United States" latitude: 37.8696 longitude: -122.2959 phone: "(510) 558-8280" website: http://www.kocharchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 17 years_in_business: 25 license_verified: true best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 1143 last_updated: 2026-08-12 --- # Koch Architects > Bay Area Top Architect & Designer \| 10x Best of Houzz Winner Original Houzz profile: [Koch Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koch-architects-pfvwus-pf~721487690) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Berkeley, CA - **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, Napa, El Cerrito, Albany, Orinda, Moraga, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Emeryville, Piedmont, Sonoma, Tiburon, Sausalito, Saint Helena, Woodside, Calistoga, Portola Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Belvedere, Sea Ranch, Belvedere Tiburon, Canyon, Carmel - **Verified License:** Yes - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (17 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2014–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Pro Software User - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Published nationally - 25 years in business ### Business highlights - 25 years in business - Published nationally - Best of Houzz winner Koch Architects is a full-service architecture and design firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founded by principal Joanne Koch in 1998, the firm works closely with clients across a range of project types, from smaller interventions to full-scale, newly constructed homes. Weaving together the multifaceted aspects of a building project: site planning, design, financing, contractor selection and public agencies, Koch Architects is dedicated to integrating intuition with experience, precedent with innovation, creative vision with practical constraints. We see the design process as an intimate, personal collaboration with our clients, and our role as guides, facilitators, and co-creators. We look forward to hearing about your project! ### 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 - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Green Building - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Home Gym Design & Construction - 3D Home Design - Custom Home - Interior Design - Remodeling ### Areas Served - San Francisco - Oakland - Santa Rosa - Berkeley - Napa - El Cerrito - Albany - Orinda - Moraga - Mill Valley - Larkspur - San Anselmo - Emeryville - Piedmont - Sonoma - Tiburon - Sausalito - Saint Helena - Woodside - Calistoga - Portola Valley - Carmel-by-the-Sea - Belvedere - Sea Ranch - Belvedere Tiburon - Canyon - Carmel ### Typical Job Cost $300,000 - ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Koch Architects | | Address | 2512 Ninth St. \#5, Berkeley, California 94710, United States | | Phone | (510) 558-8280 | | Website | http://www.kocharchitects.com | | License Number | C-25723 | | Years in business | 25 | | Followers on Houzz | 1143 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/joannekocharchitect - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/koch-architects-inc - Blog — www.kocharchitects.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Koch Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koch-architects-pfvwus-pf~721487690) - **Website:** http://www.kocharchitects.com - **Phone:** (510) 558-8280 ## Credentials **Verified License** - Number: C 25723 - Type: Architect - Issued by: California Architects Board - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2014–2026), 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: 5.0 out of 5 — 17 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Featured Review **★★★★★ — David, June 2022** > Joanne is nothing short of amazing. She is first and foremost a brilliant architect who designs beautiful homes and remodels. I truly believe her work will have lasting and historical significance. In addition, she is the rare architect who is a master of all aspects. > > We did a very large whole-house remodel that took years to design and plan and then more years to execute. Joanne led us through the whole process from start to finish. First, she worked with us to define our style and uncover every aspect of what was important to both of us, and then blend that into a coherent design that was elegant and very contemporary and yet down to earth. > > She helped us find a top contractor, who was also extraordinary, and we all worked amazingly well as a team. The execution could not have been better. > > Modern design often requires complex and subtle engineering and Joanne is thoroughly competent with the engineering. She completely managed the interactions with the structural engineers who were critical to the construction. Joanne oversaw every aspect of the construction and the many, many issues that came up on the fly. > > Our house actually straddles the Berkeley-Oakland border, which made for some challenging permitting issues. Joanne handled all of these regulatory issues as well. > > Joanne also led the many efforts at “value engineering,” helping us to make cost trade-offs to keep the budget down. Between Joanne and the contractor, we often were able to find alternatives that saved significant costs with little loss to the concept. That said, we did, inevitably, go considerably over our original budget, but that was our choice. As you get into it, it is hard not to want everything to be perfect, even if it costs a bit more. This meant lots of changes as the project evolved. Joanne took it all in stride and worked overtime to make significant changes even as deadlines loomed. > > We loved Joanne’s aesthetic sense and completely trusted her total vision for the house. So much so that when it came time to do the interior design, we asked Joanne to do that as well! Again, she was brilliant and we loved working with her, choosing each piece, color, texture, etc. with care and love. > > Besides all of her wonderful professional qualities, Joanne is a wonderfully thoughtful person. She is interesting and interested in everything. She is well-rounded and well-grounded. She never seemed flustered or anxious, and would always help us when WE were (which is also inevitable when you’ve taken your whole house down to the studs!). > > In the end, we ended up with the house of our dreams. We love living in it every single day. It suits us perfectly, both aesthetically and functionally. We really couldn’t be happier with the results. > > We really can’t say enough good things about Joanne and her work. It was a privilege and an honor to get to work with her. Our remodel was a monumental experience that has transformed our lives. We are deeply grateful. ### All 17 reviews **★★★★★ — Krista Bell, July 2020** > A 5 star rating doesn't do Joanne justice. She worked with us from concept to completion of a major remodel, helping transform our 1-story bungalow into a modern, spacious design that accommodates our family and brings us great joy. We couldn't be happier with the finished product. > > Joanne brought a rigorous attention to detail, articulating and overseeing the execution of a coherent and thoughtful design. She advocated for us throughout the project, talked us off of the ledge when we needed it, and guided us through countless difficult decisions, while always displaying extraordinary poise and professionalism. Along with her extraordinary aesthetic sensibility, she possesses a particular gift for remaining calm under pressure. > > We came into our project envisioning a remodel, and came away with our dream home. Literally, we use every inch of the space she designed for us, every day. Our home is functional, efficient, and beautiful. **★★★★★ — Arun Palakurthy, June 2020** > If I could give Joanne 10 stars I would. She is not only an amazing architect, but also an amazing project guide, listener and friend. I am immensely lucky to have had the privilege of working with her. > > I first contacted Joanne when I was in contract for our house. As we toured the house together, it was clear she was able to take my garbled architectural expression to rearticulate it into a clear and cogent vision. It was an easy decision to hire her. > > As I worked with her, I quickly gained an appreciation for what a great architect she was. Her style is a perfect balance of listening and directing. She would listen to what my wife and I were looking for and then draw up three of four options. This was a very important part of the ideation process and enabled us to move forward with a lot of conviction. > > Not only was Joanne a great architect, but her transparency and integrity were incredible. Early on in the project, Joanne realized that what we wanted was significantly out of the project budget we had in mind. The easy thing would have been to brush this aside, however, she sat my wife and I down and gave us an honest talk about how our expectations might be unrealisitic. This initial conversation was really important and helped us pace our project appropriately and avoid nasty surprises further down the road. > > Joanne was also incredible in helping us find the right contractor. As a professional that deals with high stakes negotiations for a living, I thought that would be the easy part. However, Joanne proved invaluable in structuring the right contractual terms and getting everyone aligned from day one. > > Once the project started, she also did an outstanding job of working with our contractor. She knew just how to keep the team coordinated so that we never missed any important project deadlines. While a large scale remodel can be stressful, Joanne knew just when to push and just how to diffuse the tension when there were difficult conversations. I was very lucky to have her on my side. > > Professionally, I have the opportunity to work with some of the best lawyers, bankers and executives in the world. Joanne easily stands in that company in terms of professional caliber. Where she stands above in in her kindness and humility. Joanne has none of the ego that often comes with professionals at the top of their field. She was always a pleasure and joy to work with. Today I consider her a good friend. If you are as lucky as I am and have the opportunity to work with Joanne, I would strongly recommend you do so. You will be delighted by the choice. **Comment from Koch Architects:** > Thank you, Arun! I so enjoyed working with you throughout the whole process, I wish you and your family many joyful years in your special home. I look forward to keeping in touch! **★★★★★ — Vyju Ramaswamy, Dec. 2018** > We are so happy we hired Koch architects for our major remodel of our mid century home. Joanne’s aesthetic and her creative ideas amounted to some beautiful structural details. But she was also very practical and worked well with the contractors to allow our project to be completed within our budget and on time! We feel like she understood us and helped build a beautiful home that was perfect for us. **Comment from Koch Architects:** > Thank you, Vyju > It was a pleasure to work with you too! > Joanne **★★★★★ — Carla Borelli, April 2018** > Koch Architects contributed to our kitchen renovation project with outstanding results. Joanne has a highly considered and efficient approach, as well as an amazing (AMAZING!) eye for detail, which helped to transform our dated kitchen, into a remarkable modern space. She listened to us, and collaborated with our ideas, was responsive, and exceedingly helpful throughout the entire project. I can't imagine doing this renovation without Koch Architects on board. We've created a gorgeous kitchen and Koch Architects was indispensable to the process. **★★★★★ — Greg Call, Jan. 2017** > Joanne was a pleasure to work with! We bought a fixer-upper mid-century home and hired her to design extensive renovations. She had great ideas, was open to our ideas, and worked effectively with the general contractor and subs to resolve the issues that inevitably came up during our project. She called upon both her imagination and her experience. She was an effective project manager and used her staff -- especially the amazing Julia! -- to keep the project on track. The result is a house that is visually appealing, functional, and exactly the house we envisioned when we bought it. We could not be happier with our new home! **Comment from Koch Architects:** > It was our pleasure working with you both, we are glad you are enjoying your new home! **★★★★★ — David Eberhard, April 2016** > Koch Architects worked with us to design and execute the major remodel of our "new old" house in Berkeley. We were living on the East Coast during the remodel, so Joanne and Julia took the helm for the whole process: architectural work, selecting contractors and coordinating & overseeing their work, interior design, and countless other large and small activities needed to make the project a success. They transformed our 108 year old lady into a queen! Koch Architects made sure that the frustrations and agonies of long-distance work were minimized (for us, although maybe not for them ;) ) and that the excitement and delight of creating a new home were always on top. We will work with them again on our projects in the future. **★★★★★ — volcano, June 2015** > We engaged Koch Architects to remodel and expand a mid-century modern home in the Berkeley Hills. The remodel involved all the interior spaces and included the addition of a bath and an expansion of the kitchen and living area. During the planning process, we decided to add a guest house on the site of a previous playhouse. We interviewed a number of architects, and selected Joanne based upon both her prior work and her very obvious communication skills. > > Her design process was clear, open, and creative. Her sense of space and harmony is highly developed, and her solutions to design issues still seem optimal, after some months in the home. We are particularly impressed with her sense of color and her ability to create calm and quiet spaces. > > The home had a small dark kitchen, which Joanne transformed into a wonderfully light and welcoming space. She also addressed the rather monolithic front elevation of the original home with the clever use of a new linear screen. Both the home and the guest house addition are unqualified successes. > > Joanne is an outstanding collaborator, with us as clients as well as with the various suppliers, contractors, governmental agencies, and sub-contractors. She was very effective at making certain that the quality of the work was excellent, and at least once, stepped in to rescue the project from the predations of a failing sub-contractor. > > Best of all, she is a joy to work with. Her warmth, humor, and kindness made the stress of the remodel much easier to bear. We always felt that Joanne was in every way a trusted agent throughout the entire process. **Comment from Koch Architects:** > Thanks so much! It was my true pleasure and joy to get to work with you both to transform your home. **★★★★★ — chazenfield1, Dec. 2014** > Joanne has been my architect on two very different projects ten years apart. The first was a 3-story, 1924 Craftsman in Berkeley; the second a mid-century modern in Oakland (see the photos at "Ranch House Renovation".) On both projects, Joanne helped select great general contractors and served as a respectful and constructive liaison with each. Joanne understands construction techniques, an invaluable skill that benefits client and contractor alike, and that contributes to a harmonious team. > > I'm a very hands-on client and took an active role in all phases of both projects. Joanne welcomes close collaboration and is an excellent listener. She heard what I was saying beyond and beneath my words, and created a space that reflects my deepest desires for my home. I appreciated that she pushed me to consider ideas outside my comfort zone, while respecting my ultimate decisions. This resulted in a home that is creative, inviting and perfectly suited to the way I live. > > In addition to her design skills, Joanne is a first-rate project manager, excellent at communication and follow-through. Her integrity is unrivaled in my experience. She also has a great sense of humor, which is extremely important to me. Renovations can be stressful experiences (!) and a good laugh helps keep the process fun. **★★★★★ — Business\_Name\_Placeholder, Dec. 2014** > As an interior designer, I was extremely selective when it came time to choose an architect for an extensive remodel of my own home. Joanne Koch came highly recommended and an overview of her projects confirmed my decision to go forward with her firm. After communicating our objectives, Joanne developed a beautiful set of plans perfectly in line with the original design of our 1925 house, and our intentions for each space. We worked together closely for more than a year and it could not have been a more pleasant or professional experience. I’d be more than happy to recommend her…she’s a gem! **★★★★★ — jyschaff, Dec. 2014** > Thanks to Joanne Koch we now have an open concept kitchen, dining room, living room and entryway that work wonderfully with our family. It was easy and fun to work with Joanne during the remodeling process. She carefully listened to what we wanted and then thoughtfully executed the design along with our contractor. Our vision became her vision and her vision became ours. > > Upon approaching our home, you can see Joanne's touch...wide walkway and open porch. The entry- way into our home is reflective of Joanne's style - simple, warm and inviting. Her unique design in our kitchen is showcased with open hanging bamboo shelving over a ten foot peninsula. > > Working with Joanne was a pleasure. We always felt secure in her decision making and in her ability to not only meet our expectations but to surpass our expectations. **★★★★★ — tricolorpainting, Dec. 2014** > As a painting contractor servicing the Bay Area, I know many architects but could only recommend Joanne Koch and her staff. Her knowledge and visions from blueprints to end product is simply amazing. She is a true professional ! > Need further details? Do not hesitate to contact me directly at (415) 246-0776. Stephan Ligne Owner/ Tricolor Painting. **★★★★★ — michaelbutler, July 2014** > Joanne and I are working together on a project and I am really enjoying the process. She pays good attention to details while listening to our professional opinions about the constraints of any decision. **★★★★★ — melvolpe, May 2014** > We engaged Joanne based on a home that she had designed. My husband and I just loved the feel of this home, the workmanship and the flow of the living spaces. With this in mind, we began our project with Joanne, to develop an architectural plan for a house which would suit our lifestyle and location, as we were moving to Idaho. Once the drawings were complete, Joanne helped us select the home site and hire a construction company with local ties and a solid reputation. I particularly like Joanne's creative use of previously used or recycled products. Case in point, our reclaimed hardwood pine floors which are throughout the house. There is a warmth from old wood that is quite unique. Light fixtures that were part of farm equipment, cleverly transformed into dining room lighting. See Koch Architects website for photos. **★★★★★ — Karin Swann, Feb. 2014** > Joanne recently received the architect of the year award at Houzz and I have no doubts why. I have worked with her as a repeat client over a period of 8 years and she is a truly exceptional and inspired architect. I often tell people when recommending Joanne how well she works with her clients, empowering them to identify their needs so that the end product can be truly theirs. She brings her heart and soul to her work; she is very knowledgeable, has an exquisite eye for design and beauty, and is skillful working with contractors and sub-contractors. It is not often that you can find a professional who is a true renaissance man/woman of their trade - someone who really knows how to approach their work technically, psychologically, inter-personally, historically, aesthetically and practically. I could not recommend her highly enough! **★★★★★ — camrwt, Feb. 2014** > Joanne was invaluable at every step of the way on our project -- from design to evaluating contractors' bids to advising during construction to working through the final punch lists. She examined the space we had to work with, took in the things we wanted to change and came up with a plan to transform our dark and dated house into a light and open space we love. She has an amazing eye for color and symmetry. Her ideas for adjusting the interior layout of the house (some big projects, some small) were excellent. She was cognizant of our budget concerns throughout the construction period. She returns calls and email promptly. We are very pleased with the finished product. **★★★★★ — sprout66, Jan. 2014** > I just completed a complete remodel of my San Francisco Edwardian flat and build out my basement. Joanne and her staff did a fantastic job. It started out as a kitchen bath remodel, but once the design process started expanded to include every room as we discussed how different spaces would be used and what I didn't like about the current space after living with it for 20yrs. Might as well do it right! Joanne's attention to detail, listening, and high ethical standards are unmatched. She would listen in the meetings and ask questions then come back with some ideas and sketches to get my reaction. She knew what I wanted without me even knowing it. She was also sensitive to the project budget which was important. I was able to complete the project within my budget. > > She was also key to working with the general contractor. She brought with her experience in projects of my scope / scale and working with different contractors and even her own remodel. This helped immensely. > > I look forward to the opportunity to work with Koch Architects again. ## Selected projects - [Sea Ranch Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-ranch-renovation-pj-vj~7228637) - Location: Sea Ranch, CA - Photos: 19 - Description: Originally designed in 1974 by one of the core innovators of the Sea Ranch architectural style, William Turnbull Jr., this cabin was ready for a careful renovation that evolved the integrity of the original design into a more contemporary form that expanded the functionality of the living spaces, enhanced the rustic interiors, and opened the building into a more intimate connection to the surrounding forest. - [Mid-Century Modern Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-modern-restoration-pj-vj~6726505) - Location: Lafayette, CA - Photos: 16 - Description: This expansive Mid-Century home was originally designed by architect Fred Langhorst, who apprenticed with Frank Lloyd Wright. After a number of remodels by past owners that blurred the original design vision, our client’s were interested in bringing back the original spirit of the home. The project became a complete, whole house remodel with the addition of an accessory building that faces distant views of Mt. Diablo. - [East Bay View Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-bay-view-home-pj-vj~6441253) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 25 - Description: Originally a Mediterranean style residence nestled in a redwood grove in the hills above Berkeley and Oakland, this home underwent extensive renovation. Core living spaces were redesigned to better capture both the sheltered intimacy of the surrounding trees and the panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay visible from the site. Central to this plan was a new curvilinear stairway designed to improve the flow of movement between adjoining rooms and heighten the experience of passing through contr… - [Wine Country Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wine-country-modern-pj-vj~1996240) - Location: Saint Helena, CA - Photos: 14 - Description: Our clients, both winemakers, desired a new home to replace their aging farmhouse in rural Saint Helena. The house was broken into smaller interconnected volumes separated by open thoroughfares to lighten the building mass and frame the surrounding oak woodlands. A sense of warmth and light was brought to the interior spaces by opening window walls into rooms with floors and ceilings clad in natural wood. A butterfly roof was used as a playful unifying element, integrating the detached garage an… - [Mid-Century Remodel & Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-remodel-and-addition-pj-vj~22278) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 15 - Description: Originally built in 1952, this home in the North Berkeley hills was periodically renovated to update its functionality while preserving the spirit of its mid-century modern aesthetic. Keeping within the original building footprint, a below ground storage room was excavated and expanded to create a new home office, and a portion of the existing carport was converted into a studio workspace. Vintage laminate countertops were blended with contemporary cabinetry in a substantial kitchen remodel, and… - [Modern Farm House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farm-house-pj-vj~368144) - Location: Fairfield, ID - Photos: 22 - Description: Surrounded by alfalfa fields at the foot of the Soldier Mountains in Central Idaho, this second home was designed with a detached guesthouse and connecting breezeway to accommodate periodic visits from friends during the summer months. Clad in corrugated steel, the buildings minimal form and offset gable roofs reflect the owners desire for a contemporary home influenced by the design vocabulary of barns, rural industrial buildings, and farmhouses. The main residence is organized around an open,… - [Modern Courtyard Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-courtyard-home-pj-vj~20810) - Location: Berkeley, CA - Photos: 22 - Description: Taking advantage of a central well-lit courtyard was essential in re-thinking the layout of this mid-century home. By minimizing the distinction between outdoor and indoor, we created spaces filled with warmth, light and framed views. A significant retrofit was also carefully integrated into the design so as to accommodate large expanses of glass and a structural steel exoskeleton. - [San Francisco Flat - Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-francisco-flat-remodel-pj-vj~667056) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 6 - Description: An Edwardian apartment in the Russian Hill district of San Francisco was given new life through a series of alterations that brought the kitchen and bedroom more in line with the contemporary sensibilities of the owner. In the kitchen, the original high ceiling was lowered and fitted with a light well to create a more intimate scale and enhance natural illumination. Storage and countertop areas were increased, and clear fir cabinetry added to provide warmth and contrast to the traditional painte… - [Ranch House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ranch-house-remodel-pj-vj~20808) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: A returning client sought our help with a 1957, Oakland, CA ranch house. Elegant bamboo cabinets took the place of beige laminate, while handmade ceramic tiles and crisp white stone countertops complete the handsome modern kitchen. A custom designed dining table is joined with vintage Scandinavian chairs and sculptural lighting to create a balanced interior, reflective of the owner’s own elegant and refined nature. - [Upper Rockridge Whole House Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/upper-rockridge-whole-house-remodel-pj-vj~94543) - Location: Oakland, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: For this whole house remodel and addition we built a new kitchen, remodeled 3 baths, replaced the roof and exterior doors and windows, performed seismic upgrades and brought new energy efficient plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. We also installed new security, audio, and wireless systems. The new PV system has the electric bill at zero. Koch Architects, Inc. Muffy Kibbey, Photographer [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/koch-architects-pfvwus-pf~721487690) ## Video - [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/837671277.m3u8?s=fa304878cee62f545fea8004b1376ae9875515b4&oauth2_token_id=1384357804) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?** Yes, we guide clients through the entire process, including navigating public agencies for permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. We see our role as facilitators and co-creators, ensuring all aspects of your project, from site planning to final approvals, are handled seamlessly. **What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?** We specialize in modern residential projects, ranging from smaller interventions and remodels to full-scale new custom homes and additions. Our portfolio includes diverse projects like ADUs, guesthouses, and energy-efficient designs, all focused on creating warm, well-crafted, and restorative spaces. **How do you help clients design within their construction budget?** We integrate intuition with experience, balancing creative vision with practical constraints, including financing. We see the design process as an intimate collaboration, and we guide you through material selections and design choices to align with your construction budget from the outset. **Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?** Yes, we are a full-service architecture and design firm. We guide you through every stage of your project, from initial site planning and design to navigating public agencies and working closely with contractors, ensuring a seamless process through construction completion. **Do you design fully custom homes?** Absolutely. We specialize in designing fully custom homes, from initial concept to completion. We collaborate closely with you to bring your unique vision to life, creating spaces that are warm, well-crafted, and restorative, tailored specifically to your needs and site. *FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.* ## Ideabooks - [Zander- Exterior Materials Board](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118973019/list/zander-exterior-materials-board) — 9 ideas - [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/116002813/list/renderings) — 4 ideas - [Santa Fe Avenue](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103218567/list/santa-fe-avenue) — 41 ideas - [Wilner](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83735689/list/wilner) — 8 ideas - [Cragmont](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78996037/list/cragmont) — 5 ideas - [Technical](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/76297435/list/technical) — 1 idea - [Bedrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72432723/list/bedrooms) — 1 idea - [Modern Exteriors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59624484/list/modern-exteriors) — 13 ideas - [Kitchens - Traditional](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59624815/list/kitchens-traditional) — 37 ideas - [Kitchen Storage & Detailing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59625001/list/kitchen-storage-detailing) — 67 ideas - [Mudrooms](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22132242/list/mudrooms) — 48 ideas - [Stairs / Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1427262/list/stairs-railings) — 35 ideas - [Bunks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/30609931/list/bunks) — 12 ideas - [Outdoor Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1427384/list/outdoor-spaces) — 11 ideas - [KA Roof Garden Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/50739525/list/ka-roof-garden-ideas) — 20 ideas - [Uplands](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59629555/list/uplands) — 17 ideas - [Thousand Oaks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56763374/list/thousand-oaks) — 5 ideas - [Alvarado](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21228042/list/alvarado) — 48 ideas - [Deck Structures](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2398246/list/deck-structures) — 9 ideas [See all 19 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/joannekoch) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the name and manufacturer of the counter material used in the** *(in Photo Questions)* I am using Joanne Koch’s Asian inspired design to inspire me in my kitchen renovation and would like to utilize the product used on the counter. Does anyone know the name or manufacturer and the depth of the counter? A: Hi Joanne, Sorry to not respond sooner. This material is a Absolute Black granite with the leathered texture. Best of luck to you! Joanne **Q: interesting sink.** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand is it? A: Hi - This sink is by Elkay. **Q: Where can I find the ladder** *(in Photo Questions)* I really like this ladder, can you tell me where I can find it? Thanks! A: This is custom designed and fabricated, not off the shelf. Best, Joanne **Q: another wow!** *(in Photo Questions)* Wow... love this! Might I please ask where you purchased these cool steal shelves. LOve!!! A: These are custom stainless steel shelves that were made by a stainless steel fabricator. **Q: Wow** *(in Photo Questions)* What an amazing design. Is the fire place surround concrete with wood panels above. That is soooo cool! Your designs are so awesome! A: Thank you! This is a concrete surround, it was custom made by a guy in Sun Valley. **Q: Frank lloyd wright style i like** *(in Photo Questions)* Great home, could you please let me know what ceilong paint color and brand. Thank You A: Yes, this is clear, vertical grain Douglas fir. It is a plywood paneling. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-12.*