---
title: "John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-lum-architecture-inc-aia-pfvwus-pf~847342990
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~847342990.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1cb334e60d1bc806_9931-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "3246 Seventeenth Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States"
latitude: 37.7509
longitude: -122.4153
phone: "(650) 667-7362"
website: http://johnlumarchitecture.com
rating: 4.9
review_count: 17
years_in_business: 30
license_verified: true
best_of_houzz_awards: 14
followers: 3049
last_updated: 2026-08-25
---

# John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

> San Francisco Architect Firm: Best of Houzz Service and Design

Original Houzz profile: [John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-lum-architecture-inc-aia-pfvwus-pf~847342990)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA
- **Serves:** San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Berkeley, Daly City, Alameda, Palo Alto, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Pacifica, Menlo Park, Albany, Emeryville, Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, Healdsburg, Piedmont, Sonoma, Tiburon, Sausalito, Atherton, Brisbane, Broadmoor, Marin City, Belvedere, Colma, Muir Beach, Belvedere Tiburon
- **Verified License:** Yes
- **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (17 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2012–2025), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Houzz Pro Software User
- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000,000 Ideabook Saves
- Award winning
- Offers Custom Work
- 30 years in business
- Verified Hires

### Business highlights

- 30 years in business
- Offers Custom Work
- Award winning
- 7 Verified Hires

John Lum Architecture is a boutique San Francisco-based architecture firm known for striking designs, innovative use of materials, green technology, and modern livability, founded by John Lum in 1994.

Recognized for their site-specific designs, commitment to sustainable development, and attention to detail, the bustling practice has completed 800+ projects ranging from new residential construction and remodels, to multifamily housing (SRO and micro-units), commercial interiors, retail environments, educational buildings, and medical facilities. 

Located in a converted laundry machine factory in the city’s Mission District, the firm works with a diverse group of clients, combining efficiency and artistry to create warm interiors and exteriors primed for California living. Highly collaborative and deeply personal, the firm tailors each project to clients’ distinguished tastes, creating spaces that have soul. Projects play with materiality and natural light, and focus on conservation and sense of place. Whether designing modernist interiors or eye-catching retail displays, the firm always adds an element of play and harmony.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Floor Plans
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Home Restoration
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Construction Drawings

### Areas Served

- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Santa Rosa
- Berkeley
- Daly City
- Alameda
- Palo Alto
- South San Francisco
- San Bruno
- Pacifica
- Menlo Park
- Albany
- Emeryville
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Healdsburg
- Piedmont
- Sonoma
- Tiburon
- Sausalito
- Atherton
- Brisbane
- Broadmoor
- Marin City
- Belvedere
- Colma
- Muir Beach
- Belvedere Tiburon

### Typical Job Cost

$950,000 - 8,000,000

$950,000 - 8,000,000

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA |
| Address | 3246 Seventeenth Street, San Francisco, California 94110, United States |
| Phone | (650) 667-7362 |
| Website | http://johnlumarchitecture.com |
| License Number | 21837 |
| Years in business | 30 |
| Followers on Houzz | 3049 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/johnlumarchitecture
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/JohnLumArch

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-lum-architecture-inc-aia-pfvwus-pf~847342990)
- **Website:** http://johnlumarchitecture.com
- **Phone:** (650) 667-7362

## Credentials

**Verified License**
- Number: C 21837
- Type: Architect
- Issued by: California Architects Board

**Certifications & Awards**
- CH+D K&B Award, AIACC Presidential Citation, AIASMC Merit Award, AIACC Merit Award, AIASF SF’s Greenest, CH+D Sustainable Architecture, AIASMC Honor Award, Interior Design BoY, CH+D Sustainable Product Design, Remodelista Bath Finalist, Home Builder Digest Best Residential Architects in Palo Alto

- **Best of Houzz:** 14 awards (2012–2025), 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 — 17 reviews**

### Featured Review

**★★★★★ — Dawn Pickering, Nov. 2016**

> John and his team did a first-rate job designing our home in Sonoma. The house has brought us so much joy and friendship and beautiful memories over the years.

### All 17 reviews

**★★★★★ — Noz Design, Feb. 2018**

> I've worked closely with Bret Walters at John Lum Architecture for the past 2+ years on what was effectively a new construction house in San Francisco, and while I'm thrilled for the client to have moved into his gorgeous new home, and couldn't be more proud of the finished product and the collaboration between me (I was the interior designer on the project) and Bret + the JLA team, I'm also honestly SO sad that I don't get to work with Bret all the time anymore.
> I have to admit that I was a big fan of John Lum Architecture for years before I had the opportunity to work with them; and the creative, clever, practical, and human-first design thinking they brought to every aspect of the project that I was involved in, was top-notch. They also are innovative not only in the design process but in the construction management aspects: for example, they introduced the entire project team (owner's rep, interior designer, contractor, client) to the software PlanGrid to keep track of drawings, construction issues, etc. in the cloud. To me this shows they're always exploring new technologies and ways to make their work more efficient, collaborative, and cutting-edge.
> And I can't say enough great things about Bret: he's extremely professional, a wealth of knowledge, a great listener / communicator, responsive, hard-working, and fun to collaborate with. He is also level-headed so that when something goes wrong in construction (which something always does), his approach is to stay focused on how to resolve and fix the issue. This project was NOT without its share of drama and sometimes-difficult personalities, and I was often impressed with Bret's ability to navigate those situations. I'd love to be able to work with Bret and the JLA team again on a future client's home.
> And unrelated to anything practical, John's pint-sized pitbull April is often at the office and she is my favorite office dog ever!

**★★★★★ — trianglestamps, Oct. 2016**

> We had the pleasure of working with John Lum and his team four years ago to re-build our home.  They took the time to listen to what we wanted and to understand our style.  They presented us with a truly mind-blowing design and transformed our fixer-upper ranch house to a practical, modern yet warm home.  He was mindful of our budget and suggested designs that accentuated the modern aesthetic of the house.  John and his team were prompt in responding to our e-mails throughout the course of our project.  They took care of the planning and permitting process efficiently.
>
> Our experience with John Lum and his team was very positive.  We love our house and have received numerous compliments.  We highly recommend them!

**★★★★★ — Shuyi Zhang, Oct. 2016**

> When we met John Lum for the first time, we were first-time home owners who knew nothing about architecture or remodeling.  We had a one year old baby and only a vague notion of what we wanted for our home.  The only reason we decided to embark on such a daunting project, one that would entail moving out of the home we had just weeks ago moved into, was because we had the utmost faith in John.  We liked him immediately.  He was so friendly and unassuming, yet so clearly brilliant.  After just one walk through of the house, he laid out a vision that in large part is the home we have today.
>
> It was clear from the beginning that John was the intersection of competence and creativity.  His designs were inventive but practical.  When we told him that we wanted our playroom to be able to convert to a guest room and still preserve the open floor plan of the main level, he designed moving wall panels that meet at the diagonal that when opened, creates an open layout for the playroom and when closed, a private guest room with en suite bath.  He helped us to achieve our aesthetic of a bright, cheerful, modern space while keeping within our tight budget.  To this end, he designed floor to ceiling built-in cabinet systems by piecing together Ikea cabinets like a jigsaw puzzle.
>
> John and his firm connected us with an excellent general contractor with whom they had an existing working relationship.  Therefore, the communication between our architect, general contractor, and ourselves was for the most part seamless during the construction phase.  The predicted timeframe of the remodel was quite accurate (although this may have to do with the fact that our remodel occurred in 2011, and ours was our GC's only major project at a time when the economy was down).
>
> We had so much fun working with John, and we could not be happier with the home we now have.  We continue to recommend him wholeheartedly to friends who are embarking on their own home remodels.  For photos of our home, please see this feature in California Home and Design:  http://www.californiahomedesign.com/house-tours/colorful-cheerful-and-clever-sf/slide/8166

**★★★★ — cspole32, Oct. 2016**

> We are very happy with the results of our major remodel with John Lum Architecture.  We wanted to update our 1960's ranch home but keep it the same size (2,000 sq ft) yet make it more functional and open with more of an indoor/outdoor feel.  The outcome was even better than we had imagined: a modern, open floor plan with lots of natural light, functional living space and architectural features that make the house feel larger than it is.  Lum and his team were very helpful in providing us not only with the aesthetics we were after, they were instrumental in making sure the functionality was there and our storage needs were met.  The team, especially the lead architect on our project, Daren, was a pleasure to work with and they helped us work though some key issues like maximizing the master closet space while making it an architectural feature in the small bedroom.  Lum and his team listened to what we wanted out of our home and helped design a great space we very much enjoy.

**★★★★★ — Zaharias Design, Sept. 2016**

> I have worked with John Lum Architecture on two high end modern residences in the Peninsula.  From the moment you step into their funky industrial offices in the Mission District, you know you are in a fantastic creative environment.  John has a wonderful sense of humor and will create something innovative for each client.  His lead architects have been equally great to work with - talented and highly collaborative.  As an interior designer, this team approach is important to any successful client project.

**★★★★★ — yukie73, March 2015**

> We worked with John Lum initially and very closely with Bret Walters, Project Manager and Designer. Both have a clear vision for the modern line, color, organic shapes and vistas. I love that they both have a sense of humor, willing to listen to my crazy ideas and help keep my expectations realistic or at least achieve them more cost efficiently. Hiring these designers is not an inexpensive endeavor, but I don't plan on renovating another home so it was truly worth it. I have a home that reflects who I am, what I value and what I love.

**★★★★★ — ikaru, Jan. 2015**

> We recently did a complete remodel of an old 1913 home in Eureka Valley.  From the moment John entered the house the first time, he gave us several ideas on how to maximize space and views which elevated our initial remodeling plan from great to exceptional.  John and his team remained sensitive to our needs throughout the project.  Bret monitored the progress throughout the build and ensured that details of the drawings were executed as planned.  John and his team were very knowledgeable about the San Francisco building code and helped us maneuver through the requirements of the SF planning department.  Their advice was instrumental in cutting down review times which in turn allowed us to keep on track with our remodel timeline.
> As a result, we enjoy living in a beautiful home with a definite wow factor where we can entertain family and friends for years to come.  We would highly recommend John and his team for any residential remodel in the Bay Area.

**★★★★★ — Sen Chen, Jan. 2015**

> We are out-of-town owners that purchased a condomimium in Cow Hollow.  Trust, creativity, clarity of our needs and strong follow-up are critical  to us as we are out-of-town.  It was a good experience from beginning to end: starting with the creative design by John Lum,  developed good specification for effective bidding, interfacing with the contractor on our behalf, meticulously following up details to ensure we are happy with the outcome.  Many twists and turns that required changes throughout as we discovered what was possible or not possible with a very old building and a strict home owners association.  Bret Walters was always patient, logical and very knowledgeable with the solution to meet our needs.  I trusted that he would evaluate all possible options that meet our budget and "look"  and prioritize to a very few choices for us to make a decision.  We encountered some difficult issues where Bret played a key role to get them resolved timely and logically.

**★★★★★ — chungteddy, Jan. 2015**

> John Lum Arechitecture did a fantastic job in our renovation project. It involved upgrading a dated apartment to a clean, modern residence. It involved new piping, new electric cables, new flooring, new bathrooms, new kitchen, and new bedroom layouts. Everything was done with permits, and to spec. Bret helped to identify contractors who were qualified to do the job, and help us choose the one that ultimately did a fantastic job in the renovation.

**★★★★★ — scottjfortner, Feb. 2014**

> Excellent work ethic and always on time, this contractor fulfilled all of our expectations and then some.  I would recommend this company to anyone in the future

**★★★★★ — MAAN Global Development, Sept. 2013**

> One of the best architects in San Francisco, hands down. If you need someone who understands the complexity of San Francisco planning code, John Lum is it.

**★★★★★ — The Garden Route Company, Jan. 2013**

> Our firm has worked on numerous projects with Lum Architecture and found their staff to be very professional and knowledgeable.  Their designs have also been inspiring and dynamic which has fueled our own design process.

**★★★★★ — Cairn Construction Inc., Jan. 2013**

> Working with John Lum and his team was a pleasure.  John is committed to quality.  He and his team were detail orientated and great communicators.  I would highly recommend John to any homeowner considering a construction project.

**★★★★★ — dlsmith10usa, Nov. 2012**

> John Lum is excellent at what he does.  His designs are very good, his detailing is great.  He listens to your needs and incorporates them with his own great ideas. He cares.  I would say he is one of the best in San Francisco. He designed a large three story luxury condo project consisting of three units for me.  I would not hesitate to recommend him.

**★★★★★ — anitabenma, May 2012**

> John Lum Architecture Inc assisted us to remodel our house involving 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and exterior.  We certainly enjoyed working with John Lum and his associate Bret Walters. Their professionalism, respectfulness and responsiveness to client's needs, and efficiency made the project quite seamless and  fun to do. The work they delivered with the project was exactly what we look for : clean, contemporary yet elegant that fits our style and family's needs.  We felt that both John and Bret were very supportive and guided us through every steps in our first time remodeling project and they worked very well with our contractor as one team. We certainly would recommend John's team to any friends especially anyone who enjoy home with a modern elegant touch.

**★★★★★ — ethanbeard, April 2011**

> We used John Lum Architecture for the complete remodel of ~1000 sq ft in San Francisco.
>
> John and team were fantastic to work with.  Very creative yet good at listening to our thoughts and integrating our ideas.  They understand how to both design a gorgeous contemporary space while still keeping it comfortable and livable.  We depended on them with a lot of design detail recommendations such as fixtures, paint, tiles and they always had great suggestions that made the process much simpler and easy to manage.
>
> They are very professional, extremely responsive and timely.  There were no surprises during the entire process including on deadlines and budgets.  I would strongly recommend them.

## Selected projects

- [Courtyard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/courtyard-residence-pj-vj~5884318)
  - Location: Menlo Park, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Courtyard Residence A desire to live in a garden gave way to four pavilions in the woods. We designed this Californian modern house to be in dialogue with its environs. Nestled among a heritage redwood and mature oaks in Menlo Park, we conceptualized this estate as four pavilions in a garden. Connected by glass walkways, the pavilions form a semi-enclosed courtyard that places the garden at the center. Large, floor-to-ceiling glazed walls and sliding doors afford outdoor access year-round.
- [Golden Gate Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/golden-gate-heights-pj-vj~7189133)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: Perched atop Golden Gate Heights with expansive views, this mundane, mid-century residence with compartmentalized floor plan and original fixtures and finishes, needed a major renovation. We combined the client’s penchant for Eastern European modernism with a Japanese wabi-sabi flair, updating the house to glam. Credits: Contractor: Floyd Construction Landscape Architect: The Garden Route Stylist: Yedda Morrison Photography: Paul Dyer
- [Maritime Modern Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maritime-modern-makeover-pj-vj~6856873)
  - Location: Sausalito, CA
  - Photos: 18
  - Description: Together with interior designer NicoleHollis, we reimagined a spec-level Mediterranean into a refined design that quietly fits its spectacular bay-side setting. Referencing Sausalito’s fishing history, we replaced the stucco detailing with eco-chic materials designed to weather, utilizing a palette of Kebony, plaster, and copper standing seam roof. A nod to early modernism, mullioned steel sash windows replaced vinyl for a timeless elegance. The house was gutted and reorganized, transforming a c…
- [Mill Valley Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mill-valley-renovation-pj-vj~7810732)
  - Location: Mill Valley, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: We were tapped by a family of six to make their Mill Valley home more livable. Their spec-level home, with wraparound covered porch, needed an overhaul. Dimly lit interiors, poor circulation, and a front entrance that was rarely used, created moments of chaos. To add to the disorganization, there was no mudroom, leaving the garage to become the de facto front entrance where shoes and toys piled up. To rectify, we completely gutted the first floor. We enclosed the front porch to create a welcomin…
- [Potrero Hill Duplex](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/potrero-hill-duplex-pj-vj~7810724)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 40
  - Description: Wedged between two tall Edwardians on Potrero Hill, this single-family home was converted into a duplex. Commissioned by an interior designer to accommodate her growing family, it also gave opportunity to add an additional family-sized unit in this dense neighborhood. The result is a new, four-story, two-unit home. The original two-story building form was gutted and modernized, the uppermost level set back, and the single entrance kept intact masking the duplex conversion. Each unit is accessed…
- [Westen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/westen-pj-vj~6679622)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: We turned a narrow Victorian into a family-friendly home. CREDITS Architecture: John Lum Architecture Interior Design: Mansfield + O’Neil Contractor: Christopher Gate Construction Styling: Yedda Morrison Photography: John Merkl
- [Via Delizia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/via-delizia-pj-vj~7810710)
  - Location: Hillsborough, CA
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Modern home
- [Gupta](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gupta-pj-vj~7810716)
  - Location: Palo Alto, CA
  - Photos: 14
  - Description: When this multi-generational family embarked on rebuilding their Palo Alto home, they had to rethink the entire design due to FEMA regulations. Located in a flood zone, the finished floor had to be raised 4 feet, necessitating a full demolition. This challenge became an opportunity to create a residence that better suited the family’s needs — with three bedrooms on the second floor and a ground floor in-law suite. Drawing references from the previous Eichler-inspired house, the new iteration fea…
- [Roanoke](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roanoke-pj-vj~7810748)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: Classic San Francisco cottage
- [Third Ave.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/third-ave-pj-vj~7810761)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: When a growing family needed their home to evolve alongside them, they reunited the original project team to reimagine their space for a new chapter of life. Nearly a decade after their initial renovation, and with three energetic daughters in tow, the family found themselves craving more room to grow. The girls needed places to play freely and the parents sought privacy and a sense of order. For this second iteration, the family expanded upwards, brought in copious amounts of daylight, and upgr…
- [Carolina Ave.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/carolina-ave-pj-vj~7810738)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: We collaborated closely with our client and interior designer, Tineke Triggs, to reimagine her Potrero Hill home, transforming a modest structure with extraordinary views into a refined, light-filled residence. While the original house lacked character and scale, its location and panoramas inspired an ambitious expansion upward. By adding a new third floor, we created a gracious great room for entertaining, an exhibition-style kitchen, and a private study, all oriented to maximize light and view…
- [Glide-Munoz](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glide-munoz-pj-vj~6634529)
  - Location: San Mateo, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: The centerpiece of this remodel is the Japanese-inspired mid-century modern kitchen which combines functionality with a rich material palette of teak cabinetry, stained oak floors, and an intense black-green running bond backsplash. An oversized, black-honed island, complete with waterfall edge, doubles as a kitchen table and creates a central gathering place for the family. Thoughtful detailing, such as the bronze recessed hardware, add a warm, tactile touch. In order to meet the client’s desir…
- [Glen Park Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glen-park-residence-pj-vj~6741771)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Shingle Style home.
- [Christoffersen Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/christoffersen-bath-pj-vj~5884433)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: This minimal master bath combines purity of line with natural light. Beginning as a nondescript 8-foot high, windowless basement master bath, the ceiling was raised to a dramatic 13-feet upon discovery of an unused mechanical space that had been left over when the house was built in the 1980s. Utilizing this newfound height paved way for a clerestory window above the existing concrete foundation, allowing daylight into this formerly, gloomy locale. Inspired by Corbusier’s monastery, La Tourette,…
- [Roosevelt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/roosevelt-pj-vj~5884349)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Modern minimalist home. Black & white interiors.
- [Grand View](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-view-pj-vj~5884443)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: This newly constructed residence has abundant light throughout to showcase the contemporary design and the impeccable attention to detail. The house captures the city’s newfound appetite for modern flair with a functional layout that distinguishes the private spaces from the public. Photos: Paul Dyer
- [19th Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/19th-street-pj-vj~5899231)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: Our clients wanted a modern home in San Francisco, but of course, most homes that are available in San Francisco are much older. Our comprehensive remodel of this 1920’s era row house pays homage to its humble beginnings by retaining its steep, gabled front, while a modern 3’ side addition composed of vertical wood, aluminum and glass and asymmetrical windows hint at the major four-story glass and steel addition in the rear. A steel-moment frame, exposed in the interior, allows the rear façade t…
- [28th Street](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/28th-street-pj-vj~6120849)
  - Location: San Francisco, CA
  - Photos: 15
  - Description: Adding a floor in a neighborhood of two-story Edwardian cottages can be complicated given San Francisco’s planning process. To minimize the disruption to the streetscape, we literally raised the roof on this new addition, lifting it by a couple of feet to gain a new third floor. Exposed cedar eaves, a navy blue painted front door and modern materials hint at the surprising changes inside. Working closely with interior designer Amanda Teal and our Clients, we embarked on an extensive remodel and…
- [Pole Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pole-residence-pj-vj~1742230)
  - Location: Larkspur, CA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Our clients loved their location and were very satisfied with the size of their house located in a sylvan setting of Larkspur; however, they hated the suburban aesthetics of the former house and were tired of its dark, dreary interiors. The complete remodel transformed the house into to a light-filled, open plan jewel-box of a house, that now delights and serves the client. The focus of this project was on the quality of the space, not the quantity, allowing higher grade materials while remainin…
- [Stanford Faculty Housing](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stanford-faculty-housing-pj-vj~7810729)
  - Location: Stanford, CA
  - Photos: 22
  - Description: In an effort to accommodate more faculty on campus, Stanford University asked us to subdivide a two-acre, two-home parcel located in the faculty subdivision, into nine separate lots. We explored several concepts, including denser, grouped housing, but working within the context of the neighborhood, settled on a conventional subdivision, yielding seven homes and two future home sites. Adhering to community input, who wanted to seamlessly blend the development with the eclectic historic neighborho…

[See all 98 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/john-lum-architecture-inc-aia-pfvwus-pf~847342990)

## Video

- [Company video](https://player.vimeo.com/external/893875675.m3u8?s=23f39fd6c71fce72675a8c2c74b65d58e707a4dc&oauth2_token_id=1384357804)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do you handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals?**
Yes, we absolutely handle permitting, zoning, and regulatory approvals. Our team has extensive experience navigating complex processes across the Bay Area, including San Francisco's unique residential permit requirements. We've successfully secured approvals for over 850 projects, ensuring a smooth path for your construction.

**What types of projects do you specialize in (custom homes, remodels, additions)?**
We specialize in a wide array of projects, including new residential construction, custom homes, remodels, and additions. Our portfolio also extends to multifamily housing, commercial interiors, and even educational and medical facilities. We tailor each design to your unique vision.

**How do you help clients design within their construction budget?**
We integrate budget considerations early in our process. During schematic design, we can obtain preliminary pricing (Rough Order of Magnitude) from your general contractor. Later, we assist with final pricing and prepare bid documents to help you secure competitive bids, ensuring your design aligns with your financial goals.

**Do you provide full-service architectural services through construction?**
Yes, we offer comprehensive full-service architectural services from initial concept through construction completion. Our process includes schematic design, construction documents, permitting assistance, and crucial construction administration, including site visits and contractor coordination, to ensure your vision is realized.

**Do you design fully custom homes?**
Absolutely! We specialize in designing fully custom homes. Our approach is highly collaborative and deeply personal, ensuring each project is tailored to your distinguished tastes and creates a space that truly reflects your unique vision and soul.

*FAQ content may be generated based on the Pro's Houzz profile and website.*

## Community Q&A

**Q: Lovely warm work!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you direct me to the teak source?

A: The teak was sourced quite uniquely in this instance.  The client contacted a local source in asia and bought an entire shipping container which had benefits and draw backs.  There isn't a direct contact that we can share.

**Q: black chimney surround- metal or concrete?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Is the black chimney surround metal or colored concrete? It doesn’t appear to be tile. Thanks!

A: Hi Shawnee, The surround is hot-rolled steel plate

**Q: Bathroom Tile** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi John. Do you happen to remember the manufacturer of the slate bathroom tile? It looks so contemporary. The whole house looks fantastic! Great job.

A: The shower floor is Teak wood as a floating assembly over tile

**Q: are the cabinets bleached white oak?** *(in Photo Questions)*

love the shaker white oak cabinets. are they bleached? can you give me the specifics on the stain?  thanks

A: They are not bleached, and have a low-sheen clearcoat.  No stain.

**Q: Kitchen Backsplash** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where is that green tile from?

A: That tile is from Fireclay.  They have a large selection of shapes and colors in their line.  Another good option is Heath Tile.

**Q: How does 1 get to the front door?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Looks like the stairs only go to the landing on the second level. Where is the access for the third level where the door is?

A: This image does show the front door which is on the second level porch above the garage.  There are interior stairs to the other levels, and the top floor opens to a rear patio which is shown in some of the other images of the project.

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-25.*
