San Francisco is a wonderful place to live, with its rich culture and history attracting people of all walks of life. However, recent trends seem to indicate that finding a place to call home in this city is getting more difficult. The prices of residences in the city, just as in other coastal cities all over the country, are on a steep rise, especially for single-family homes.

Online shopping may be the rave these days, but brick and mortar stores still offer a personalized experience that consumers flock to. The benefit of walking out of the store with the purchased goods on hand is still attractive to many – so much so that places like San Francisco’s Union Street and Market Street continue to be the heart of the retail industry. These are busy, highly urbanized hubs surrounded by modern offices and coffee shops that guarantee continuous traffic to the stores.

Access to a large talent pool, the possibility of venture capital, and proximity to like-minded individuals make San Francisco an attractive location for tech-startups. In addition to big-league players such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, there are more than 2,000 startups in San Francisco setting up shop.

Built on steep hills, San Francisco neighborhoods are exciting, brimming with energy, and feature houses that are a cross between contemporary and traditional, with old age aesthetics. Homes in San Francisco, though smaller on average, are both urban and homey; just right for busy yet relaxed lifestyles.

We have selected 9 professional companies for you to consider when starting a new bathroom project or major bathroom remodel. There are 5 design/build firms, who can not only design your project but also build it, and 4 interior designers who can create the perfect bathroom design for your needs and budget. Regardless which type service you opt for, these 10 companies together are the best of the best in San Francisco bathroom design.

The kitchen is the heart of a home. So whether you are remodeling an outdated kitchen or planning to create your dream kitchen in a new home, you need the services of a professional to guide you through the complicated process. But not every kitchen project has the same demands. Some homeowners may have a trusted contractor and only need the services of an interior designer to put together a beautiful and functional space. For others, a design/build firm is the ideal one-stop-shop to find comprehensive design and construction services from start to finish. And still other kitchen projects may benefit from the services of cabinetry specialists with an in-house design team.

The following firms are being recognized for their extensive and important contributions to high-end Silicon Valley residences. Many of the firms have roots in the Bay Area, giving them close connections to their work and a profound respect for the region, climate, and natural landscapes. These getaways, often tucked away in forests or atop hillsides are beautiful creations that are redefining the modern home. Innovative approaches to dealing with the landscape, climate, and use of unique and sustainable materials is a common thread, resulting in gorgeous works that put Silicon Valley homes on the map.

Silicon Valley often does not get enough credit for some of the commercial architecture, as the focus is mainly on renowned office spaces and infamous headquarters of the likes of Apple, Google, and Facebook. However, in both Silicon Valley and the surrounding areas, influential projects have contributed to the vibrant community that has made it a leader in innovation and creativity. These firms, while spread across the Bay Area, have turned their focus to more than tech, and considered how they can bring surrounding neighborhoods up, as well as make Silicon Valley a more accessible community.

Silicon Valley is home to some of the nation’s most influential and powerful CEOs, tech leaders, and entrepreneurs. As a result, this area is becoming a hub for some the most iconic homes in the country, so it isn’t surprising that there would be a demand for quality renovations, remodels, and custom-built homes. Let’s take a look at the top 10 design-build firms in Silicon Valley. Each firm was selected based on their quality of projects and service, prevalence in the Silicon Valley area, and established portfolio, including recognition and awards.

Silicon Valley is an area that may not be recognized for its innovative architecture, nor for its growing food and restaurant scene, but it should be. With the growing populations of families, staff at large tech companies, and surrounding suburbs — now more than ever, people are wanting to wine and dine across San Jose, Palo Alto, and other nearby neighborhoods. Restaurants are popping up that provide options for exotic tastes and designs that rival New York and Los Angeles. Take a look at the top 10 restaurant architecture firms in Silicon Valley.