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The Best Architects in San Francisco, California

October 19, 2023 8 Min Read
Photo for Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects

San Francisco, California, is renowned for its artistic flair, architectural diversity, and progressive spirit. From its iconic Victorian homes to its sleek modern buildings, San Francisco boasts a rich tapestry of architectural styles. It’s a city where innovation and creativity thrive, making it a hub for design enthusiasts and visionaries.

If you want to transform your living or working space into a masterpiece that reflects your unique taste and lifestyle, the list below features the best interior architects in San Francisco. Our team has carefully curated this selection after evaluating their impressive portfolios, industry reputations, and commitment to delivering outstanding results.


Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects

1045 Sansome St, Ste 200, San Francisco, CA 94111

Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects, a San Francisco-based architecture firm established in 1988, has an impressive portfolio of diverse, award-winning public, non-profit, and private projects. From institutional and commercial ventures to residential designs, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services that encompasses programming, master planning, site planning, conceptual design, construction documents, and administration.

In 2023, the firm was recognized as a finalist in the Cultural Hall/Theater category and a Jury Winner in the Architecture + Health category by the prestigious Architizer A+Awards. Affiliated with the American Institute of Architects, the firm has also garnered attention from respected publications such as ArchDaily and The Architect’s Newspaper.

With Mark Cavagnero at the helm, the firm integrates environmental, cultural, and contextual strategies, creating a holistic design approach. Noteworthy achievements include a meticulous focus on balanced natural light throughout their buildings. The team is led by Kang Kiang, who oversees various market sectors, office management, marketing, business development, and public relations.


Quezada Architecture, Inc.

639 Front St, Fl 1, San Francisco, CA 94111

Quezada Architecture is driven by a passion for design and a commitment to delivering innovative solutions. It takes pride in offering a personalized boutique experience to its clients, catering to diverse sectors and project scales. As a woman- and minority-owned firm, it infuses its designs with its clients’ passions, culture, and environmental values.

Partners Cecilia Quezada and Julia Campbell bring a wide breadth of experience over the last 25 years with projects ranging in size from a 600-square-foot wine bar to a 500,000-square-foot urban tech campus and everything in between. Current sectors within which they work include hospitality, single and multi-family residential, commercial, retail, aviation, and health/wellness. Integrity, fun, and collaboration are at the heart of every project and integral to the firm’s core values.

The company’s dedication to excellence has earned the team plenty of recognition, including the 2023 Honor Award from the IIDA and a Chicago Atheneum Award for Design Excellence. It also maintains affiliations with esteemed organizations such as the US Green Building Council, National Organization of Minority Architects, and is JUST Certified through the International Living Future Institute. Quezada Architecture’s work has likewise been featured in respected publications such as Architectural Record, Architect Magazine, and Archinet.


BCV Architecture + Interiors

1527 Stockton St, 4th Fl, San Francisco, CA 94133

BCV Architecture + Interiors—an award-winning architecture, interiors, and planning firm—operates offices in San Francisco and New York. With international experience crafting finely detailed environments and sustainable communities, the firm has earned a reputation for its diverse portfolio. From private residences and wineries to market and food halls, restaurants, retail stores, mixed-use developments, and shopping centers, BCV seamlessly integrates architecture and interiors.

The firm has received recognition for its outstanding work, including winning the 2018 Top Interior Design Project from the International Interior Design Association. BCV is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and has garnered attention from publications like Archinect, Mansion Global, and Forbes.

The principal team of BCV includes Hans Baldauf, who has taught architecture at esteemed universities and holds a Master of Architecture from Yale University. There’s also Chris Von Eckartsberg, with a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in visual studies from Dartmouth College. Finally, there’s Colin Alley, possessing a Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University and an undergraduate degree in architecture from Washington University. This impressive team leads BCV with passion and expertise.


Feldman Architecture, Inc.

1648 Pacific Ave, Ste B, San Francisco, CA 94109

Feldman Architecture is an award-winning commercial and residential design practice renowned for crafting warm, light-filled spaces that harmonize with their environment. The firm takes a highly collaborative approach, treating design as an ongoing conversation between clients, the design team, and the site. Each project represents a chance to create innovative solutions that fit the distinct context and fulfill clients’ needs.

The studio cultivates an informal and non-hierarchical culture, fostering engaging and shared processes with clients to uncover intelligent and sustainable solutions. Designers and project managers actively participate in research, delving deep into project parameters. By forging strong partnerships with consultants, builders, and artisans, the firm ensures well-informed design choices that lead to fully realized projects with conceptual clarity and precise detailing.

Feldman Architecture has been recognized with a number of impressive awards, including being named 2022’s Kitchen Best of the Year by Interior Design Magazine. The firm is also affiliated with esteemed industry organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the US Green Building Council.


Aidlin Darling Design

500 Third St, Ste 410, San Francisco, CA 94107

Founded in 1998 by Joshua Aidlin and David Darling, Aidlin Darling Design began as a partnership crafting furniture in a San Francisco wood shop. Today, its collaborative process is anchored in a history of craft and a shared passion for making. The firm approaches each project with a client- and site-specific mindset, fostering open communication among clients, consultants, fabricators, and builders.

Notable accolades of Aidlin Darling Design include the 2023 Jury Winner in the Small Commercial Mixed Use category at Architizer. The firm is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and has been featured in Globe Design News and The New York Times.

Aidlin Darling Design’s principals, David Darling and Joshua Aidlin, are seasoned industry experts with over 30 years of experience. David graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in architecture; Joshua holds a similar degree from the University of Cincinnati.


Edmonds + Lee Architects

2601 Mission St, Ste 503, San Francisco, CA 94110

Edmonds + Lee Architects, based in San Francisco’s Mission District, is a full-service architecture and interior design firm that takes a unique approach. Partners Robert Edmonds and Vivian Lee blend a philosophical perspective with extensive building experience, integrating work seamlessly into existing contexts while opening up new possibilities for reflection, creation, restoration, and play. 

The firm has been dedicated to delivering groundbreaking and successful projects for private, commercial, and institutional clients for nearly two decades. Its work has received plenty of recognition, with awards from prestigious organizations like the American Institute of Architects, the Society of American Registered Architects, and Interior Design Magazine

As a woman-owned local business enterprise (LBE), Edmonds + Lee Architects takes pride in its diverse and inclusive perspective. Its principal architects, Robert Edmonds and Vivian Lee, bring their vast expertise to each project. Robert’s background includes leadership roles in prominent architecture firms, with involvement in significant museum and institutional projects nationwide. Meanwhile, Vivian’s experience spans from international architecture and interior design offices in New York City to large-scale residential and commercial projects in the US and overseas.


Mark Brand Architecture

744 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94107

Since 1986, Mark Brand Architecture has been dedicated to crafting quality new homes, residential remodels, additions, and occasional commercial projects. While its designs are rooted in modernism, it draws inspiration from diverse influences, weaving together creativity, problem-solving, and a keen awareness of light and views. The firm’s approach revolves around geometry, space, balance, proportion, and scale, resulting in artistic compositions that come alive through the interplay of color, texture, and materials.

Mark Brand Architecture goes beyond design; it is experienced in navigating Bay Area planning, building departments, and fostering positive relationships with project neighbors. Its client’s goals and needs remain at the forefront throughout the process. It minimizes cost issues during construction by offering comprehensive project documentation and collaborating closely with trusted contractors, engineers, and estimators.

Mark Brand Architecture’s industry affiliations include the American Institute of Architects and the Golden Gate Business Association. The firm’s work has been featured in Modern Luxury Interiors. Led by Mark Brand, a licensed architect since 1982, the team has decades of expertise, backed by a foundation of invaluable experiences at prestigious firms.

Author

  • Shahe is an Editor at San Francisco Architects with around four years of experience as a writer and editor in the construction space. Shahe has always had a huge interest in commercial/residential construction and real estate. On top of his experience at San Francisco Architects, he has two years of experience as a Construction Partner Specialist at BuildZoom and six years of experience as a licensed real estate agent. In his work, he takes advantage of his expertise to take complex technical jargon from those realms and transform them into accessible, engaging content, blending his business administration expertise with a degree from Arizona State University with his experiential insights. Expertise: Architecture, Home Design and Build, Home Remodeling Key Highlights: Arizona Real Estate - Licensed Salesperson Education: Arizona State University - Bachelors in Business Administration

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